Sack Time

by A. M. Willard

  “That bad?”

  “I think so; I’m afraid to look, and no—I’m not showing you.”

  “Didn’t think you would, but it would be funny to showcase it as a what not to do on a blog or something.”

  “Can you stop trying to use me as an example for all of mankind?”

  “Can’t you make it too easy? Why don’t you go shower and find the cooling pads? If I was you, I’d let it air tonight and not cover it with anything tight.”

  “Whatever, I’m going to shower and go to bed. Nite,” I say as I stand and make my way to my room where I can wallow in self-pity for the rest of the night. I can’t believe this day. Here I was thinking he was different, and we were going to get to know each other. Instead, he already knows more than he should about me, and it wasn’t from him asking me. Just another reason to not date your doctor, or your ex-doctor’s son.

  Greyson

  Sometimes my mouth overloads my ass in the biggest way. I don’t know why I said what I did as that was something I never should’ve. But then I wasn’t expecting what I saw either. Sherry is still the most beautiful person I’ve met before. It’s just that how was I supposed to tell her we couldn’t have sex without making her feel bad. The more I think about it, the more I think Sherry was right. We wouldn’t work. This is why they tell you to not mix business with pleasure or fall for a patient. It always ends badly, no matter how you try to spin it. Not that she’s my patient anymore since Dad got her a new doctor, but her file is still in my care and if anything happens I could be called in to help with a situation. Which if that’s the case, why can’t I stop thinking about her today? I called the restaurant and canceled the reservation that I made for our first date that would be happening tonight. Instead, I’ll go through my files as I need to focus on the practice and not the blonde downstairs from me.

  I’m still boggled with the whole allergy thing and how one person can be so allergic to something that she keeps doing it over and over again. I’ve met a few individuals who have bad allergies, and they control their environment instead of inflicting a bad situation onto themselves. Over the short amount of time that I’ve known Sherry, I learned that she has a big heart and would suffer day in and day out to save something. Well, that is except what relationship we could’ve possibly had seems that wasn’t worth saving at all. But then there wasn’t a real relationship in the first place. You have to have a two-way street, an open line of communication along with trust—which I broke. That’s on me, and something I’ll have to move past. Until then I have no idea if we will be friends or even cordial in passing.

  My day is full, loaded with patient after patient which I welcome as it keeps my mind busy and off Sherry, who I know is only a few buildings over from me. Whenever I had a slow moment through the day, that’s where my mind drifted to. In order to avoid her and offer up some space, I avoided the deli and pizza joint for lunch. Opting for something to be brought back to me, I ate in my office while doing patient notes. Seeing my last patient out, I notice a familiar face sitting in the waiting room. Glancing down at my watch and over to the clear holder on the wall, I know she’s not here for a professional visit.

  “Ava, would you care to come back?” I ask as I hold the door open that separates the waiting room from the block of patient rooms. I watch as she rises from the chair and heads in my direction. “Lock up when you’re done; I’m just going to go over files and leave soon,” I say to Katy, my head nurse before leading Ava toward my office. When we enter, I leave the door open as I don’t want to give a bad impression, especially after being caught kissing Sherry.

  Ava takes a seat in front of my desk, while I round the edge and claim my chair. Leaning back, I lock my fingers in place behind my head and speak, “What brings you to see me?”

  “Sherry brings me here, but she has no idea that I’m here.”

  “Then why come if she doesn’t want you to be here?”

  “Because I need for you to understand her more and then maybe you won’t back off.”

  “I’m going to have to stop you here, Ava. Our relationship needs to stay professional. She was right about that and as far as I’m concerned she’s still my patient until I get a file request.”

  “You’re just as stubborn as she is. I’m not leaving here until you hear me out. Then and only then can you make your mind up. Also, I was never here, are we clear?”

  “We’re clear,” I agree, but that doesn’t mean I have to take Ava’s advice.

  “Chris, her ex-boyfriend, did a number on her trust factor in men. Not to mention her self-confidence. When she didn’t pass her exam, he left her. Told her that she would never amount to anything and that she wasted his time and everyone else’s who trained her. Needless to say, she refused to ever do anything else in the medical field. Since she has the heart of saving the world, she won’t leave the shelter. In her mind, if she can’t save people, she’ll save animals even though her body protests it daily. I mean, who in their right mind brings all these cats home to risk an allergic reaction every day? Sherry, that’s who. Her body doesn’t like a lot of things: wax, smells, fur, etc. but she still does it with a smile. Then here you come, catching her and causing a shit storm in her life. Did you know that she told me this morning that she’s finding homes for the cats we have? She loves them, and she’s giving them away.” Ava stops to take a moment, glancing around my office and taking a deep breath before she continues.

  “You woke something up in her, caused her to see something big—like a future—and I know she’s scared of getting her heartbroken. I know she told you to go away, but in reality, she’s telling you to fight for her. Show her that she makes you feel like nobody else. That’s the way you can win her back, and to sign her file over and shred it when you’re done.”

  “You really think I could win her back?”

  “I do, but it might take time. She has a very small circle of trust, and once that trust has been broken it’s hard to get invited back in. But if you can do that she’ll forever belong to you. The question is, do you want a forever with her or a little fun? If it’s fun you’re looking for, then you need to move on. Balls in your court, doc, so chose wisely.”

  “Can I ask a question?”

  “Sure,” Ava says, shrugging her shoulders up.

  “Why are you telling me this?”

  “Because I know my best friend, and I think you’ll be good for her. Maybe she’ll give up on one crazy dream and follow her heart.”

  I don’t respond. I’m taking in all of the spoken words, making sure I ingrain them into my thoughts as I need to make sure I pick the right path.

  “Okay, well my time is up and I’ll show myself out,” Ava stands and leaves just as fast as she arrived here. I can tell that their friendship is more like a sisterly love and it makes me feel good that Sherry has someone to care for her in that manner. Now the only thing I need to do is figure out which way I care about her.

  Could she be my forever, or just a roll in the sack from time to time? That’s something I need to figure out before I can act on anything else. Until that happens, the practice is my focus. I know what I told Ava, but I also know the trouble flings can cause. It’s the main reason why I’m back in Miami.

  Sherry

  My world has crashed around me several times before in life, and I’ve never allowed it to get me down like this. I called June this morning using the excuse that I had an adverse reaction to some shellfish last night for dinner, and that my face was swollen. After a few words, she agreed that I needed to stay home and that she would get someone else to work with Mr. McBride. Yes, I understand that this will be a huge impact on my bank account, and I’m fine with that. I’m not going to sell my soul to the Devil in order to grow the amount of money in my net worth. The next call I need to make is one that I’ve been putting off for years. I know I need to do this, but it’s been a part of my life for so many years that I’ll need to find something new to take up my free time. See, tha
t’s what I do. I find things to take my mind off life. The real reasons why I hide behind the shelter and animals that might kill me one day. It’s time that I face the facts of life. My body hates animals, and the impact has been greater than I thought. If I want to move on and do what I love, I have to find the courage to walk away from all the things that I consider my comfort zone.

  I dial the shelter’s number and wait for Lucy to answer the phone.

  “Dade County Animal Shelter, how may I direct your call?”

  “Lucy, it’s Sherry; do you have a minute?”

  “Hi, Sherry, how are you and I always have a moment for you,” she says, and I can picture her smiling on the other end of the call. Well, that is until I tell her why I’m calling.

  “I’m doing okay, you know me…” I hesitate, taking my time as I question if this is the best thing to do. Knowing this is right, I continue. “I wanted to call and let you know that I’m not coming back. I can’t volunteer anymore, as it’s not good for my health. I hope you won’t be mad and if you need someone to come help until you find a replacement I can.”

  “Honey, how could I be upset with you? I’ve been waiting for this call for years. I knew one day you would wake up and know that this place wasn’t doing you any good. You lasted longer than I expected. We all thought that we’d eventually have to dismiss you, but I never had it in me to do that.”

  “So you aren’t mad?”

  “No, I’m tickled pink that you finally woke up.”

  “Okay, good but I also need a favor, if you can?”

  “Anything for you, what can I help you with?”

  “I need to find a home for Mr. Tinkerbell and Ms. Peter Pan,” I say through a sob as this is breaking my heart.

  “Would it make you feel better if I took them? I know how much they mean to you, and I’d be honored to become their new mom.”

  “Yes, I would love for you to have them. That means so much to me, Lucy.”

  “I’ll come by this evening and pick them up when I get off.”

  “I’ll have them packed up and ready to go. Thank you, Lucy, for everything, and I appreciate you saving my babies.”

  “Anytime, dear. I’ll see you later this evening,” she says before disconnecting our call. I glance over toward the cat bed that’s in the corner and take in the way they are both curled up sleeping together. I knew if I ever had to find them a home, they’d need to go together. They aren’t really brother and sisters, but they’ve been with me and act as if they were born and raised together. My heart is full that they will be going to a good home, but then it’s breaking at the same time as my fur babies have to go on a new adventure.

  I tend to stuff around the apartment for the rest of the day, trying to take my mind off my life. You hear about how people hire life coaches, and I wonder to myself if that’s what I need. Do I need someone to categorize my life in a box and shape me into the person that I should be? Years ago, I knew exactly who I was. I knew who I wanted to be and what would make me proud of myself later in life. So far, I’m twenty-five-years-old, single, have a job that I hate, and a diploma hanging on my wall to remind me of a life I used to want.

  The sound of the front door closes, alerting me that Ava has returned home. I stall a little longer in front of my diploma, waiting for something to come to me.

  “Whatcha doing?” Ava asks as she enters my room and heads straight to my bed and plops down.

  “Nothing, just thinking. Oh, I need your help tonight; will you be here?”

  “I have dinner with Rex, but can reschedule if you need me to.”

  “No, you go to dinner. I can do this alone,” I say, shrugging and laying down next to Ava while we both roll to our backs and stare up at the ceiling fan.

  “What are you doing tonight?” she asks.

  “Packing up my babies and meeting Lucy downstairs. Nothing major and I can do it, so don’t worry.”

  “I do worry about you, and are you sure you’re ready to hand them over.”

  “I am, and it’s easier since I know she’ll take care of them. Plus, she’ll send me texts and Snapchats of them.”

  “Are you telling me Grandma Lucy is more up on technology than you are?’

  “She is, she’s the one who taught me how to do the filters. She also sends some very strange videos with those filters, but that’s why we all love her.”

  “True… So, why were you staring at your wall?”

  “No reason, just thinking is all.”

  “Okay, but you do know you can re-take your test, right?”

  “Yes, I know I can, but it’s been so long that I’d never pass it even if I stayed awake this time.”

  “Study, and do it. I know you, and I also know that if you put your mind to it, you will pass it. Get him out of your head and start following your dreams. Make the call you know you need to, and do it.”

  “We will see, now scoot and go get ready for your date. I have some packing to do.”

  “Alright, but remember I’m only a call away.”

  “I know, and that’s why I love you. Thank you for putting up with my crazy behavior and insane life.”

  “Always, plus who the hell would entertain me in life?”

  “Ha, funny—now go,” I say, pushing her out of my room.

  When Ava leaves my bedroom, I head over to my closet digging in the back of it for the dual carrier I have, and I slide out the flattened cubby holder on the top shelf. I set about packing up the toys, snacks, and food that I have for them. I text Lucy to see if she needs the litter and box just in case, but her response was just hand over the pussies. Okay, that might have caused me to laugh harder than I needed at her statement. But you have to understand she is old enough to be my grandmother. I can’t imagine mine ever cracking a joke like that or using that word. Taking the next hour before she arrives, I grab both Mr. Tinkerbell and Ms. Peter Pan for a snuggle. It’s like they know what’s coming and are using this time to show me the love they have for me in return. It doesn’t take long before the tears start to slide down my face. They’re going to a better home, one where they never have to worry about causing someone else an allergic reaction, and can cuddle whenever they want with their new owner. Unlike the life they’ve had with me here. On days that I couldn’t handle it I’d either have to lock them away from me so I could come back down from my reaction. It wasn’t fair to them, and the more I sit here with them I’m now confident that this is the best choice. My phone vibrates next to me, and when I chance a look I see that it’s Lucy telling me she’s just parked. Instead of making her come up here, I slide them inside the dual carrier that I have and grab the box that I packed away their things in. The elevator ride seems to take a century to reach the lobby. When the doors open, I come face to face with the last person I wanted to see today—Greyson.

  “Here, let me help you,” he says, taking the box from my arm.

  “No, it’s fine. I can do this myself.”

  “Stop, Sherry, and let me help you. Where are you going?”

  “Whatever, I’m not in the mood to argue with you, and I’m meeting someone out in the lobby,” I spit out as I leave a trail of dust in my wake. I don’t bother to turn around; I can hear his footsteps behind me.

  My eyes land on Lucy coming through the door, and as hard I try to make my smile reach my eyes it doesn’t happen. The quicker I can get this done, the faster I can retreat back upstairs and wallow in self-pity more.

  “Sherry, dear, come here,” Lucy says with wide arms, and before I can blink my feet take me to her open arms. Over the years, I’ve come accustomed to her hugs and embrace them when I can.

  “I promise to take good care of them; you know that, right,” she asks, and I nod my head into my chest as I agree. I step back taking a look inside the tiny door where my babies are staring back at me with their emerald green eyes. “You guys be good for Mrs. Lucy, and I’ll see you soon,” I say before handing them over. Greyson clears his throat from behind me, al
erting us both that he’s still here.

  “Lucy, this is Greyson Davis, he’s a neighbor who helped me bring this over,” I say, introducing him with no emotion in my voice. I have no idea why he didn’t drop the box and run. I’m capable of doing this alone and don’t need an audience.

  “Pleasure to meet you. I’ll just follow you out to your car and drop this stuff off.”

  “Oh the pleasure is mine, and I don’t mind the help at all,” Lucy says, smiling up at Greyson. It’s like he just has all the ladies dropping at his feet. Well, that’s until they drop their pants. Then he runs for the hills in terror. Okay, that’s not fair because I ran in terror when I looked in the mirror. It was bad, and for that reason, I’ll never allow him to see that area again.

  “Thanks, Lucy, and I’ll call you soon,” I say, giving her a quick hug. Turning, I look up at Greyson and with a nod of my head at him, I walk away. I’m not ready to face him, nor speak to him unless I have to. Just because we live in the same apartment building doesn’t mean I have to be buddy, buddy with him.

  Retreating back upstairs, I decide to clean the entire apartment—removing all pet remnants before drawing a bubble bath to relax and reflect on my next plan of action.

  Two Months Later

  Greyson

  It’s been two long months since I’ve spoken to Sherry. No, I take that back. It’s been two months since we’ve had a real conversation. We’ve cut things down to a simple hello passing, and that’s all I’ve gotten. It’s also been the longest months in history so to speak. The practice is taking over my life with no spare time to do anything other than work, research, deliver babies, and tend to patients. Today’s the first day in a while that I’m able to escape work for lunch. It’s later than normal, but if I don’t get some fresh air, I might explode from it all.

  My feet lead me down the block to the pizza joint on the corner. The closer I get my mouth starts to water, as I can smell the cheese and sauce filtering out into the streets. Right when I go to open the door, I spot not one but two familiar faces sitting off to the side of the restaurant. Confused, I enter and head right over to them.