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“I’ll be careful,” Kate said and I could hear the amusement in her voice. “I’m a big girl, and know how to cross the street.”
I smiled. “I’m
sure you do, but still. I’ll be home around eleven. See you then.”
“I’ll be waiting for you,” Kate said. “I love you.”
“Me, too,” I said and smiled. “I love you, Ms. Bennet. I’ll be ready for you.”
I hung up and turned to see Lisa still standing in the doorway, her arms crossed, listening.
“I think I’ll come tonight,” she said again, matter of fact as if it was up to her alone. “Where are you playing?”
“No, Lisa,” I said firmly. “I said I’d rather you not come.”
“Where are you playing? Tell me.
I said nothing in reply. “Gotta go. See you,” I said and closed the door to my office before making my way down the hallway to the stairwell. When I reached it, I looked back and she was angry. I could see it in her face and the way she held her hands in fists.
I’d won, and she didn’t like it. I didn’t want her at the practice and was glad that she wouldn’t know where I was.
When I arrived on the main floor, I sat in a small empty office and thought about the situation. Lisa scared me. I checked my watch and had a few moments free before I had to meet Ken and the boys so I texted Fred Parker. I knew what I had to do. I had to talk to Fred and tell him the truth.
Can we meet briefly? I have an HR issue.
He texted me right back.
Sure thing, Drake. I’ve got a few minutes open. What’s up?
I sat and considered my response.
A problem with one of the residents has arisen and I need to discuss.
I waited for his response. Finally, my cell dinged and I read his text.
Do I need an HR rep with me?
I texted back right away.
No, please. This is between us. Thanks.
He responded.
Okay. See you at my office in five.
I put my cell away and exhaled heavily, wondering how to word my confession about Lisa. I wasn’t sure how much to reveal or whether it was better to just withdraw and not say anything. Discretion is the better part of valor, or so I had read.
Then I went to his office.
I arrived a few moments later and saw that his door was open and he was seated behind his desk, his reading glasses on and a file open on the desk before him.
“Hey, Fred,” I said and went inside his office, closing the door behind me.
“Have a seat, Drake,” he said and closed the file. I took the chair across from him and waited. “Tell me what this is about,” he said and leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled.
“I may have to withdraw from the program,” I said softly.
“What?” he said and leaned forward. “Why? I thought everything was going well. You have less than two months left. Your residents like you, you’ve had some great cases, your research project is doing well.”
