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I rolled my eyes, finally slumping forward. “That’s not the same thing at all.”
“Of course not, sweetheart. Just as I’m sure your constant check-ups about our health are unrelated to your job.”
“Trying to make sure Tony takes his damn blood pressure medicine is not the same,” I argued, knowing full well she was right. I also knew she delighted in bickering with me. Then again, I suppose a therapist either had to have a thick skin or enjoy a bit of verbal back and forth.
“I’m sure.”
“You’re awful. I hope you know that.”
“I’m aware,” she said with a sureness that made me roll my eyes.
“So what, I go back to jumping off things then?” I asked.
“No, I think you should find another long-term placement if you can. I know for a fact you’ve been doing these short-term, fill-in positions at your own request. And I’m sure your employer would happily have you back on long-term placements, considering that’s generally what you’re there for.”
“Probably,” I said with a heavy sigh. “And me not arguing with you isn’t admitting that you’re right.”
“Oh, I would never think that.”
“Or that I’m considering doing it either.”
“Absolutely not. I wouldn’t dare to presume anything of the sort.”
She was a damned liar and we both knew it. I could picture her sitting in her office with a smirk as she waited for me to cave. I, of course, had no intention of giving her what she wanted, especially when I knew it would make her even more insufferable the next time I came to her for advice.
“Ugh,” I grunted, standing up so quickly the man across from me looked startled. I winced apologetically at him and walked out of the smoking area. “Fine. My break is almost over anyway. I’ll go in there and ask.”
“I think that would be for the best,” she said, and her tone softened. “And I mean it, Kevin, I think you should get back on the horse. There are plenty of people out there who deserve to have someone like you taking care of them.”
I sighed, finally giving in completely and smiling. “Alright, well, there’s nothing I can say against that. It’s cheating. I hope you know that. And emotional manipulation!”
“Oh, Kevin,” she said with a laugh. “I love you, sweetheart. I look forward to hearing about the next person you care for.”
“I love you too,” I told her, ending the call and stuffing my phone back in my pocket before entering the building.
Despite not admitting Sheila and Diane were right, I headed straight for my supervisor’s office. I found her bent over her desk, squinting at her keyboard. She tapped the thing roughly, then looked up at the screen, only to scowl and repeat the process.
“Having issues?” I asked as I entered.
“I’m certain technology despises me. It has become sentient and a hivemind, collectively deciding I’m not fit to use it. No matter what I do, something goes wrong,” Rhonda complained, gesturing angrily toward the screen.
There was some truth to that. I had witnessed more than my fair share of technological shenanigans from her. A device could work flawlessly for anyone else, but the minute she tried to use it, the thing would go on the fritz. She had to rely on others to make copies or send faxes, and even the coffeemaker refused to work right for her. I knew it wasn’t user error because she was generally pretty good about ensuring she was doing the right thing before complaining it was going wrong.
Still, I had to ask. “Is your keyboard plugged in?”
“I unplugged it and plugged it back in several times. I’ve tried reinstalling the drivers for this damned thing, and I’ve restarted the computer twice,” she groused, pushing away from the desk with a huff. “It’ll start working for me when it finally decides I’ve suffered enough. Please tell me you’re not in here with bad news.”
I laughed. “Why do you always assume someone’s coming to you with bad news?”
“Because no one comes to see me when things are going smoothly, that’s part and parcel of being in charge,” she said with a sigh.
“Or maybe they just enjoy basking in the warmth of your presence,” I offered with a smile.
“Kev, you’re cute, but you’re not that cute. And you’re not that good a liar either,” she told me with a smile. “Now, what is it?”
“I know I’ve been…keeping away from long-term assignments. And I know that hasn’t exactly helped you do your job.” Because somehow, we were always understaffed.
Her smile softened. “Well, it’s for a good reason. I know you took Mrs. Cafferty’s death pretty hard.”
