Page 86 of Fourteen of a Kind

“It went good. I need to talk to you.”

“Okay. Let’s go up to my office. Karla, page me when Mrs. Livingston’s test results come back.”

“Will do, Ella.”

We went up to Ella’s office and took a seat on the couch.

“What’s going on?”

“My Aunt Dorinda is flying in and wants to see me.”

“Oh. How do you feel about that?”

“Not good, but I have to see her. Maybe the three of us can have dinner.”

“I’d like that. You know I have your back.”

“I know you do.” I kissed her. “I haven’t told her about you yet.”

“Then I guess she’ll be surprised. Don’t stress out about her.”

“I’m trying not to. I have to text her my address. Would it be okay if I gave her your address since I’m practically living with you?”

“Yeah, sure. I can have Four Kinds cater dinner for us at the house.”

“Thanks, babe. I love you.” I pulled her into me.

“I love you too. And I mean it. Do not stress out about her. Everything will be okay.”

“With you by my side, I know it will be. I have to scrub in for my next surgery,” I said. “I’ll see you later at home.”

“It’s bonfire night,” she said.

“I know.” I smiled as I left her office.

Two Days Later

Itried to calm the nerves that riveted through my body. Pouring a shot of whiskey, I threw it down the back of my throat.

“Drinking already?” Ella smiled.

“You don’t have any Xanax, do you?” A smirk crossed my lips.

“No.” She walked over and placed her hand on my chest. “Deep breath, Dr. Malone.”

The knock on the front door startled me.

“You better answer that.” Ella reached up and kissed my lips.

I opened the door and stared at my Aunt Dorinda’s smile.

“Graham.” She hugged me. “It feels like it’s been forever since I saw you last.”

“It’s good to see you, Aunt Dorinda. Come in.”

“This is a lovely home. You didn’t tell me you bought a house.”

“It’s not mine.”

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