Page 27 of Mr. B

“Should I open the office back up?”

“I guess you should. And get Roland in here to fix the hole in Dr. Jordan’s wall.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Today. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind a little O.T.”

“I’ll take care of it.”

“We’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Have a good night.”

Wes opened the door and held it for Cassandra, then they headed for the parking lot. “We’ll take my car.”

“I’m perfectly capable of driving, Wes.”

“I’ll bring you back for your car after we eat.”

“You’re making too big a deal about this.” They arrived at his Wagoneer. “I can’t believe you’re still driving this thing. How is it still running?”

“My dad and Abe put a new engine in it a few years ago. The transmission has been replaced. It’s practically new under the hood.”

She ran a hand along the wood grain panel on the side. “We did have some—” He opened the door for her, and she got in without finishing the sentence.

Wes went around the front end and got in behind the wheel, then he turned to her. “Did that kid touch you in any way?”

“No.”

“But you were afraid he was going to.”

She put a hand on his arm. “You came charging in before I had a chance to go there.”

“I didn’t…I wasn’t too…”

“You showed restraint as far as I’m concerned.”

“Has that happened to you before? You’ve worked with a lot of troubled kids.”

“I’ve had a few confrontational patients. But my old office was a lot bigger than this one is.”

“I imagine your take-home pay was too.”

She smiled. “Yes, but that’s okay. I’m enjoying my new position.”

“Okay.” He turned back to the wheel and started the car. “Let’s go eat.”

Abe didn’t hold back his surprise when Wes walked into Rocco’s with Cassandra. He gave Wes a wave from the kitchen as Maggie walked up to them.

“Hi. Are you here to eat?”

“Yeah. Can we get a booth?”

“Of course.”

They followed Maggie to a booth away from the other customers. “Here you go. Coffee? Soda? Beer?”

Cassandra sat down. “Water for me.”