“Dad, Sherry,” I say as I wait for a reason why my father and the girl I still like are sitting here with books over the table and half eaten pizza slices.
“Son, how are you? You remember Sherry, don’t you?”
“Yes, and I’m pretty sure I just addressed her. What are you doing?”
“Enjoying lunch with a friend, care to join us?”
“No thanks, but I’ll call you later,” I say as I turn my glare over to Sherry. Before I leave, I take in the books stacked on the table. NCLEX-RN study guides, NCLEX-RN Examination, notebooks, and more notebooks. It makes me wonder if she’s going for her exam again. She never mentioned it, but it’s not like we had a lot of time to get to questions like this. I also have to wonder why my father is here on this side of town and hasn’t stopped by the office. Something’s going on, and I tend to get to the bottom of it all.
Finding a seat off to the back of the room, I take out my phone and pretend to be busy with whatever I’m doing. When in reality, I can’t keep my eyes off Sherry and my dad. I take in the way she smiles up at him, tucking the hair behind her ear as she laughs at something he just said. With my uneaten pizza in front of me, I can’t find it in myself to take a bite. From here, as if I was an innocent bystander, I question the relationship before me. Is my father the reason she has rules with no dating her doctor and staggered away from her degree? The longer I sit here; the angrier I get. Pushing back in my chair, I stand and march back over toward them.
“Are you sleeping with an ex-patient?” The words fall from my mouth as if I’m asking how the weather is today. I can’t help but be angry. It would make sense if I stopped to think about. The way they spoke to each other that first day we saw her here. The way she fought against me being her doctor. The way her rules are set. Not to mention that day when I brought him up after her waxing gone wrong.
“Excuse me,” Sherry pipes up, looking at me with stunned eyes.
“You heard me, are you sleeping with my father? Who I might remind you is a married man.”
“Son, I think you need to take a moment and calm down.”
“No, Dad, I won’t. So tell me how long has this been going on?”
“Nothing is going on, now do you care to take a seat and hear about what is happening here,” he says, but I can’t hear a word he’s saying. At this point, all I can think about is how my mother will be heartbroken from his affair. Not to mention how his name will be dragged through the mud for sleeping with not only a younger woman but his patient. What will this do to the practice that holds our family name?
“Greyson, sit down right now,” my father says to me in a tone that I’ve not heard since I was a teenager. Instead of storming out like I want to, I drag over a chair and sit, crossing my legs I lean back and wait for someone to explain to me what’s going on.
I hear the exhale of Sherry’s breath; it’s either she’s dragging her feet on this, or it’s really true.
“I’ll take this one, Mr. Davis,” she says as she closes her study guide and turns toward me.
“Greyson, this is not what you think at all. Years ago your father did me a favor, and it seems he’s still doing them for me. I would come to him with questions, and he’d help me when I was stuck and my professors couldn’t help. Your dad has a way with teaching others that our professors don’t. That’s also when he agreed to help me study when I needed it. Since I failed him back in the day, he was the only person that I could think to come to for help now. I’m retaking my exam and needed someone to push me. That’s all that’s going on here,” she says this, and a part of me believes her while the other part says there’s something else they aren’t telling me.
“Son, she’s telling you the truth. I love your mother and could never do something to cause harm to her. I’m only helping her prepare for the exam. Your mother knows where I am and is pretty fond of Sherry herself.”
“Was anyone going to tell me about this?” I ask like I just heard the biggest secret of my life.
“We didn’t see a reason to include you. Sherry asked me to not say anything, and I respected her wishes until now. Which if you two will excuse me, I need to head out. Sherry, you can do this and you’re ready.”
“Thanks, Mr. Davis, I appreciate all your help and confidence.”
“Greyson, I’ll call you this evening to talk more about your little outburst,” he says as he places his hand on my shoulder. I nod up at him and know exactly how this conversation will go.
Watching my father exit, I turn my head back toward Sherry and take in the way she’s fumbling with her pencil. We sit in silence until the waiter comes over with my plate of pizza that I’ve not touched and my drink.
“Here you go, sir,” he says as he drops it in the empty space where my father was sitting.
“Thanks,” I say while moving over to the now empty chair.
“That was kind of rude; you know that, right.”
“How would you take it if the role was reversed, Sherry?”
“I don’t know, but I might have asked instead of accused. You know, be a good person and all.”
“I am a good person; you just wouldn’t know that, now would you?”
“No, I guess not. If you’ll excuse me, I have things to do.”
“I’m sorry, you don’t have to leave.”
“I’ll let it go, but I do need to leave. I have things to do,” she says while she packs up her books. When her hand reaches out for the last one resting on the table, I grab her hand in mine and look up into the face that I’ve been missing.
“Sherry, will you have dinner with me? Give me a second chance to make this right between us?”
“No, I can’t, Greyson. I have to focus on my exam, and that’s all that matters right now.”
“I can understand that, but what about afterward? You know, to celebrate passing your exam. We can have dinner, and you can talk about the test all night long if you want. I won’t even try to kiss you?”
“No, you won’t be kissing me and no to dinner. It was good to see you, but I have to head back to work before June really fires me.”
I let her go, and watch her back until she’s out of eyesight. Yes, I might’ve overreacted today. It was out of pure shock, and my mouth overloaded my ass once again. I might as well hang up my hat when it comes to Sherry and let her walk away for good this time. A few months ago I told Ava that I would find a way to get back to her, but now that ship’s sailed. I do the only thing I know to do, and that’s to text Henley. He’s been asking for us to throw a welcome back party in one of the cabana’s we can rent at my apartment building. Maybe it’s time to truly embrace myself back while trying to forget the short blonde who looks better than she did the first day my eyes landed on her.
Me: Ready for that party at my place? Tell me what night and start sending the invites. Time to show Miami that Greyson is back and ready to party.
Henley: Hell yeah. What about Friday night? You reserve, and I’ll handle the rest.
Me: Perfect, let me know what you need for me to do.
Henley: Just show up, dude. I got this as always.
Confirming with him, I leave my uneaten pizza and head back to my office. My stride slows as I pass Dawson Realty. I can’t help but take a glance through the glass windows hoping for a chance to see her again. I spot her standing next to a gentleman’s desk pointing at something on the screen for him. My feet won’t move. I’m stuck standing here looking like a lunatic at the girl who refuses to let me know her. Before we would see each other almost daily, passing or on a quick elevator ride. Now, we barely see each other. I’d almost believed that she had hired the lobby to alert her to my coming and goings. Pushing off the glass, I focus on moving down the sidewalk back to my office where patients are waiting. It doesn’t take long for me to get cornered when I enter. “Sir, your father is in his, I mean your office waiting for you.”
“Thanks,” I say before heading back. This is going to be an interesting conversat
ion. One that I thought I could get out of having.
“Dad,” I say, announcing my presence.
“Greyson, have a seat,” he says, gesturing to the chair in front of my desk. Seems this afternoon our roles are reversing, and I’m about to be put in my place.
Taking my seat, I look up at my father and notice the fine thinning gray hairs and the new wrinkles that have cast their effects on him since the last time I saw him.
“Look, Dad, I’m sorry for my outburst, but you have to see things through my eyes too.”
“I know, and I need to speak with you about it. Now, listen to me and listen well. I’ve never strayed from your mother over the years, and I’m certainly not going to start now. But what I am confused about is why Sherry refuses to talk to you or allow me to say your name. I thought things were going well between you guys? Also, when the time is right, you can open up to me about the real reason you took my offer finally.”
“You know about that I take it. I thought I could hide it from you, but guess news travels.
Seems I’m good at making mistakes. It’s just not meant to be with Sherry, and I’m moving on. So much so that Henley and I are having a miniature welcome back party at my place on Friday. You and Mom are invited,” I say and then rethink that invitation. I have no idea what Henley will plan, and I might not need my parents hanging around.
“Your mother and I will show our faces and won’t stay long. But is this really the best thing to do? I mean, I thought you’d pull out your game that we’ve witnessed all these years. I’ve never known you to back down from a challenge.”
“I don’t have game, and I need to focus on the practice. Things have been busy here, and I just don’t have time to trapped by a girl.”
“If you weren’t even dating and already feeling trapped, that’s never a good sign. We just want you happy.”
“I am, Dad, so thanks for the concern. Now, if we’re done I need to go see some patients.”
“Of course, and let me know what time to arrive on Friday. Oh, make sure Henley doesn’t get you evicted from your building. That boy is still as wild as he was in high school.”
“Yes, sir, and as soon as I know I’ll call you.” I stand and grab my next file that I placed on the chair next to me.
Right as I go to step out, I stop and turn around to look at my father. He’s still sitting in what use to be his chair, taking in all what I’ve done with the office. I finally hung up my diplomas, a few pictures that I bought in Savannah, and got a set of new bookcases to house my books and what I hope to contain pictures of my family one day. I’m still young and have plenty of time to find the one who’s meant to be mine. Now if I could just get my heart on the same page, life would be better.
Sherry
All I’ve been doing day in and day out is studying for this exam. I know this stuff frontward and backward, but something keeps telling me to keep reading. Keep reciting every possible thing that I can. When I told June that I wasn’t going to be taking the real estate exam, she wasn’t happy with me. Needless to say, she fired me that day in her office. When I went to clean out my desk, she came out of her office and told me I could stay on until I passed my nursing exam. She knew all along that my heart wasn’t in real estate, and since I lost Mr. McBride, it was time for me to do some serious rationalization of my life. After a long talk with Ava, she encouraged me to follow my dreams and do what I’ve always wanted to do—be a nurse and help other people. Ever since I sent Mr. Tinkerbell and Miss Peter Pan away, I’ve been able to cut back on my allergy medication. I’m down to one pill at night before bed. Which has also allowed me to be human again. I no longer fall asleep at a drop of a hat, nor look like a walking zombie. My only problem is I still dream about the hot doctor that lives a few floors above me. I’ve become a master at lurking in the shadows. Only seeing him and not allowing him to see me. It’s turned into this weird thing these days. No, I’m not stalking him. But I might happen to know what time at night he goes to workout, and might just so happen to hang out behind a pillar in the bar pretending to study when he exits. Don’t judge me. I like the way he looks, shirtless and sweaty.
I made a promise to Ava that once I pass my exam and land a job, I’ll jump back into the dating scene. It might not be with Dr. Greyson Davis Jr., but I’ll meet someone.
Sitting inside all day working prompts the desire to sit outside to study this evening. I pack up my computer and books and head down to the pool. The building has a nice sitting area off to the left where I can set up camp and still enjoy what’s left of the sunlight. When I enter the space, I notice the commotion off to the right where it seems a private party is being put together. It’s not unusual for tenants to rent out the private sections to throw a BBQ, birthday party, or just have a get-together. Paying no attention to the staff, I focus on another chapter. Kicking my legs up in the chair I pulled in front of me, I place my headphones into my ears. Some can’t study with music, but it helps me retain everything I read. My focus intensifies when I have background music.
The sun is setting, leaving a purple and orange glow behind in its wake as the moon rises overhead. I stretch my arms and crack my neck, releasing the tension that’s built up from leaning over to read my book. Satisfied with the amount of studying I’ve completed today, I drag my notebook and computer out. When I was at lunch with Dr. Davis Sr. the other day, he’d suggested that I research some clinics to apply to. Which also means I need an updated resume. I might also have to explain why it’s been such a gap between school and applying for said new job. All I know is that I don’t want to be stuck at Dawson Realty longer than I need to be. I set up the basic concept of a resume, filling in my name, address, phone number then moving to the general layout of the page. I leave blank spaces between my objective, my work history, schooling, and even my volunteer section. Knowing that I can complete this part, I start to type it out when I hear a familiar voice behind me.
“Evening,” he says before entering my line of sight.
“Evening,” is all I say as I focus on the screen from my computer.
“Whatcha doing?”
“Working, can’t you tell I’m busy,” I snap back.
“Why don’t you take a break and come join the party over there.”
“I’ll pass; don’t know them, and I have better things to do.”
“Can you drop the attitude, and since it’s my party you are welcome to join.”
“I don’t have attitude, and I think your guests are waiting for you,” I say as I look over in that direction. I notice that his mother and father are waving me over, and now it’s officially a trap. “Really, you drag the parental units into this mess between us?”
“No, I just know you can’t say no to my father; plus, my mom would have my ass if I left you over here alone. Come on, you look like you need a break.”
“I’ll give you thirty minutes and then I’m leaving,” I say, closing down my computer and packing it away.
“Thirty minutes is better than nothing, I can deal with that.”
“I’m not walking over there for you, just for the record.”
“Understood,” he says, placing a hand before me to help me up. I don’t take it, instead I push up to my feet myself. While standing, I stretch and realize that I’m more tense than I expected. Greyson eyes me, taking in the way my sore body is giving off signals that not only am I stressed, but tired. Guess I’m still getting used to not having so many naps a day. The short walk across the way causes my body to feel like it’s walking toward a firing squad. The only other person I know here is his father as I’ve met his mom once before, but not enough to say I know her know her.
“Mom, I’d like you to meet Sherry Wilde, and of course you already know my father,” he says as Mrs. Wilde engulfs me in a hug. When I step back I take in the way Greyson’s face is scrunched up.
“It’s good to see you again, Mrs. Davis. How have you been doing?”
“Great, going crazy with th
is one home all the time now.” Her laugh booms through the area as she swats Mr. Davis in the abdomen.
“You two know each other,” Greyson questions.
“Of course dear, I met her when she was helping your father out—what, last summer?”
“Yes, that’s correct it was just last summer wasn’t it, Sherry,” Mr. Davis says, and I chance a look over at Greyson.
Now I’m the one with a scrunched up face as I prepare for the questions.
“Wait, so you knew each other and you worked for my father and never said anything?”
“Correction, I met your mother a time or two, and yes I did work—or really volunteered—for him for a few months over last summer.”
“How has no one told me this?”
“Didn’t come up, I guess.” I shrug my shoulders and take Mrs. Greyson by the arm so we can catch up. We aren’t far when Greyson comes over and interrupts, “Mom, would you excuse the two of us for a moment? I need to speak privately with Sherry.”
“Of course, dear. I’m going to mingle, and then we will leave soon. Don’t want to crowd your party with the old people,” I hear her as she walks away, and for the life of me I don’t want to have this conversation with him right now.
“Greyson, let’s not do this now, okay. It’s your party and you need to go have fun, while I need to leave and rest. Thanks for the invite, but I can’t do this right now.” I try to turn around, but an arm lands on mine and pulls me back to the hard chest that I’ve been admiring from afar for way too long.
“I don’t care about this party. What I do care about is what have you been up to?”
“Up to? What do you mean?”
“I don’t know, Sherry. I find out all these months later that you know my family, but act as if I’m some stranger when you see me. What’s the issue?”
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