Ill have to make a conscious effort to watch myself. I meant what I said during the initial interviews before Steve and I opened the clinic. People spend more hours a day at their workplace than at home. The environment should be pleasant. It shouldnt contribute to a persons stress.
Yeah, but all work and no play makes guys like Ben and Steve cranky. I know its not your fault you both had to cancel your vacations. The staff think you should reschedule those trips.
Wouldnt it be loverly? Ben quipped. In a way, Steve ended up being more tied down than me. Not only was his mom hurt, meaning he has to care for her and his wheelchair-bound grandfather, but her house suffered major quake damage.
Ben had missed seeing the clinic receptionist walk up behind him. Excuse the interruption, Doctor. Pat waved a pink message slip under his nose. Your bank is on line one. Whats this theyre saying about a change of address on your checks? Did you move and not tell us?
Jeez, did I forget? I let the lease on my apartment go. Even though Marlos house is small and I had to store some of my stuff, I couldnt bring myself to uproot Erin and Mollie. What really tipped the scales was that my complex didnt allow pets. Not that it wouldnt suit me to give away that damned cat, but Ben heaved a sigh. I couldnt, of course. She sleeps on their bed, and shes one of the few constants left in their lives.
Checking the name on the chart, Ben whisked the note from Pats fingers. Anita, tell Mrs. Jensen Ill be in to see Daniel in a minute. This call shouldnt take long. My bankers a former college buddy. He probably assumes the bottom fell out of the medical profession. You watch, hell love rubbing in how my new address is quite a comedown from the area Im leaving.
Pat tugged the message out of Bens lax grip. Go see Danny Jensen. Ill tell this bank buzzard to mind his own beeswax. In our books youre a good man, Dr. Galloway. A good man with a heart of pure gold.
Was he? Ben pondered Pats statement as he paused outside the Jensen room to collect his thoughts. He certainly hoped so. Hed hate to think hed turned into an unfeeling bastard like his father.
BEN MANAGED to arrive at Sky Heights Elementary ten minutes before classes let out. Hed already stopped at the office to inform them hed be picking up Erin and Mollie, which meant their teachers would pull the girls out of the bus line. It should allow him a minute to swing by Abbys classroom first. Considering what his staff had said about needing to make some time to play, Ben pictured meeting Abby later at a sports bar they both liked. Just to relax over a beer and talk like they used to.
He cupped his hands around his eyes and peered into her room. Whoa! He didnt recognize the dark-haired woman at the desk. She looked fresh out of college. Stepping back, Ben rechecked the room number.
It was the right one. He peered through the glass again. Maybe Abby had acquired an aide. Or the other woman could be a parent, though Ben had his doubts. She didnt look parental, somehow. But then, what in hell were parents supposed to look like?
The door opened fast, almost hitting his nose. Ben jumped back. Clear green eyes that were probably the result of colored contact lenses took his measure openly. Well, hello, exclaimed a breathy, high-pitched voice. Tell me youre lost, and that you dont have a student in my class.
Ben tugged at his tie, recognizing a come-on when he heard one. Things have obviously changed since the last time I visited the school. Im looking for Abigail Drummond. I thought this was her room.
Technically it is. The young woman with the bouncy curls extended a slender hand. Im Stacy Thorpe. Im filling in for Ms. Drummond, but I intend to get the job permanently. And you are? she prompted, tipping her head coyly.
The bell rang announcing the end of school. Doors opened and kids poured into the hall to line up. A teacher leaving the room directly across from Ben eyed him. She crossed to where he stood. Hi. Are you looking for Abby? You probably dont recognize me. Im Abbys friend, Raina Miller. I watched her nephews and your nieces the day of the quake.
He relaxed. I shouldve contacted you before now, to thank you. Afriend of my dads picked the girls up that day. Sothanks for helping me and Abby. My schedules been crazy. I came to get Erin and Mollie today and thought Id take the opportunity to talk to Abby. A small frown creased Bens forehead, especially as the Thorpe woman crowded close, apparently keeping tabs on his and Raina Millers conversation.
Abby requested a two-month leave. I assumed you knew. Arent you managing Sams medical case?
Sam? Oh, uhwrong Dr. Galloway. My fathers the surgeon. So, youre saying Abbys at home caring for Sam?
I suppose Sam is home by now. Last time we talked she was only caring for the doubles. Er, thats the twins.
I had no idea. The boy must be in worse shape than I thought. Ill grab the girls and run by Abbys. I shouldve done that sooner.
Shed like that. I get the feeling shes floundering. Or thinks she is. Good seeing you, Ben. Tell Abby hello for me.
I will. He turned away and bumped into Stacy Thorpe, who blocked his path.
Raina Miller had returned to her line of students. She turned and called across the hall. Ben, I dont know if youre aware that Abbys not at her town house. Shes moved in with the boys.
Boy, did that scenario sound familiar to Ben. Do you have an address? Or are you allowed to give it out?
Raina grinned. I think shed say its okay to make an exception for you. I have to walk my class to the busses. Youre meeting the girls? How about if I stop at the office in ten minutes? Ill look up the address on the register and jot it down for you.
Hey, thanks. Ill owe you one. Shoot, I already owe you for watching Erin and Mollie. So, Ill owe you two.
As Ben excused himself and skirted the teacher whod taken over for Abby, he had an odd feeling Stacy Thorpe had slipped across the hall to question Raina Miller about him. Ben resisted turning around. He left dating women half his age to his dad. Ben and Marlo had found his preference for trophy girlfriends embarrassing. While it was evident Kirk would never change, Ben made a point of dating women who were smart, articulate and most of all, mature.
His youngest niece, Mollie, saw him first. Unca Ben! Unca Ben. Erin, Unca Bens here. The girl ran up to him, her eyes aglow. Erin didnt think youd really pick us up.
Well, here I am. He knelt and gave each girl a hug.
Erin, always more reserved than her sister, pulled away to adjust her wire-rimmed glasses. Is Mrs. Clark sick? Do we have to find a new sitter? The childs somber eyes reflected her concern.
Mrs. Clarks fine, honey. Everythings fine. And didnt I used to come and get you now and then?
Only when you wanted to see Abby, erI mean, Ms. Drummond.
Ben tweaked the lopsided bow hed laboriously tied in Erins long dark hair that morning. I think you can call her Abby. You never told me she was on leave. I thought we might run by and visit her. Would that be agreeable?
Whats agreeble? Mollie screwed up her face.
Ben swung the sturdy girl aloft and tickled her to make her laugh. It means, squirt, that Im asking if visiting Abby is okay with you and your sister.