Total pages in book: 155
Estimated words: 157672 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 788(@200wpm)___ 631(@250wpm)___ 526(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 157672 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 788(@200wpm)___ 631(@250wpm)___ 526(@300wpm)
The table is quiet and when I glance up, the two of them are staring at each other in silent conversation.
I take it as a chance to drive my point home. “His job is too dangerous. I’m not cut out for a one-night stand, or a potential relationship with a man like him.”
Bex blows out a breath and nods. “Okay, Wills. I’ll back off.”
The small trace of relief is short-lived when I catch the glint in her eyes.
She’s not going to leave this alone.
I study the screen, checking the information for the hundredth time. Everything is correct. All I have to is…
“Sent!” Bex stabs the button and the status bar automatically updates with a ding.
“Oh my God, what have you done?” Panic claws at me when the “application accepted” message dances across the screen.
“Putting you out of misery and taking charge.”
“But what if I need to change something? There are no refunds once information is submitted.”
“That’s right, no refunds. You are now officially signed up to take your boards.”
My stomach rolls at the finality. No turning back. After years of schooling, and a few more months of clinicals, it all comes down to a test.
“Stop worrying, you’ll ace the exam.”
“How can you be sure?”
“Because you’re Willow Richards. Failure isn’t in your blood. You’ll own it like you do everything. Lucas and I are hoping some of your brilliance will rub off on us.”
“Who’s jacking off?”
I’m used to Lucas’s shrewd comments. But seeing him stroll in casually with Abe Koch, my face flames. A peep escapes before I can slap my hand over my mouth.
“Squeak is in the house,” Lucas mocks.
“Squeak?” Abe quirks an eyebrow.
“Wills’ nickname. She has a tendency to squeak.”
“I hate my brother for telling you.”
“Nah, it’s fitting. So, what about jacking off?”
I’m pretty sure my skin is melting. Abe is practically our boss. Lucas is skating a thin line.
“Not jacking off, you dumbass, rub off.” Bex waves her hand at me. “As in Willow rubbing off some of her brilliance on us for the exam.”
“Did she finally hit send?”
“I did it for her. She was about to jump ship, again.”
Oh shit, this is too much. I sink into my seat, praying these two will shut up.
“You discussing the boards?” Abe asks, his eyes on me.
I nod absently.
“You have nothing to worry about.”
“Really?” I pipe up.
“Yeah, they suck, and the recert requirements can be a pain in the ass. But you three are some of the best I’ve worked with.”
“That is a true compliment coming from you, sir.”
Abe jerks back, his jaw tensing. “Sir? When did I become a sir?”
My humiliation flames again, this time because it’s me who may have been inappropriate.
“I’m not that much older than you. Way to make a man feel ancient.”
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to offend. It’s just that you are kinda our supervisor. “
“We report to the same group of administrators. I’m your mentor and lead therapist. Totally different. I’d like to think we’re friends.”
“You do sign off on our reports,” Lucas points out.
Abe slices his eyes to him. “I also drink beer and hang out with you several times a month.”
It’s my turn to jerk at this snippet of information. “You guys hang out? When?”
“Every time we invite you out to happy hour.”
“You haven’t asked me in months,” I counter.
“Because your rejection was offensive.”
It’s on the tip of my tongue to argue, remind Lucas that I’ve been studying for the exams and picking up extra patients when asked, to soak in every hour of experience possible. But even in my head, it sounds lame.
“Next time, invite me. I may surprise you.”
“Alright, Lo, I’ll hold you to that.”
“Thank you for helping me out on Monday with my patients. Your notes and observations are exemplary. Even better than what I’d chart.” Abe’s compliment sends a rush of pride through me.
“They were all enjoyable to work with.”
His eyes light with what can only be described as delight as his lips curl on one side. “I heard. Talon called me this morning. He and I discussed your session and we agreed.”
The rush of pride vanishes up in smoke. “Agreed?”
“You bring a fresh perspective to his rehab. He’s yours.”
“Mine?”
“Yours.”
My brain scrambles for a way to explain how this is a bad idea without sounding ungrateful. “I couldn’t take him from you.”
“I’m transferring his file.”
“Not necessary. I’m already at full capacity with my clinical load.” The blatant lie couldn’t be more obvious. I’ve never turned down an opportunity to work with any patient.
Abe’s lips form into a thin line. “Did Talon do something to make you uncomfortable?”
“No!” I squeak, basically bolting out of my chair.
The heat of his assessing stare has sweat beading on my neck. “What I mean is, not at all. He was quite the character. I think he was initially miffed at my methods, but by the end, he was definitely improving.”