Page 37 of Pining for Pierce

I head back to my desk, wishing I could have had a more leisurely beginning to my day, but consoling myself that at least it’s Friday, and I’ve got a weekend of doing nothing to look forward to.

I went all out today and had a grilled cheese and ham sandwich for lunch. It was just what I needed, and although it sounds odd, I feel more awake after having eaten it.

The afternoon’s appointments are about to start, although no-one has arrived yet, which is just as well because Doctor Singleton hasn’t come back from lunch. He should have done by now, but there’s no sign of him, and I can’t decide whether to tell Doctor Dodds, or just hope for the best. I guess all the while none of his patients are here, I can just leave it, but…

The door opens and I look up, expecting Doctor Singleton to come hurrying through the door, my breath catching in my throat, when Pierce walks in instead. It’s warm outside, and he hasn’t bothered with a jacket, and is just wearing dark jeans and a pale gray t-shirt. He smiles at me as he closes the door and wanders to my desk, standing on the other side.

I smile back, relieved that at least we’re friends again. I might love him, and want so much more than he’s willing to offer, but I know that will never be. And when all is said and done, friendship is better than nothing. Isn’t it?

“Shouldn’t you be at the store?” I say as he continues to stare.

“Everyone’s entitled to a lunch break.” He rests his hands on the edge of my desk, leaning over as he speaks.

“Sorry.”

He shakes his head. “Don’t apologize. I was kidding.”

“Oh. Did you want anything?”

“Yes. First, I wanted to make sure you’re okay. I would have come down this morning, but I’ve been really busy.”

“I’m sure Mom and Dad will be pleased about that… and I’m fine, thanks.” He doesn’t need to know I burst into tears in front of my boss. I feel like I’ve embarrassed myself enough already.

“That’s good,” he says.

“Was there anything else?”

“Yes.”

He stands up straight, walking around to my side of the desk and perching on the edge. “I need your advice.”

“You do? What about?”

“The same thing I always need your advice about,” he says, pausing and staring down at me.

“A woman?” I say, my heart sinking as he nods his head. How can this be happening again? And again… and a— “Wait a minute. Is this Monica we’re talking about?”

“No.” He shrugs his shoulders. “I was wrong about her. She wasn’t ‘the one’ after all.”

I ought to feel relieved by that, and ordinarily, I would. But he’s come here to ask me about someone else, and to be honest, I’ve had enough.

“I can’t talk now, Pierce. I’m working.”

“I know you are, and if I thought this could wait, I wouldn’t be here. But the thing is, it really can’t.”

“Why not?”

“Because she’s it, Harley.”

“You said that about Monica, if I remember correctly.”

“I know, but like I said, I was wrong about her.”

“And this woman?”

He sighs, a dreamy expression crossing his face. “She’s… She’s everything I’ve ever wanted. She’s the woman of my dreams.”

“Really?” I do my best not to sound like I’d rather be anywhere else than here, although I don’t think I succeed, and he leans a little closer.

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