The door opens, and Maria stands before me with her calender in her hand. She smiles. “Can we go through your schedule, Doctor?”
“Not now, Maria.”
“But—”
“Not. Now,” I cut her off. I go back to my computer, and from the corner of my eye, I notice she hasn’t left. I glance up to see her standing there watching me. “What is it?” I snap.
“Is everything all right, sir?” she asks timidly.
“Of course, it is.” I bang the buttons on my keyboard. I feel her still standing there, and I look up once more. “For God’s sake, what, Maria?” I snap.
“You’ve just been very…”
“What?”
“Very testy, and I know how much pressure you are under and I wonder… ”
I glare at her and raise my eyebrow as I wait for her elaboration.
“I wonder if maybe you shouldn’t go this week.”
“Go where?”
“That there, that proves my point, Dr. Mercer. You never forget anything. You’re booked out for the week to attend a conference here in San Fran. But I don’t think you should go. Take the rest of the week off instead. You’re not speaking. There is nothing imperative you can’t miss.”
What the hell? I had something on this week and had no idea. What the fuck is happening to me?
“I’m fine, Maria.” I sigh.
“No. I’m sorry, sir, this time I’m making an executive decision. I’m cancelling for you. Take the six days off and unwind. You don’t get the opportunity to do this, ever. Do it while you can.”
Six whole days.
I put my head into my hand. “God, I could do with some time off,” I murmur.
“I know you could.”
My eyes rise to meet hers. “Thank you, Maria.”
She smiles. “There’s a motive to my madness, you know? Maybe you won’t be such an ogre on your return.”
I chuckle. “I doubt that.”
“Me, too.” She laughs. “But miracles do happen. We all live in hope.”
She turns to leave.
“Maria?” I call.
“Yes.” She turns back.
“Thank you for putting up with me. You’re a saint. I hope you know how appreciated you are.”
She smiles broadly and then winks. “Enjoy your time off, Nathan.”
I nod. “I will.” She leaves and I turn back to my computer.
Six days to sort my life out.