Satisfaction Guaranteed(42)

Good thing I’m seeing my buddy Herb for a quick round of basketball before work, since time with him tends to keep me chill—he’s a laid-back guy. We catch up on the court in our game of one-on-one.

“And how are all the pampered poodles and teacup Chihuahuas on the Upper East Side doing?” I ask as I shoot.

“They’re all coming to me, so I can’t complain. Business is booming, and it’s nice to be the one calling the shots.”

“I bet it is,” I say, a slight pang of envy stabbing me. Herb’s been running his own practice for a few years, and he’s absolutely loving it.

“You’ll get there soon enough.” He sends the ball soaring, and it drops gracefully through the net. “Besides, don’t you have enough complications at work right now?”

I scoff as I grab the rebound, grateful he knows the basics about Sloane and I don’t have to explain them anew. “That’s a safe way of putting it.”

I’ll just have to keep taking each day as it comes.

I say goodbye, head home for a quick shower, then walk to work.

Before my mind wanders back to thoughts of Sloane tangled up in my sheets, or forward to all those knotty complications at work, I call my mom. We catch up on daily life, with her sharing details on Cole and Porter, and me telling her about work.

“And how is it with Doug still being there?”

I maintain a chipper attitude. “I’m managing just fine. What’s one more year? I’m sure Dad would understand.”

“Darling, your father would be proud of you if you never owned your own practice,” she says firmly.

“I know, but I still want to. It means a lot to me.”

“And I’m proud of you too,” she adds, pressing her point. “You’ve done a lot with your life already. You’re true to your name. You’re a good man, and you’ve been a great junior partner with Doug. I’m sure he values you immensely, so hold on to that.’”

And maybe calling my mom wasn’t the best idea. Now I’m thinking of all the ways Doug might not value me if he knew I’d crossed the line.

I thank her and head into the clinic; say a quick hello to Jonathan and Sam, who are bent over at her desk, laughing at something on her phone; and then meet with Doug to review a study I’ve been working on. He puts on his glasses, reads my notes, and then says, “Damn, it’s as if I’ve trained you well. This is perfect.”

I beam, pleased that the man still respects my work. I return to the front to check out the appointment list for the day, but at the edge of the room, I stop in my tracks.

Jonathan is leaning close to Sam. His hand is on her back. This is a brand-new level of connection between them. “We should go out again tonight,” he says softly.

Their backs are to me. “Do you want to go to that pub quiz at the Grouchy Owl?” she asks.

“Yeah. That sounds awesome.” His hand brushes her back, touching the ends of her hair before he turns around.

When he sees me, his eyes widen into an oh shit expression. I offer a smile. “I definitely think you guys should do the trivia quiz. Also, the Grouchy Owl has great live music.”

Sam winces. “Are we in trouble?”

“Shoot, man. I’m sorry,” Jonathan jumps in.

“Why are you guys sorry? It sounds like you’re having a fun time together. Though, admittedly, I was hoping you were using the movie gift certificates,” I say.

Sam offers a sheepish smile. “This weekend.”

Jonathan shoots me a guilty expression. “There’s probably a rule against this. No fraternizing. We were trying to keep it quiet.”

I clap his shoulder. “It’s all good. There are no rules. Our office is too small for that. And besides, who would make rules like that? I’m just glad it’s going well for you guys.”

I head to my office, snickering, and Sloane pops in for a minute, clicking the door shut. “Is there something in the air at your office? I was bringing you some forms for a doctor’s signature and I overheard.”

“Clearly, there’s some kind of hookup dust here in this office.”

“Either that or there’s something in the water.” She taps her chin. “Maybe I should have another glass.”

“While you’re at it, I’ll take a double,” I joke.

She’s quiet for a minute, then quirks up her lips. “Do you want to go out tonight?”

“To the Grouchy Owl? I like Jonathan and Sam, but I’m not ready to double with my employees.”

She shakes her head. “Someplace else. Something else. Before the main event.”

“Ah, I wonder, wonder, wonder what I have planned on the tour of O-ville tonight,” I say, tapping my chin, mirroring her gesture.

She smiles in appreciation. “Why don’t you work on the Summit Town tour activities, and I’ll plan something for us to do before? Because I was thinking how seductive it was to have dinner and listen to Frank together last night before you began your Orgasm Sherpa work.”

I lean back in my chair, park my hands behind my head, and prop my feet on the desk. For effect, of course. “That was all part of my role, Sloane. But by all means, feel free to sherpa me tonight.”

Her eyes twinkle. “I plan to.”