I narrow my eyes at my son's inconvenience. I love him, but Tyler is truly a pain in the ass at the worst possible times. And I just know that I'm going to have to give him some money at some point because at almost eighteen years old, the boy can’t figure out how to keep a job for longer than two months. And his mother won't stop begging.
Sighing, I hit the reply button with a thunk of finality that feels just as serious as the click of my front door closing this morning.
Sarah Bella,
It’s good to hear from you.
In an effort to be completely honest and transparent, I'm not having the best day. You know how you have one of those days when you wake up on the wrong side of the bed? Well, that's me. I wish I could just leave, but the clients’ needs are greater than mine.
I would have loved to see you perform, but my son will be in town, and he will be staying with me that night. Would it be too much to ask if you could sing a little something tonight, perhaps?
I wouldn’t miss you walking into your new apartment for the world. What are we having to eat? What are they thinking about ordering? Indian food is always a good choice.
Anyways, good luck at rescheduling your clients. I am going to have my secretary send you a few therapists who have become fully licensed and are looking for a home. I know you said you eventually want to fill up that extra room at your office.
And it's Alex. Just Alex.
I sigh deeply and hit send, leaning back in my chair, and squeezing the bridge of my nose between my fingers. A knock at my door has me turning my head in exasperation.
Shaking my head, I consider turning them away because I don't wish to be disturbed right now. I glance up to tell whoever it is to come back in twenty minutes; however, before I can utter one word, my office door cracks open without my permission, and it takes everything in me to not blow a gasket whenDickhead Davidwalks in as friendly as ever. He’s completely unaware that I'm on my last nerve of the day at just ten-thirty in the morning, and have adopted a sudden and irrational dislike towards him.
Staying stone sill in my seat, every muscle tightens as I fight to keep from cursing at him for invading my privacy. Ignorant to my feelings, David smiles brightly at me as he strolls into my office without a goddamn care in the world, running a hand through his hair.
“Hey, man. Glad to see you're in. Do you have a second?” David asks conversationally, gesturing to one of the two chairs across from my desk.
“Uh-huh,” I say rather rudely, realizing this is becoming a new character trait for me. “I’ve got a few minutes before I have to see my last client of the day. What’s up, Osterkamp?” I cringe, praying to all that is holy that he isn’t about to ask me about anything to do with psychiatry. My brain feels too fried to be capable of helping with anything right now.
Actually what it is, is I'm unsettled.
I frown, realizing I'm only this upset because tonight Sarah won’t be in my home. I slide cold eyes to David as he makes himself comfortable in one of the barrel seats.
"Nothing much, really. I just had a quick question," he says with a grin.
I manage a grimace, trying hard to turn it into a civilized grin. I cock my head and put an ankle over my knee, forcing myself to relax.
"I’ve got a second."
David clears his throat lightly before mimicking my posture. “Well, I was wondering if you were seeing Sarah?” he says, completely unaware of my dilemma…that I'm struggling within myself.
Not expecting the question, I fist my hand where it rests on the armrest.
I turn to the left slightly to hide the movement because I don't want him of all people to think I'm unhinged.
“No. We’re not currently seeing each other. Why do you ask?” I ask, clenching my jaw.
“I was just wondering," he says cheekily. "She’s never come in here before, and youneverhave therapists in your office. I was thinking about asking her out, ifyouweren’t with her that is.” I stay perfectly still as his gray eyes meet mine for longer than necessary, and damn it all to hell, but the man ischallengingme.
Testing me.
If I'd thought I couldn’t possibly be any more bothered than I was before David walked into my office, then I'd been sorely mistaken. In my mind I'm opening my office window and shoving him out, watching him bounce off the concrete sidewalk five floors below us. Maybe being mangled as he hits a parking meter.
I suck in a calming breath, giving him my most professional expression.
“Sarah and I are not dating, David. Now," I say lightly, leaning forward to tap a key on my keyboard, reawakening my monitor. "I'm not one to tell people's business, but I do not think right now would be a good time to enquire into a relationship withher. However, you’ll have to bring that up with her,” I say, sliding my psychiatrist mask smoothly on.
He taps his fingers on the armrest and nods his head, looking almost as if he didn't hear a goddamn word I just said.
“Good, because I’ve been waiting patiently for that piece of shit she was with to be out of the picture. I knew it was coming, and so did everyone else in our circle, and I can’t wait to dig into that tender piece of flesh. If you know what I mean,” David says with a self-satisfied smile.
