She shoots me a broad, knowing smile. “Interesting. How the mind and body work together.”
I know what she means by her words, but her tone sounds salacious.
She starts again, lowering her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “Are you sure he didn’t tutor you?”
“Tutor me?” I blink.
“Like in the bedroom?” She asks, without even a hint of embarrassment showing on her face.
I stare back and tighten my grip on my work tablet.
“I’m just saying… he’s a famous Texan with a body that… knows how to move. Did you see the catch he made to win the playoff game a few years ago? I’m still getting videos on my feed of it.”
She’s an avid Texas football fan and I remember it too but just shake my head.
“Come on, Anna. Something must have happened between you two. He stormed out leaving a trail of I-hate-you-but-want-in-your-pants-vibes.”
I lean closer, voice calm but lethal. “We had a professional relationship then, and if he shows today, that will not change. And if I ever hear you say the words tutor me and Parker in the same sentence, I’ll file a formal complaint with myself about your behavior.”
“Okay, so you’re denying sleeping with him. But you’re open to counseling him. Got it. I’ll behave,” Jenna says, laughing under her breath. “His appointment is at three.”
“If he shows.”
“And if he doesn’t?”
I say much too quickly, “Then someone from the waiting list will get his slot. Someone that wants help and will listen.”
“I think you want to help him.”
“The integrity of this clinic and having word of mouth referrals is what I care about.”
“I’m sure you do,” she murmurs. “But what you need to come to terms with is… you and Mr. O’Ryan have enough unresolved tension that it could power ten city blocks.”
Jenna grins.
I glare and walk away before I say something that will add fuel to the fire or end up in clinic folklore forever.
Inside my office, I focus on the chair across from mine.
Neutral. That’s what I aimed for when I decorated this space. Just clean lines, calming colors, and enough distance between the patient and myself that no one feels trapped. I open the frosted glass door behind me. My actual office with my desk and where my patient’s files are locked away. After I unload the contents of my arms, I sign into the computer, reviewing my schedule.
10:00am –Felicity, professional bowler
11:15am – Bobby, college golfer
1:00pm – Jamal, college basketball player
2:00pm – Candace, professional hockey player
God, why did I take on a female hockey player? I wasn’t great but what if she recognizes me?
3:00pm – Parker, professional football player
When Parker rescheduled, I moved my appointments after him to a different day. Why? It will take all my mentalfortitude to get him on board. And I may need a drink after. A big, tall glass of wine.
The day flies by. My patients are all having breakthroughs today. Seeing a flash of confidence come back makes my day. Candace hugged me when she left.
I check the clock. 2:55pm. Will he be on time or show up fifteen minutes late? Part of me hopes he doesn’t show. The professional part of me hopes he does.
