Page 5 of Only You

Two

Jack strode into Dr. O’Neal’s office, pulling his rolling case of samples behind him. He worked for a major pharmaceutical company that produced a variety of drugs. His job included delivering these drugs to doctors in his assigned area of Rochester, Michigan. Jack had gone into medical sales because jobs were plentiful, profitable, and offered opportunities for advancement. His goal was to become a sales manager instead of toting drugs around and schmoozing doctors. Although it had its advantages.

Missy, Dr. O’Neal’s receptionist, greeted him. “Hello, Jack.”

“Hey, Missy. How’s it going?”

“Better now that you’re here.”

Jack chuckled. He and Missy had been flirting for months, but he had done nothing about it. It went with the job, and he didn’t take it seriously. “Is the doc in?”

“He’s with a patient right now, but he should be done in a few minutes. Would you like some coffee?”

“Sure. If you don’t mind.”

“Not at all. Be right back.” Missy went into an alcove with a coffee station.

While her back was turned, Jack perused her, noting her curves in the scrubs. Missy was attractive, but she didn’t knock his socks off. Sadly, nobody had knocked his socks off in quite a while.

Missy returned and handed him a Styrofoam cup. “Here you go.”

“Thanks.”

She watched him while he sipped the lukewarm coffee. “So, Jack. I have a question for you.”

“Shoot.”

“Are you single?”

Caught off guard, he stared at her. He’d expected a professional question, not a personal one.

She giggled nervously. “Sorry. I shouldn’t have asked.”

Jack quickly recovered. “No. It’s fine.” He paused. “I have a girlfriend,” he blurted out.

Her shoulders slumped. “I figured.”

“I’m flattered you asked, though.”

Missy gave him a wobbly smile. Then, Dr. O’Neal appeared and interrupted their awkward exchange.

“Jack. Good to see you,” the doctor said.

“You too. Can I steal a few minutes of your time?” Jack asked.

Dr. O’Neal looked at Missy.

“Your next appointment is in fifteen minutes,” she said.

Dr. O’Neal smiled at Jack. “C’mon back.”

Jack wheeled his case through the door that led to the examining rooms, glancing at Missy as he went past. She’d sat down and her gaze was pinned to her computer screen. Jack followed the doctor into his private office and conducted business as usual. On the way out, he stopped to say goodbye to Missy, but she was talking to a patient and didn’t acknowledge him.

As he drove to his next appointment, Jack felt guilty for lying to Missy. If Kayla agreed to move in with him, he’d have to continue lying for the next six weeks. Or I could scrap this crazy idea!

Just then, his phone rang, and Kayla’s name appeared on the display. Speak of the devil. She’s not the devil. I am. “Hey,” he answered.

“Hey. Do you have time to meet for lunch today?”