Read Online The Doctor She Always Dreamed Of by Wendy S. Marcus - Free Book Online

mom and dad were enjoying his company, she hated to be the reason he cut his visit short. “Maybe tomorrow.” If she could find a local motel, since Mr. Limone would likely kick her out of the house now that he knew who she was. And if Krissy was willing to stay with Mom, two days in a row was asking a lot. “Don’t bother calling Krissy. I’ll give her a call now.”
    Then she’d call Mr. Jeffries.

CHAPTER SIX
    A FTER HER CONVERSATION with Connie, Kira called her sister, Krissy.
    Derrick tried not to eavesdrop, really he did. But Mom and Dad lived in a small house, the living room, where the three of them were, opened into the kitchen which held the only house phone on this level, and Kira was yelling.
    â€œAnd you thought now would be a good time to tell me? Over the phone?” He could hear the frustration in her voice. “On Monday? So soon?” She went quiet for a few seconds. “So that’s why you came home.” The frustration in her voice turned to disappointment. “I should have known it wasn’t to see me or Mom.” After another few seconds she said, “Tomorrow...yes, tomorrow,” she added. “I’m sorry if that means you can’t hang out with your friends.” She didn’t sound at all sorry. “Welcome to my world.” Then she lowered her voice and said a few things he couldn’t make out before hanging up the phone.
    â€œYou hungry?” Derrick asked his mom, looking for an excuse to go into the kitchen to check on Kira, to start making amends.
    Mom shook her head to indicate ‘no.’
    Out of the corner of his eyes he saw Kira staring at the phone as if deep in thought. Then, with a swift inhalation followed by a slow, measured exhalation she stood tall, picked up the receiver and dialed another number.
    â€œHello, Mr. Jeffries, it’s Kira,” she said. “I’m so sorry—” she dropped her head forward and reached up to pinch the bridge of her nose. “Yes, sir. I know, sir. If you’d just let me explain.” She stood quietly, listening. “Yes, sir. Your office, first thing on Monday morning. See you th—”
    Apparently Mr. Jeffries didn’t let her finish. The man was an ass. So was Derrick. By thinking only of himself and his need to get up to see his parents, he’d gotten Kira into trouble with her boss. After all she’d done for them.
    When she emerged from the kitchen she walked through the living room right up the stairs, without saying a word. Derrick started after her.
    â€œDon’t.” Dad grabbed his arm.
    â€œYou heard what just happened.” Derrick tried to pull away.
    â€œHave to be deaf not to.” Dad looked up at him. “Fifty-four years of marriage have taught me a few things.” Derrick stopped to listen so Dad released his hold. “When a woman’s all fired up, especially if you’re the one who got her that way, you need to give her some time alone to cool down.”
    Derrick looked upstairs, waiting, wondering, expecting Kira to appear at any minute, her bags and shoes in hand, demanding to be taken home. Dread filled his belly at the thought of four tension-filled hours cooped up in a car with her, especially when she had every right to be pissed at him.
    Her sneakers came into view first. The rest of her followed. She’d put her hair up into a high ponytail and added an armband above her left elbow to hold her iPhone which was attached to the white earbuds in her ears. Without looking at anyone she said, “I need to go for a run,” and walked right out of the house.
    Once again, Derrick started to follow.
    â€œLeave her be,” Dad said.
    â€œShe doesn’t know her way around, GPS won’t work.”
    â€œTown’s not that big,” was all Dad said.
    True. But still.
    Derrick hurried to the door in time to see Kira take off at a fast pace, her form excellent. Based on her