“Yeah, probably,” I agree, picking at my nails. “But…”
“But what?” Joey prods.
Trepidation runs through me as I regard my friend. “What if he doesn’t believe me?” I don’t mention how terrified I am of the potential rejection.
Cam and Joey exchange a look of uncertainty, I think, before they’re both focused on me again.
“He has no reason not to,” Cam encourages. “Would you feel better if I came with you?”
Warmth blooms in my chest at his thoughtfulness, but… “No, no. This is something I have to do on my own. Thank you, though.”
My brother has always been my protector. In elementary school, I was too shy to make friends or try out new sports. But Cam never let me back down. He would hold my hand so I wouldn’t have to do the hard thing alone. Over time, I found my footing and honed my confidence, and today, I do a pretty good job facing the hard things. Of course, I’d rather he hold my hand now, so to speak, but this is my career. I’m a professional. It’s important that I face this myself.
My phone rings from the kitchen counter and Joey leaps up to grab it for me. “It’s Dr. Elliott,” she says as she snags it.
Cam clasps my hands, like he’s trying to physically imbue mewith all his brotherly wisdom. “Answer it. Get it over with. You’ll feel better.”
On the cushion beside me once more, Joey rubs my thigh. “We’re here for you.”
They’re right. If it all falls to pieces, at least I’ll have my two favorite people by my side. But shit if this isn’t the most nerve-racking moment of my life.
Ignoring the rapid thumping against my chest, I answer and tap the speakerphone button. “Hello, Dr. Elliott.”
“Dr. Connelly. Is everything okay?” he asks, though he continues on without waiting for my response. “You left so abruptly. I’d hoped we could have a nice evening with my son and fill him in on the way we run things at the clinic.”
“I understand, sir. And I’m so sorry. It’s just…”
Joey offers an encouraging squeeze, and I look up, giving her a grateful but tremulous smile.
“There’s something I need to tell you. This is difficult for me to say but necessary for you to know.”Ugh. This is harder than I thought.It’s often my job to give patients terrible news, but this situation has my heart beating out of my chest. I clear my throat. “When I was in medical school, Leo—er,Julio, sexually harassed me.”
It’s silent on the line for so long that I fear the call has dropped and I’ll be forced to repeat it all. “Dr. Elliott?”
“Hmm, I see,” he finally replies. “Well, I did not expect that.” His words are measured and thoughtful. “How about you come in early tomorrow so we can discuss this? I’ll have Pauline move my schedule around.”
“Okay, thank you. Have a good evening.”
With that, I end the call and let out a huge sigh.
“See?” Joey says when I hang up. “You’ll talk about it tomorrow. I’m sure it’ll all be fine.”
Though I nod in agreement, I’mnot so convinced.
When Pauline greets me this morning, it’s sans my usual coffee.
“You’re here early.” Her voice is chipper, but she frowns as she turns to her computer screen and clicks her mouse.
Surprised by her reaction, my lips tug down too. “I have a meeting with Dr. Elliott. Didn’t he ask you to adjust his schedule?”
“There will be no need for that.” Dr. Elliott appears around the corner, straightening his striped tie. He might be the last doctor on the planet still wearing one. They’re nasty little germ trappers. “This won’t take long.” He offers Pauline a practiced smile, then waves, motioning for me to join him in his office.
This won’t take long?Has he already told Leo he won’t be working here after all?
I take a seat on the leather chair, poised at the edge, nerves coursing through me, while he sits behind his desk with his hands steepled below his chin.
“I’ve talked to my son,” he says in a firm tone, “and I believe there’s been a misunderstanding.”
My pulse quickens. “What do you mean?”
