Page 29 of Feared

Dr. Foster smiled, more warmly. “I know, I hear you. Doctors always tell you to eliminate stress, and that’s completely impossible in the modern world. You’re a lawyer, and stress is part and parcel of your profession.”

“That’s exactly right,” Mary said, without elaborating. She didn’t want to whine about being sued and she knew that Dr. Foster had a full waiting room, having squeezed her in on an emergency basis. “So what do I do about the spotting?”

“Nothing, just try to take it easier. Here, scoot down for me.” Dr. Foster began closing up the stirrups and placing Mary’s legs down under the sheet.

“Can I go back to work?”

“Yes, but no strenuous activities like racquetball.”

“Good, I don’t play racquetball.”

“I do and it’s going to be the death of me.” Dr. Foster smiled. “Any other questions?”

Anthony looked over, frowning. “Dr. Foster, she was at work today. She should go home, right?”

“Maybe, just to relax, though it’s not medically necessary.”

Anthony shot Mary anI-knew-it. “But Doctor, when you say ‘take it easier,’ what do you mean? Should she cut down on her hours at work? Or work part-time?”

Judy squeezed Mary’s hand. “Mare, if you have to, you could take it easier at work, like, take it down to three days a week. I’ll watch your desk and pick up the slack, or you can work from home.”

Dr. Foster shook her head. “There’s no medical reason forMary to do that unless she wants to.” The doctor turned to Mary. “Do you want to?”

“No,” Mary answered, avoiding Anthony’s eye. “But on the other hand, I would never do anything that hurts the baby.”

“Of course not. I wouldn’t advise you to go back to work if I thought it would compromise the pregnancy or the baby.” Dr. Foster put her hand on the doorknob. “But you’re perfectly healthy, proceeding along right on track. Today was a blip on the screen, but that’s it. Feel free to call if you have any other questions and of course if you have any further spotting. Okay?”

“Okay.” Mary smiled, almost reassured. “Thanks so much.”

“Dr. Foster, thanks,” Anthony said, and Judy waved good-bye.

“Thanks from me, the aunt-to-be!”

Dr. Foster smiled. “See you at your next appointment, Mary. Just put your gown in the basket and leave when you’re ready. Take care.” She left the examining room, closing the door behind her.

“Okay,” Mary said, heaving a heavy sigh, and Anthony bent over and gave her a kiss on the forehead.

“That was scary.”

“I bet.” Mary felt a wave of love for him, and concern. “I didn’t mean to freak you out when I called.”

“Not at all, I’m glad you told me.”

“You didn’t tell my parents, did you?”

“Are you nuts?” Anthony smiled crookedly.

“Okay, I won’t go back to work, I’ll go home with you.”

“Yes, the car’s in a lot. You check out, and I’ll come pick you up.”

“No, Anthony, I can go with you.”

Judy touched Mary’s arm. “Mare, Anthony’s right. Let him get the car. You get dressed, and we’ll meet him.”

“Thanks for the assist.” Anthony shot Mary a look. “Hear that, honey? Listen to reason.”

“Or failing that, listen to me.” Judy grinned.