Spot Writers: Chapter 24
This week’s chapter comes from Cathy MacKenzie. Check out her two books of poetry and three books of short stories available on Smashwords.
Next week’s chapter will be by Val Muller, author of the CORGI CAPERS, DECEIT ON DORSET DRIVE and newly-released, Halloween-themed CORGI CAPERS: THE SORCERESS OF STONEY BROOK, a mystery series for young detectives, as well as the sci-fi-time-travel-romance FOR WHOM MY HEART BEATS ETERNAL.
The Spot Writers’ blogs appear at the end of this story. Don’t forget to check them out.
***
“Oh, Irene. He is not.”
“Remy, I wouldn’t lie to you. He is. Seriously. And I don’t think you get it.”
“Irene, stop.”
“Remy. Stop and smell the roses. I know you were out with him one night. And I know you had fun. If Jeremy weren’t around, you’d pay more attention to Sam. I know you would.”
“But, Irene. Jeremy aside, I thought you wanted him?”
“Me?” Irene laughed. “No, not me.”
“Really?”
“Yes, really. Hey, I didn’t want to say anything. Sam knows, so I might as well tell you. I’m gay.”
Remy, stunned, stared at Irene. “You’re what?”
“Don’t look at me like I’m a freak or something.”
“No, it’s not that. Not that at all,” Remy said. “That’s your business. Just surprised.”
“Yeah, well, I’ve known since I was a child. Not something I broadcast.”
“Hey, there’s nothing wrong with that. I understand completely. I really do. Like I said, I was just surprised. I had no idea. I thought you were married once?”
“Yeah, I was. A long time ago. Didn’t last. I wonder why.” Irene laughed. “I apologize, too, if I’ve been a bit difficult to get along with lately. It’s not you. I’ll do better. I promise.”
“No need to apologize,” Remy said. “We all go through rough patches every now and then.”
Remy wondered if Irene’s problem, or problems, had to do with her lover, if she even had one. She decided it would be rude to ask if she was involved with anyone. I’ll leave that for another conversation, she thought. Or wait till she volunteers.
“Okay, then. So, is it gonna be a busy day today?” Remy figured she needed to change the subject, get back to business.
“Oh, who knows in this place,” Irene said. “But, I’m telling you. Give Sam another look, okay? I’ve known him for several years, and he really is a nice guy. A really nice guy.”
“You mean you knew him before you started work here?”
“Yes. He’s an old family friend. He was looking for a new receptionist. So, the rest is history, as they say.”
Remy pondered Irene’s words for several seconds. “But, one shouldn’t mix business with pleasure is my philosophy.”
“Hey, you’re a good worker. You have lots of knowledge and all. You’d have no problem getting another job, if you needed to. But, I know you won’t have to. Give him a chance, okay? And now I’m shutting up. The rest is up to you. I’m done talking about it.”
Remy laughed. “Okay, then. No more discussion on Dr. Sam. You’ve made your point. Like you said, it’s up to me now.”
“Yes, back to work. But, remember, I did warn you about him. He’s on a tear.”
***
Even though the day began slowly, it turned busy before Remy had a chance to wonder too much about either Sam or Jeremy. Sam did seem to be upset about something, but Remy stayed out of his way unless it was absolutely necessary. With the office overflowing with patients, she didn’t have to worry about Sam loitering around the front desk, and she was grateful that Irene took the lead if something was needed of Sam so she didn’t have to deal with him.
Remy had brought her lunch, so when the opportunity presented itself, she retreated to the lunch room, grateful for time alone.
***
The Spot Writers- our members:
RC Bonitz
http://www.rcbonitz.com
Val Muller
https://valmuller.com/blog
Catherine A. MacKenzie
http://writingwicket.wordpress.com/wicker-chitter
Deborah Dera
http://www.deborahdera.com
Jessica Degarmo
http://www.jessicadegarmo.com/
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