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I blink a few times, my pace considerably slower than Nila’s. Her limp slowly begins to fade with every stride, and while she’s clearly mad at me, at least she’s not seriously injured.
My sneakers drag on the ground, and I wish more than ever that I had my phone. I need to talk to someone ... someone who actually freaking knows me.
By the time I make it to the lodge, Nila is already inside, and as I step into the lobby, the place is empty. I’m sure she’s hidden away somewhere using the Wi-Fi.
I really thought things were going well between us, but Nila seems flighty.
Or maybe I’m the problem.
I don’t even know anymore.
I just don’t want to lose her.
“Cameron,” Tina calls from the hallway. “Why don’t you come sit down with Dr. Shadid for a few minutes.”
“Can I make a phone call?” I ask, my voice coming out thicker than I intended it to. “I just need to talk to someone.”
“I’m sorry, but it’s not within the proper hours for calls.”
“And this whole thing doesn’t warrant an exception?” I squeeze my eyes shut for a few long seconds, counting to five in my head before opening them.
Tina is looking up at me, her lips pursed. “Let’s just go sit down with Dr. Shadid, and then I’ll see what I can do about allowing a phone call.”
I nod. “Thanks.”
She gives me a half-hearted smile and then waves for me to follow her to the office at the end of the hall. I pass by the lounge and as I peer over, I catch sight of Nila sitting on the couch with her phone in her face.
Just what I thought.
She doesn’t look up as we pass by, her eyes fixated on a video playing across the screen. I start to wonder if this is it.
Maybe she’s going to hate me now.
And she’s right. What if this whole incident gets leaked to the press? This isn’t going to look good on me or the team. It might even end my career.
My stomach knots up with anxiety as Tina gestures for me to step into Dr. Shadid’s office.
“Cameron,” he greets me, his voice flat as he looks over the dark rims of his glasses. “It’s nice of you to join me.”
“Where’s Samuel?” I ask, glancing around the room.
“We’ll speak a little later once his nose has been taken care of.” Dr. Shadid lets out a heavy breath. “Why don’t you take a seat? Do you need some water?”
I eye the chair and then take a seat, shaking my head. “I’m good for now. Thanks.”
He nods and then looks at Tina. “I’ve got it from here.”
She gives us both a terse smile and then slips from the room, shutting the door behind her. I listen to the click and then look back to Dr. Shadid. His expression is unmoving. I squirm in the chair.
“So ... why don’t you tell me what happened today?” He picks up a pen and notepad and clicks the pen. “I’d like to know where you’re at with this whole thing.”
I chew on the inside of my cheek. “Um...”
His thin lips curl upward into an understanding smile. “This is a judgment-free zone, Cameron. You can just tell me what happened and we can go from there. I’m bound by confidentiality. Nothing about this conversation leaves the two of us.”
“But Nila—”
“I won’t share it with Nila.”
