sleep. He wanted to straighten things out between us. I hate that you worried.”
“I thought maybe you went to his house . Then I saw your car out front and thought something happened. I have been waiting at the coffeehouse for you since six forty-five. I am sorry about last night.”
“ He just dropped me off at work. You and I are good, Heather. I know you’re worried, but don’t be. I hate it when you’re worried about me. I should have called sooner.”
We got off the phone after that. I was feeling so out of sorts with my emotions. I wanted to defend this man I had been talking to for only a day.
Before work I was reminded that today was an easy day. We just recently started half day Fridays, so I would be done at 1:00 p.m. I sent a quick text to Jason.
Katarina: Hey, J I get off earlier than expected today. My friend will drop me off where you work if that’s ok? I could bring lunch?
Jason: Yes that will work lunch sounds great. Don’t think I don’t notice that you are calling me a letter.
Katarina: It’s my favorite letter in the alphabet. I think it matches you perfectly. I have to work now no more flirting.
Jason: R U flirting? I hardly think telling me your favorite anything is flirting .
Katarina: I just mean you have all of my favorite parts. You might as well have my favorite letter to go with .
Jason: I like to know you like my ‘parts.’ I didn’t think you noticed.
Katarina: Seriously, no more ‘parts’ talk. I have to go…send me your work address and I will bring lunch .
I was blushing and smiling. I was actually saying things again that I didn’t mean to say. I shoved the phone in my bag and went to work.
Chapter 5
Dr. Riggs
My morning went by fast. The office manager told me my last patient had canceled. Normally I would just leave, but I kept busy cleaning and putting things away. My boss called me to room four, and I went quickly. I liked my job and respected my boss. When he needed me, I literally dropped everything.
He walked out in to the hall and met me with a chart in his hand. “Will you give the man in room four a prophy?” He didn’t look up, just made a move to go around me. He was deep in thought.
I shrugged . “Absolutely, I would love to.” I would rather spend my time cleaning teeth than moving around to stay busy.
I walked into the room right away and washed my hands. I glanced at the patient , already reclined. He looked like a businessman dressed in a nice suit. I couldn’t tell if he was sleeping because his eyes were covered in protective sunglasses. I sat down and moved quietly by his side. I didn’t mind a sleeping patient, just needed an open mouth and a willing body. I lightly touched his chin, and he opened. He looked like he had fallen into a grinder. His teeth were broken in the front, his lip fat, and cut on the left side. I moved quickly, cleaning fast and efficiently, trying not to touch the sore-looking parts of his mouth. He moved his hand, and I watched it come up to grab mine.
“That’s not a good idea, sir . These are very sharp, and I could hurt you.”
He took off the safety glasses so I could see his eyes. My eyes took a second to adjust to his face. What the hell, it was Jared. His left eye was filled with blood, almost closed because of the swelling.
“What are you doing here?” I tried to act professional, but felt my hand start to shake. I began looking around the office for someone. Fridays were slow , and I knew everyone was up front.
“I want to apologize ,” he said.
I watch ed my hand go back into his mouth, trying hard not to shake. I reached my pinkie out to fulcrum, but couldn’t stop the shaking.
“I am not going to harm you , Katarina. I have looked for you for a long time. After I did what I did and you kept silent, I just wanted to say I am sorry, and thank you.”
I grabbed for my handpiece to polish . I wanted to be finished.
“What does your family think of your…job?” I
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