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Misha laughed. “I think that would take the joy out of it for her. She likes to cook and bake for those she cares for.”
“And I’m one of those people now?”
The smile that came to Misha’s face was gentler. “Your family has been wonderful to us, and we’ve both come to value the friendships you’ve offered us over and above my employment. This is my mom’s way of showing her appreciation.”
“Does that mean I have to share?”
“Nope. Mom sent in a container with an assortment of different cookies for everyone else. She plans to give some to our neighbors, too.”
“Well, I am doubly glad to have gotten my own batch, so I won’t have to share with anyone. Except maybe Will if he comes by before I’ve had a chance to hide them.”
“I’m sure this isn’t a onetime thing,” Misha said. “So if he eats them, let me know, and I’ll tell Mom. She’ll be happy for an excuse to make more.”
“She doesn’t make them just for you?”
“Oh, she makes cookies for us, but not too often, since we don’t need the temptation.”
Jay was so glad that Misha had a good support system in her mom. He knew how important that was. His own support system had gotten him through the worst part of his life. Hewasn’t as likely to lean on them now, but as a nine-year-old boy, they’d been vital in him dealing with his mom’s death.
“Well, I’d better get to my office,” she said as she stood up. “I need to check over my schedule for the day.”
Jay got to his feet as well. “Everything going okay with the patients?”
“I think so. I hope it’s not a case of people just being polite, and then booking their next appointment with Gareth instead.”
“I’m pretty sure that Aria or Janessa would have noticed that, and they would let us know.” Jay didn’t like the worry that creased Misha’s brow. “I don’t think you have anything to be concerned about.”
“And you’d tell me, right?”
“Of course. And if there are people who don’t want to be seen by you because you’re Black, then we’re better off without them coming to the clinic.”
“Are you sure?” Misha asked. “Because I don’t want to have a negative effect here.”
“The only negative effect that is your responsibility is if you’re acting in an unprofessional manner through your interactions with the patients. We obviously felt that you were the best candidate for the position here, or you wouldn’t have been hired.”
“Sorry.” Misha gave him a small smile. “I don’t mean to sound like I need my hand held or my ego stroked. I just really want to make a positive contribution here.”
“Do your best. That’s all we ask.”
Misha nodded. “I always try to do that.”
After Misha had left him alone in his office, Jay braced his hands on his desk, staring blankly at its surface. Misha’s desire to want to make sure that she wasn’t letting anyone down resonated strongly with Jay. Too strongly.
Doing his work at the clinic, making sure everything was running smoothly, kept most of his worry about honoring one of the promises he’d made to his mom at bay. But seeing the concern on Misha’s face and hearing it in her words struck deep inside him.
“Jay?”
Straightening, Jay plastered on a smile as he faced his sister. “What’s up?”
“Everything okay?” Her brow furrowed as she came into his office.
“Everything is fine.” People kept asking him that, and it was annoying. “Why?”
“You didn’t look like it was okay.”
“Sometimes you gotta get up and stretch.” He braced his hands on the desk again, and looking over at her, he said, “You should try it sometime.”
Janessa rolled her eyes. “Whatever. You should just take a chill pill every once in a while. Everything doesn’t have to be about exercise.”
