Page 163 of Bound By Fire
36
Robyn
I stare at my computer screen, trying hard to concentrate. I’ve read this patient summary three times and could not tell you the first thing about it.
I sigh and rub my eyes with the back of my hand.
I scroll back to the top and try again. There’s a stack of charts to my left that needs to be reviewed, a list of post-op follow-ups to confirm, and three emails from the administrator marked URGENT in capital letters.
The office door swings open without a knock, which means it’s Carla.
“Lunchtime, Doctor.” She leans against the frame. “Come downstairs with me. I refuse to eat with the radiologists again; they’re boring with a capital B.”
“Not today,” I say, gesturing at the screen. “I’m so behind.”
“You’re always behind. The work can wait. Come and eat.”
“I’m really not hungry.”
“There’s lasagna on the menu today.” She bobs her brows at me. “You love melted cheese.”
It’s true, I do, but the thought of food right now turns my stomach. There’s a tight little fist sitting just under my ribs that has been there since I woke up.
“I’ll grab something later,” I say. “I promise.”
Carla narrows her eyes. She steps inside, pulls the door shut behind her, and drops into the chair opposite my desk.
“What’s going on?”
“Nothing.”
She lifts her brows. “Speak to me.”
“I’m buried.”
“You turned down lasagna.”
“I’m watching my figure.”
“Yeah, right.” She crosses her legs. “Talk to me, please.”
“It’s looking like Ridge will be wrapping up here sooner than expected. Today, maybe. Tomorrow at the latest.”
Carla winces. “Damn. Already?”
“Yep, I’m afraid so.”
“Well.” She sucks her teeth. “I’d be a little sad too, in your shoes. You’re going to miss all the great sex.”
A laugh works its way out of me, and it’s thin and sounds sad.
“I should never have slept with him. I should have let him go.”
“Oh, honey, no. Sex is good for the soul.”
“Carla, I’m falling for him.”
She leans forward. “No, you’re not. You can’t be.”
