Doctor’s Duties by K.C. Crowne

Chapter 23

ABBY

“You’re being totally irrational – and the worst part is, you know it.”

Blake popped a piece of fried cauliflower into his mouth after he spoke, flicking up his eyebrows like he’d just dropped some serious wisdom.

I eyed the spread of vegan food that Blake’s boyfriend Clay had brought for our study session. Clay was in the kitchen, getting some wine ready and singing loudly enough to the Olivia Rodrigo song he was playing that I could hardly focus on the conversation – let alone the studying we were there to do.

“Yo!” shouted Blake, craning his neck to angle his head toward the door. “We’re having a serious convo in here! Easy on the theatrics!”

“Sorry!” came a muffled voice from the other room.

“Anyway,” he said. “You know what I mean?”

“I know, I know. But it’s hard. I freaked out on him, and I’ve got no idea how to walk it back. And the worst part is he was trying to do something nice for me.”

“I’ll say,” said Blake as he dipped another golden - brown piece of fried cauliflower in the orange-colored sauce. “I mean, the guy offered to pay for your med school. I got lucky enough to be on scholarships, but have you actually looked up what Colorado Med costs for a full degree? Yeesh. You start taking out loans now and you’ll be paying them off when your AARP card comes in the mail.”

I shifted in my seat, not wanting to think about it. The day I’d always hoped for, when I could finally tell Mom and Dad that I didn’t want their help anymore, had finally come. But now I had no idea what I was going to do.

“I’m screwed,” I said. “I’m so screwed.” My vegan pita wrap was on the plate in front of me, but eating was the last thing on my mind.

“You could look into scholarships,” said Blake. “Lord knows you’re smart enough to get them. Hell, I’d bet there are tons of schools who’d be happy to take you on a full ride.”

“Well, there’s still the fact that I’d have to apply and get them lined up in time. And then there’s the possibility that I’d have to leave Colorado Med. But none of it is a sure thing. For all I know, this is going to be my last semester.”

“You could…um, ask…you know…”

“Mom and Dad?”

He shrugged.

“No way. If I came back to them after what I pulled, there’s no way they’d help me out again unless I, like, signed a contract in blood that I’d be hitched to the first eligible man they found. I’d be theirs for the rest of my life, no question about it.”

“Then your only other option is Dr. Sexy. I mean, shoot – the guy offered to pay for your college. That’s amazing.”

“It’s also a huge obligation. What’s he going to expect out of me if I were to accept?”

“What, you think he’s going to make you his personal sex slave or something? You should be so lucky.” He put the back of his hand on his head in mock stress. “Oh no, the sexiest man on earth is offering to pay for med school and make passionate love to him on demand! Whatever shall I do?”

I laughed, giving Blake a shove as I did.

“Seriously,” said Blake. “I doubt he’s that kind of guy. It sounds like he offered because it’s a nice thing to do, and because he actually believes you have amazing potential. I know it’s a little much, but it might’ve just been his way of showing you that he thinks you’ve got a future.”

“It’s definitely a little much.”

“Well, that depends. He’s a successful doctor and a successful writer. A med school tuition might be nothing for a guy like him. Hell, there’s no doubt about it if he threw out an offer like that.”

Before the conversation could go on any further Clay opened the door with a pair of margarita glasses in his hands. Clay was tall and handsome, with neatly trimmed dark hair and a perfectly sculpted, stupidly handsome face. He worked as a business consultant at some firm downtown, and with his clean-cut good looks he looked like a model for some high-end line of workwear.

“Alright, listen,” he said, setting down the frosty glasses, a lime slice in each and the rims covered in salt. “I highly suggest you pace yourselves with these. Because when they’re gone, your study session is going to be o-ver.”

“Thanks, handsome,” said Blake, beaming up at Clay.

“Of course, cutie pie.”

They shared a quick but romantic kiss, one that almost made me wish I was dating someone.

“Hon, what would you do?”

Clay paused as he stood back up, his eyebrows arching.

“You mean with the whole…” he waved his finger in my general direction.

“Yep. That.”

He put his fist on his hip and cocked his head to the side.

“I’d do it.”

“Just like that?” I asked. “Not a trace of hesitation?”

“Sure would. Listen, I don’t want to sound like I’m bragging, but I do pretty alright for myself.” He picked up Blake’s margarita and took a sip. Blake shouted out a “hey!” that Clay ignored as he handed the drink back over. I couldn’t help but laugh. “And let me tell you – having money isnice. You do what you want, and you don’t have to answer to anyone but the guy or gal who signs your paycheck. And knowing you, Abs, there’s, like, zero chance you won’t be rich as eff once you’re settled into your job. If some guy’s offering you a chance to have that life and that guy’s not your dad, I say take it.”

“But what if Dr. Sexy thinks he owns her now or something?”

“Did you seriously just call him Dr. Sexy? Ugh, you are the worst.”

I chuckled as they fell into their usual adorable bickering. My phone buzzed as I watched. But when my eyes turned to the screen, the smile faded from my face in a heartbeat.

It was a text from Dad.

You’re staying with Logan, correct? We’re on our way over to discuss some matters with you. Be there in a few minutes.

“Oh, shit,” I said, getting up and snatching my phone from the ground.

“What is it?” asked Blake, the two of them stopping their argument and turning their attention to me.

“It’s my dad. We kinda-sorta led him to believe that I was staying with Logan. And now he’s coming over to ‘discuss some matters,’ whatever that means. I have to go. Like, right now.”

“Aw, before your margarita?” asked Clay as he picked up my drink. “More for me, I guess.” He wrapped his lips around the straw and winked.

“Shoot,” said Blake. “Well, good luck with the old fart. Call me if you need anything.”

“Will do. And thanks.”

I snatched up my stuff and hurried out of their place, my heart racing as I climbed into my car and drove to Logan’s. Thankfully, Blake and Clay’s apartment was only a few minutes away, and before I knew it, I was taking the turn onto Logan’s block.

I spotted Dad’s black Mercedes out in front right away. Just the sight of it was enough to make my heart skip a beat, my blood run cold. Mom and Dad had left under not so nice terms the last time they were here. It made me wonder what Dad wanted. Was he going to make things worse?

I parked, grabbed my things, and got out. As I turned to walk up to the front door, I spotted something odd. Parked across the street was a dark blue sedan, with someone still seated behind the wheel. I did my best not to stare, but as far as I could tell the driver was a woman with frizzy black hair, her thin face hidden behind a big pair of sunglasses.

I craned my neck to get a better look at her. But before I could, she must’ve noticed me. The car’s engine growled to life and the woman behind the wheel pulled out of her spot, turning around in the middle of the road then driving off.

It was weird. But I had more important matters to worry about. I turned my attention back to the house and hurried toward it, my heart thudding harder and harder with each step I took. Once I reached the front door, I pulled it open to see Mom, Dad and Logan inside. All of them turned their eyes to me when I entered.

“There you are,” said Dad. “I was wondering when you’d finally show up.”

CHAPTER  24

LOGAN

Relief rushed through me as I watched Abby enter the house. No idea why her parents had made the unannounced visit but having her there provided at least some support. I had a feeling I was going to need it.

“It’s good to see you again, Logan,” said Elizabeth. Tension tightened her face. I got the impression that, whatever the reason they’d come, Elizabeth had been dragged along.

“Likewise,” I said. “Samuel – good to see you as well. Something to drink?”

“No, that won’t be necessary,” he said as he stepped into the living room and began looking around.

“Uh, Dad?” Abby asked. “Most of the time when people come by without calling or texting first, they let the people know why they came.”

“I need a reason to visit my own daughter?” he replied, craning his neck to look here and there.

“I’m sorry,” I said. “If you’re over to visit, that’s perfectly fine. I can prepare some drinks and whip up a little something to eat. But if there’s some other reason why you’re here, I’d like to know.”

“Samuel,” said Elizabeth. “This isn’t necessary.”

He shot Abby a hard look. It was a withering stare that seemed to say, “honey, when I want your opinion, I’ll ask you for it.” It took a hell of a lot of restraint to not pipe up. I didn’t know Samuel all that well, but the way he held women in such low regard, as if they were annoying children who he had to keep in line, really rubbed me the wrong way.

“It’s plenty necessary,” he said. “After all, our daughter went off and got married. I believe her parents have a right to drop in now and then and see how the happy couple is getting on.”

“Perhaps,” I said. “But all the same, a little notice would be nice.”

Samuel smiled. “If we gave notice, we wouldn’t be able to see you both without airs.”

I was beginning to pick up on the point of this little drop in.

“Sam,” I said.

“Samuel,” he quickly shot out.

“Samuel. If I didn’t know better, I might think that you suspect there’s something amiss about me and your daughter.”

“I don’t suspect anything,” he retorted. “But I don’t like to go by simply what other people tell me, either. I’m the sort of man who likes to see things for himself. And right now, it doesn’t look like my daughter has made too much of an imprint on your home. I can barely see any trace that she lives here with her husband at all, as a matter of fact.”

“That’s because I haven’t moved all my stuff in yet,” Abby quickly said. “Plus, I don’t even have anything worth bringing over. Logan’s got the furniture situation pretty much handled, as you can see.”

“Perhaps,” said Dad. “I suppose he might not have any need for your Ikea furniture. But all the same, I remember when your mom moved into my apartment when we first got engaged. She didn’t waste a second in taking down all the posters that she’d hated since day one. Right, dear?”

“Sam,” said Elizabeth. “I think it’s time to go.”

“I’ll be the judge of that,” he said, breezily swatting away her concerns. “But anyway, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, right? And with that in mind, I’m not seeing any sign that this is anything but a bachelor pad.”

“You’re right,” said Abby.

That got an eyebrow raise from everyone in the room.

“I have had my eye on a few things around here that I want to change. This house is nice, for sure, but man does it have that single guy vibe!”

She’d started a lie, and I was right there to pick up the thread.

“Wait, what?” I asked, feigning shock. “You said you loved the décor.”

Abby raised a finger. “No, I said the décor was a hell of a lot better than what you’d see in the average college guy’s place. That doesn’t mean I love it.”

“Come on,” I said, sweeping my hand toward the lounge. “What don’t you like about it?”

“Well, all your stuff from traveling around the world. I get why you have it up, and some of it’s pretty nice, I have to admit. But sometimes it feels like I’m living in one of those weird knick-knack stores.”

I raised my eyebrows, getting the swing of our pretend fight. “But it’s all unique.”

“It’s…a little much.” She clenched her teeth and opened her mouth wide. “But I didn’t want to drop that all on you right when I moved in. Baby steps, you know? Maybe one week I sneak the lion statue on the third floor into the basement, the next I do something about that gaudy rainforest painting.”

“What?” I asked, the lie giving way to genuine surprise. “You really want to get rid of the lion statue? I think it’s pretty cool, personally.”

“I know what you think is cool, babe. And for the most part you’ve got decent taste – don’t get me wrong. But we just need a bit more of a woman’s touch around here.”

“Personally,” interjected Samuel. “If he’s paying for the house, I don’t see why anyone else should have any say in the décor.”

I held my tongue at yet another sexist comment. But at least that meant he was buying the lie.

“Because if two people are living in it,” Elizabeth began, “Then both of them should have equal say in how it looks.”

Her father sighed. “I still think it’s strange how there’s no trace of someone else living here.”

Abby jumped in. “It’s because all the traces of me living here are up in the master bedroom. All my big stuff’s still at the apartment. So, unless you want me to run upstairs and grab a pile of dirty underwear, you’re going to have to take my word for it, Dad.”

Samuel raised his palms. “No, no – that won’t be necessary.”

“Wait here,” said Abby. “One sec.”

We watched as she hurried up the stairs, returning a few moments later with a toothbrush and robe and other things she’d brought over the other day.

“Lots of stuff here,” she said. “The things I brought over that I actually use, not my dresser from the apartment that I’m probably going to give away anyway.”

Elizabeth placed her hand on her husband’s arm. “Now, are you satisfied?”

Samuel narrowed his eyes slightly. “I suppose. For now, anyway. But there is still something odd about all of this.”

Elizabeth moved her hand from Samuel’s arm to his hand, taking it and leading him toward the door.

“Now, let’s get a move on. No need to spoil their evening with your paranoia.”

Abby’s father pursed his lips and glanced around one last time.

“Fine. You both can go back to whatever you were doing. I’ll be in touch when I’d like to plan a more formal affair.”

“You mean like the one you stormed out on the last time you were here?” asked Abby.

I shot her a quick look, one that said, “don’t push your luck.”

Samuel pursed his lips once more, Elizabeth waving to us over her shoulder as she led him out of the house. The door shut and we were alone. Abby sighed and dropped into the nearest chair in the lounge. I stepped over to the bar and poured us a couple of neat whiskeys, then brought them over, handing one to her. She took a sip right away as I sat down next to her.

“God,” she said. “That was the last thing I expected to happen.”

“Well, your dad did hint that he didn’t believe we were really together. Makes sense that he’d pull something like that.”

She nodded. “OK. We need to plan for this until we’re out of the woods.” She sat up and turned to me. “I should probably stay here, right? At least until my dad drops his suspicions.”

“Stay here until when?” I asked. “Once you move in, there’s not going to be a reason for you to move out unless we fake break off the fake engagement.”

She sighed. “Yeah, you’re right. What a mess. Maybe I can tell them that I’m going to be staying at my apartment half the time until you’re retired or something. But I should be staying over here a few nights a week, at least.”

“You can take one of the guest rooms. Not like I’m using them for anything.”

Abby smiled. “Well then, I guess we can figure out which bed I’ll be sleeping in on the nights I stay over.”

And just like that, the unpleasant encounter with her parents was out of my mind and replaced with thoughts of…something else. Abby was dressed in casual clothes – some gym shorts, an oversized T-shirt, her hair done in the messy bun she liked. She was so stunning that she couldn’t help but look sexy, no matter what she did.

I reached over and put my arm around her, pulling her close. Abby moved into me, resting her head on my shoulder.

“You really don’t like my décor?” I asked with a smirk.

“It’s good for the most part. But it could use a woman’s touch around here.”

“Speaking of a woman’s touch…”

She grinned. “That’s one more corny line for the books.”

I chuckled as I moved in close. We kissed, and all I wanted was her.