Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 67355 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 337(@200wpm)___ 269(@250wpm)___ 225(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 67355 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 337(@200wpm)___ 269(@250wpm)___ 225(@300wpm)
In the end that got me labeled as anti-social and aggressive. The aggressive label I’m certain had more to do with the fact that I was the only black woman in that practice but nonetheless, once I landed on her bad side, she found ways to nitpick everything I did, from the way I interacted with my clients to how I filled out forms.
When I was removed from the website with no explanation, I knew it was her way of telling me to she wanted me out. Lucky for me, by then I’d already started looking for other places of employment and landed here.
Dr. Becker’s practice is smaller with only three other therapists, but I appreciate his professionalism. He’s friendly without being too intrusive and he allows his subordinates to do their jobs freely without having to worry that every decision we make will be scrutinized under a microscope.
But lately, I’ve noticed he’s gotten a little too friendly. If I didn’t know any better I’d think he’s interested in me in a romantic capacity. He’s not a bad looking guy. Tall and lean with russet hair and sherry brown eyes. I wouldn’t call him classically handsome, but he has a pleasant face. If he wasn’t my boss, I might be interested but it was never a good idea to get involved with coworkers. It rarely works out.
“Dr. Becker, I’m not certain that would be a good idea. Besides, you deserve the proper respect for your title.”
He chuckles lightly. “You know I don’t stand on formality here but you always insist. However, if we’re ever outside of the office you can drop the title. Anyway, I wanted to check in on you to see how you’re doing. You seemed a bit distracted when you came into the building this morning.”
“Did I? “ I shrug with a nonchalance I don’t feel. I’d tried hard not to overthink the phone call I’d received this morning as I headed to work.
“Yes, you’re usually a lot more upbeat.” He holds up his hands and waves them frantically. “Not that you have to be cheerful whenever you come in. Everyone can’t be in the best of moods at all times or else we wouldn’t be human. I’m just concerned is all.”
I’m not close enough to anyone at work to confide my concerns to, especially my boss so I don’t know what compels me to blurt out, “I talked to my father today and he seemed, different.”
Dr. Becker cocks his head to the sides and rubs the pad of his thumb across his chin. “Hmm, different in what way?”
“I don’t know? I can’t put my hand on it. But I was thinking since I don’t have anyone scheduled for Monday and two sessions in the morning, I can drive down to visit him for the long weekend.”
“How long has it been since your last visit?”
“A few months ago. It’s probably the longest it’s been in between visits so this is my sign to head down there.”
“That sounds like a plan. If you need anything while you’re down there, please don’t hesitate to call me. I know you only see me as your boss, Zora, but I’d like to think we could be friends as well.”
I give him a noncommittal smile. What could I say to him without either hurting my feelings or jeopardizing my job?
Thankfully he seems to take the hint but not before giving my shoulder a light tap. “It’s okay. Just know that I’m here for you.”
“Thank you.”
I breath a heavy sigh of relief when he closes the door behind him. Maybe I’ve misinterpreted his actions and he’s just being friendly. I’ve been known to overthink things more than I should.
A knot forms in my stomach as I think about heading home and I can’t exactly pinpoint why. My father is the most important person in the world to me and I enjoy our visits. But our last few phone conversations have worried me.
My father’s jovial personality radiates wherever he goes, even through the phone but lately I’ve picked up some weird undertones. I know my dad well and he’s always been strong and lively. But this morning, he sounded…old.
It’s pointless to call my brother about my concerns because the only person Langston Knight cares about is himself. It’s hard to believe someone as wonderful as my dad could breed such a selfish creep. For Dad’s sake I try to be as cordial as possible with him on the rare occasions our paths cross but that man could test the patience of a saint.
I’m always eager to see my dad, but for some reason, I have a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach and I can’t quite shake it. Something is going on with my father that he isn’t telling me and I’m almost certain that something is bad.