Page 155 of Ten Day Affair

I stare into my mug like the coffee’s gonna spell out the answer. “I don’t know what it means. I really don’t.”

Arden waits and doesn’t press.

“He asked to see me again. He said he wants to talk about everything, explain things he didn't say before.”

“And?” she asks.

“I told him I didn't think it was a good idea."

"So that's it? You sleep with him one more time for good measure, and leave all these questions?"

Her eyes flick over me. “You should hear him out.”

I look up. “You just saw me naked with the guy I swore I’d never speak to again, and now you’re telling me to talk to him? Clearly, I have no self-restraint.”

“I’m telling you to get closure,” she says, standing.

I bite my bottom lip, wondering if I can think sensibly with him in person again. Maybe the sex was my way to release on him, and I've gotten it out of my system.

“You’ve been spiraling for months, Sam. This limbo thing you’ve been doing isn't helping your psyche. See him. Ask your questions. Say your piece. Keep your pants on.”

I huff. “Closure, huh? That's what we’re calling rage sex?”

She grins. “Closure can be messy. Just make sure this time you leave with answers instead of rug burns.”

Arden checks her watch and pats her knees. "Shit, I need to get going. My aunt's expecting me, and you know how she gets when people are late."

"Thanks for coming by and for the pep talk. Sorry, again, for that naked welcome."

"You know I love some drama. It was perfect."

My phone rattles against the table. It's an Atlanta area code.

Arden raises an eyebrow. "Answer it. It could be important."

I reach for the phone, but miss the call by half a ring. "Damn it."

A voicemail notification pops up immediately. I tap it and put it on speaker.

"Dr. Taylor, this is Monique Whitaker, outreach programs coordinator at Grady Memorial. I got your message about the mobile clinic ideas and wanted to talk through some details. Give me a call back when you have a chance. Thanks."

Her voice carries that warm, no-nonsense authority I remember from our brief meeting when I was exploring the idea of revitalizing the program.

Arden gives my arm a quick squeeze. "Go change the world."

I laugh despite everything. "Get out of here."

She grabs her bag and heads down the beach path. I wait until she's out of sight, then dial Monique back.

"Monique Whitaker."

"Hi, it's Sam Taylor. Thanks for calling me back."

"Of course. I've been thinking about your interest in the mobile program since we talked. Your message wasexciting. It sounds like you have some good momentum to make it happen."

The ocean stretches endlessly in front of me, waves rolling in a steady rhythm. Do I really want this?

"Yes. I think I do. I put some feelers out, and everyone seemed interested. Dr. O'Brien offered to make it part of the residency hour requirements, which will help get doctors on board."