Page 21 of The Doctors Will See You Now

“You need a chaperone anyway,” Colleen scolded me.

I bit my lip to stop myself from laughing and answered as calmly and neutrally as possible. “And why do you say that, Mrs. Linwood?”

“I saw you on the TV. I saw you bat your eyelashes at those women and take off your clothes while all of America watched. I’m not going to let you do anything inappropriate with me, sir.”

Melody sucked her lips into her mouth to stop from laughing, but I just shook my head. I couldn’t believe this shit.

“You’ve been coming to me for years, Colleen. You know me. Have I ever tried anything inappropriate with you?”

“Of course not. But I know how you young people get when you get on TV. Get a big head, think you can touch anyone’s anything anytime you want.”

Melody made big mocking eyes from behind Colleen’s head.

“Well, I assure you,” I comforted, “I have no interest in doing anything but making you relaxed and healthy.”

“I know you’ll behave yourself. We’ve got a chaperone. And by the way you’re looking at her, it’s her you’ve got the hots for.”

I choked on saliva and had to clear my throat violently. Melody looked away, clearly uncomfortable with the insinuation.

“Mmm-hmm,” Mrs. Linwood hummed.

Shit.

“Mrs. Linwood,” I implored. “There is nothing unprofessional going on in this room. I promise.”

Though, I couldn’t say the same for the things I’d imagined doing to Melody in this room. And out of it—in my apartment, on the street, anywhere, really.

“All right.”

“Can we talk about you now?” I asked. “Aren’t you tired of talking about me?”

“I believe I am.”

“Okay, good.” I agreed. “Me too.”

I grabbed the stool and took a seat, wheeling over so I could look her in the eye. “How are you? Any changes?”

“If by changes, you mean have I gone through them?”

I shrugged and nodded.

“No.”

I smiled in sympathy.

“Am I still bleeding all over everyone and everything like a stuck pig?” she went on. “Yes.”

I couldn’t help it. Her colorful description made me smile even bigger.

Unfortunately, thanks to my good nature, the smack to the back of my head took me by surprise.

Apparently, she no longer found me funny.

“Oh my God!” Melody squeaked, clearly as surprised to be witnessing my assault as I was.

She stepped forward clumsily, unsure how to intervene or if she should, but I waved her off.

“It’s okay. It’s fine.”