Dallas is there just outside his office eyeing Clayton up and down, posturing to him his outward dislike Clayton stops just shy of him, looking around the waiting room, little peps all on their mother’s laps or shedders. He inhales again before walking out the front door.
Kimberle stejs out from behind me, fucking a stray piece of hair behind her ear. She’s looking very uncomfortable,
me, love him home, or I’ll pick you up from school, okay?” She just nods her head
“Kimberly, listen. I want you coming to see me every week now. Just to make sure you’re on the right track. If you don’t start gaining weight, I’m going to start to eat all your meals with you, even at your school, so I suggest you start doing what you’re told. I also will be speaking to your mother about
“I’ll start eating more, I promise, but did you just see that?” Her excited voice lurts my ears
“Yes” That’s all I’m going to say about that
“I need to fext my mons. She pulls out her phone, and
fingers work at warp speed, sending the gossipour. I can’t even stop her, she’s so quick. “I’ll
see you next week,” I say, giving her a stern warning
Finishing up after, I clean everything that needs cleaning. The clinic is empty now. They close early on Fridays.
Knocking on Aurora’s office, I wait for her to answer. Dr. Valentine’s door is still wide open.
Come in, Rya
“Aurora, I was just wondering I know it’s short notice–but I was wondering if you weren’t doing anything tonight, would you like to go out for dinner with me?” I try to act casual, as it’s the first time I have ever asked a friend out to dinner.
“I can’t, babysitting the grandkids tonight.” She’s busy putting away files into the cabinet
“Have fun. I was just thinking of grabbing something quick anyway. I have a lot of painting to do this weekend. See you Monday. Have fun tonight, Aurora.”
“Have fun painting, Rya.”
Walking away, grab my purse from my office and shut the door behind me. I keep my head down as I get into my car. It’s a quiet drive home, no music. don’t feel like listening to anything,
After the first coat of paint is applied to the walls in my bedroom, Istand back, looking at the color. I think agreeable grey is perfect. Ordering my dinner from the restaurant twenty minutes down the road, I clean the splatters of paint off my cheeks and arms, trying to make myself look halfway presentable.
The place is packed with people out having a fun Friday night. All the tables are full. As I make my way toward the bar for my pick up, I notice Dr. Valentine with a few pack members having drinks and eating wings. I’m not sure if he notices me or not, it doesn’t seem that he does. He’s giving the female beside him such a sinfully attractive smile that I have to swallow down the growl that wants to bubble up. The female’s trying to feel his hair. Grabbing her hand, he shakes his head no at her. His buddies are talking to
the other cute females at the table I just have to tell myself it was just a kiss.
He looks up, catching me watching him. Turning away, I try to hide my embarrassment while waiting for my white Styrofoam container that’s my dining partner tonight. At least I don’t have to do dishes. Looking into the mirror behind the bar, I can see that Clayton is herewith his sister. It’s just the two of then, plates of food on the table. They’re laughing together. He looks like he’s teasing her, poking her shoulder with his finger. She tries to text something, and he grabs her phone away, putting it beside him. It’s nice to watch them until he looks up and I have to look away
Finally, the food’s ready. Taking my single container, I walk out with as much dignity as a female on a Friday night alone can have.
After finishing the food and the rest of the painting, it’s time for me to get comfortable
An enchantment sets in, lighting the fire for the first time in my home. I can picture many nights struggling by the fireplace, being lulled by the crackles. and flickers of the flane. I bring my duvet out, laying it just a few feet away from the dancing light. Brushing my hair out from my shower, I let the heat dry it while sipping a glass of a red
Dr. Valentine finds me sitting cross–legged on the floor, getting drunk in my underwear and shirt. He just opens the door like he belongs herewith me. He stares at me on the floor.
“Let the pain begin.” He says this to himself. Stepping closer, his eyes meet mine, with a sultry hunger no longer veiled. He’s looking at me like he knows exactly what he wants and he’s going to take it
