Dr. Stud

least a dozen years.

“Okay, Boss,” I say gently, “I will definitely do that. It was wonderful to see you.”

He pats my hand a few more times as I begin to rise, then casts his eyes over my shoulder, squinting in confusion.

“Good morning, everyone,” comes a voice that stops my heart in my chest.

“Wonderful news!” Boss Warner announces. “Maude here is pregnant!”

Chapter 23

Sturgill

Joanna turns away, blushing fiercely. I feel bad about interrupting them, but I was here to see my dad anyway. I always come on the weekends to spend time with him in the morning. He likes to watch the birds on the beach.

I could see them through the giant picture window as I walked up the path, and it filled me with… I don’t even know what. Sunshine? It might be ridiculous, but that is what it felt like.

They made such a nice picture, just sitting here and chatting. I’m happy to see my father talking with my… friend?

Does that word even make sense?

But as soon as I arrived, she went instantly cold. Again, that arctic breeze. I understand that our arrangement was “professional,” but it’s beginning to feel less friendly than that. I wonder if I did something to upset her.

“Oh, I’m sorry to interrupt,” I mutter, meeting my father’s eyes. Some days he is more clear than others, and I wonder what the situation is today.

“Oh, you’re not interrupting!” my father smiles. “I was just congratulating Maude. I guess I should congratulate you too, Chuck!”

Pain lances through me. He doesn’t know me today. At least not right this moment. He thinks I am Chuck, Joanna’s father.

“Oh my gosh, I am so sorry,” I smile apologetically at Joanna. “He doesn’t always remember…”

“It’s okay!” she chirps, pulling her hand away from my father’s hand.

“It just takes him a moment, sometimes,” I explain in a rush.

I don’t want her to pull away from him, though I understand why she would. It’s painful for me to see him slip away, but it is confusing for strangers too. I understand that. Yet, he seems so pleased right now, I wish she could let him have that for a few more moments, even if he doesn’t remember who she is. After all, he doesn’t remember who I am right now, either.

“You know, I totally get that,” she explains quickly.

She seems to be in a hurry. I’m sure she’s very busy, not just trying to escape from my presence. Defeated, I just take another chair and smile at my dad, ready to move on.

But my dad doesn’t seem to be willing to give up quite as easily. He tugs Joanna harder, directing her back into her seat.

“Dad? I think she needs to get going,” I coach him gently. Sometimes he doesn’t realize what he’s doing. But he narrows his eyes at me sternly, nodding as though he’s preparing a lecture.

“Chuck? I think we need to have a talk.”

I catch Joanna’s eyes and shrug apologetically. It’s best to let him talk these things out, and I hope she’s willing to let him do that.

“Boss?” she squeaks urgently. “I really do need to go, okay? It really was wonderful to see you…”

“Now, I have been around the block,” he announces, using the voice that earned him the name “Boss.” “And I understand how complications can seem overwhelming, especially to a young couple.”

“Just play along?” I stage whisper to her.

“I really have to go!”

But it doesn’t matter. My dad has no intention of letting her hand go.