Page 235 of Saving Forever with the Hockey Captain

"Jamie..."

"I need to see him."

She studies me for a long moment before giving a slow nod. "I'll let him know you're here."

I don't sit. I pace. Three steps toward the windows. Three steps back. This doesn't make sense. Annette wouldn't disappear. Not without explaining.

Not after everything we'd shared.

Not after...the voicemail.

The office door opens, and Dr. Reynolds steps into the hallway.

His expression tells me he already knows why I'm here.

"Jamie. "Mrs. Alvarez told me you were here."

"Where is she?"

He sighs quietly.

"Just what Mrs. Alvarez already told you."

"She resigned?"

"Yes."

"When?"

"This morning."

I shake my head. "No... When did she decide?"

"I don't know."

"But she talked to you."

"She did by phone."

"What did she say?"

"Only that a personal matter required her to leave sooner than expected."

The words land like another punch – a personal matter.

"So that's it?"

"I'm afraid so."

For a long second neither of us moves.

Then Dr. Reynolds gestures toward his office.

"Come in for a minute."

I follow him, still expecting someone to tell me this is all a misunderstanding.

Instead, he picks up a folder from his desk.