Page 79 of Asystole

I look at her like, ‘Are you serious right now?’

“The washer and dryer are right behind you,” I point out, trying like hell to rein in my annoyance.

I can’t even call it a laundry room because it’s technically just a closet along the back wall of the kitchen. I mean, I know this place is small, but until now, the only time it ever felt cramped was when Chase and I were actively trying to avoid each other; otherwise, I like being able to see and hear him from every room. But with Kendra here, despite her small stature, it already feels like the walls are closing in.

This bitch tosses the towel so that it lands halfway in and halfway out of the washer before turning back to my refrigerator and pulling out the carton of eggs.

It’s going to be a long fucking day.

Week?

“So, Kendra, how, uh, how long do you plan on staying?” I ask, knowing I’m being totally obvious, but she’s been here twenty whole minutes, and she’s making my fucking teeth itch.

Popping her head around the side of the refrigerator door, she smiles.

“Well, our anniversary is tomorrow, so I want to do something special for him,” she says sweetly. “And then I was hoping maybe he could show me all the cool tourist spots in Boston. So probably through the weekend.”

Oh, for fuck’s sake. Tomorrow is their anniversary? I’m going to have to rent a hotel room.

“Hey,” I say, answering Chase’s call at six p.m., hoping like hell he’s calling to tell me he’s on his way home.

Kendra has been prattling on all day. I’m trying to play nice host, but it’s incredibly hard when she’s hellbent on being a not-nice guest.

“How’s it going over there?” he asks by way of greeting.

I slip off the couch and move to my room, shutting the door behind me and moving into my bathroom for some semblance of privacy, even though I know there is none.

“Just tell me you’re almost home,” I whisper.

I can hear him wince.

“Actually, I’m calling because I’m going to be late. I mean, later than I thought. Dr. Fetterman asked me to do night rounds with another intern after conference.

My initial instinct is to be outraged on Chase’s behalf. These cocksuckers do nothing but make demands on him and his time. But I also know that making him feel bad about it when he’s already stressed isn’t going to help him.

So, instead, I try to offer reassurance so he can focus on what needs to get done tonight.

“No worries. There will be lasagna in the fridge when you get home if you want it.”

“Thank you. What about Kendra?” he asks.

“Yeah, I’ll feed her, too.”

Chase huffs a laugh, but then says, “No, I mean…how is she?”

“Um, well, I’ve never met her until today, so I don’t really know how to answer that, unless she’s kind of a brat every day, but we’re doing fine. She doesn’t know that I told you she’s here, though, so just do me a favor and act surprised whenever you see her, okay?”

“It won’t be an act,” he says. “I’ve gotta go, but Logan? I really appreciate this.”

“Anytime.”

I give myself a solid minute before moving to the living room to deliver the news. Looks like Kendra and I are dining alone.

Chapter 30

Chase

Less than five minutes after I get off the phone with Logan, I get a call from Kendra. I briefly think about not answering, but I don’t want Logan to have to deal with the fallout.