Kay felt the uncomfortable jolt of Octavias words, so close to her unbidden mental image. Her back straightened as she scrambled to collect her scattered thoughts. Hes a client. You know I would never
Never say never, Kay, Octavia interrupted, holding up an admonishing finger, while at the same time letting the twinkle in her eyes and smile soften her reprimand as she popped the grapes into her mouth.
Kays shoulders relaxed. Her partner was just being her playful, kidding self. Why was she taking Octavias jab about Damian Steele so seriously? It wasnt like Kay to be so touchy. No, it wasnt like her at all.
Octavia relaxed back in her chair as a small frown interrupted the smooth surface of her forehead. I wish I could remember where I heard his name before, though. Ive never met him or Im sure I would have recognized his face when you introduced him around. But his name is definitely familiar. Its maddening not being able to recall.
So youve been telling us since Monday, Marc said. Could it be that after catching a glimpse of this Dr. Steele, youre the one whos interested in checking out him and his couch?
Octavia stretched back in her conference chair. Beneath her long lashes, her eyes glowed in a combination of confidence and amusement.
Me? Interested in a man whose life is devoted to hearing women confess their deepest secrets? Not on your life, Marc. I want a man who is far more fascinated with the woman who reveals nothing.
Whos opposing counsel? Adam asked.
The senior partners question brought Kays focus back to the case at hand, as
going to stay with Dr. Payton.
Surprised, Damian turned toward his receptionist. Tim Haley stood behind his desk, his bespectacled eyes downcast, his freckles suddenly darker against his naturally pale skin, his tall, thin frame visibly quivering like that of a newborn colt.
Damian rested the box of patient files he had just carried out of his office on the edge of the receptionists desk and faced him. This was very atypical behavior for the shy, willing young man, who always strove so diligently to please. Very atypical.
Tim, weve been together almost six years. I thought we were a good team. Whats wrong?
Tims eyes rose briefly to Damians. The effort to maintain his confrontational pose had set even his normally neat shock of copper hair to shivering on his scalp.
You know whats wrong, he said, his voice cracking anew.
Damian hadnt known, but he was beginning to get a glimmer. Tim, its not what you think. What you overheard
Tims eyes dropped to his desk as he quickly interrupted. Dr. Payton told me everything. So, its no use, you see.
Yes, Damian could see. Nothing he could say now would matter to the man. Only thing he could do was to try to leave on as friendly a note as Tim would allow. He extended his hand.
Im going to miss you, Tim. Best of luck in everything.
Tim stared at Damians extended hand, biting his thin lips, quivering again with the conflict of his emotions. As the seconds ticked by and Tim didnt take the proffered hand, Damian realized that Tim would not be able to engage in even this one, last, small gesture of friendship. It would have required that the receptionist leap across the professional and personal chasm that he had so recently and painstakingly dug between them.
Damian dropped his hand and exhaled an internal sigh as he picked up his last box of patient files. He consoled himself with the fact that it could be worse. This last day in his office could have spelled far more serious confrontational disasters.
As he turned to leave, he saw that he had clearly started to count his blessings too soon. Dr. Priscilla Payton stood in the doorway.
He stiffened as he stepped aside to let her pass. Dr. Payton, he said in as formally polite a tone as he could muster.
Priscilla Paytons dark cap of short, straight, black hair seemed to rise on her head as though electrically charged. She stared at Damian with pupils so dark and enlarged, they looked like aimed bullets.
Oh, right, its Dr. Payton now.
Damian took a slow, deep breath. I dont mean to make this difficult for either of us. I thought you werent going to be in this morning. If I had known youd be here, I would have cleaned out my office another time.
Her eyes flashed as she spat out the word. Coward!
This was not a conversation Damian had any intention of prolonging. I have to take these files to my car, and Im due for an important appointment. So, if youll excuse me
I wont excuse you, Priscilla Payton barked. She not only didnt move from her position in the doorway, she spread her feet to block it further so Damian couldnt get past.
You want to know why Im here this morning? she said. Im here because I have an appointment with Bette Boson.
Damian didnt like the sound of this. Ms. Boson is my patient. How can you have an appointment with her?
Because shes not your patient anymore. She was waiting in reception that day when we had our little discussion, remember? She heard it all, every word. You think shell ever trust you again after what you did to me? You think shell ever even want to see you again?