Page 74 of Interpreter

“What do I look like? Your chauffeur? Get Mason to take you. I haven’t even been home yet.” I look at him and realize he’s still in his suit, not his typical workout attire. “You were in Atlanta?”

“Yeah. Going over a couple of prospects.”

Theo and Hayes are baseball scouts. They started the business when Theo retired from Major League Baseball. He wanted to be closer to Anniston, and when he realized Hayes was just as good at running his mouth, they figured they could make good money together.

“Anniston text you to come get me?”

He shakes his head. “Cade.”

“Oh.” Another reason I need a car. My family is busy. They don’t need to be group chatting about who is available to come pick me up.

“Where is this other place you need to stop?” His fingers drum along the steering wheel, but he faces me long enough that I can read the words on his lips.

“The bank.”

That comment gets the car pulled over and a side-eye that I didn’t want to deal with today.

“I promise, I’ll tell you all everything as soon as we get back to the house. Just not now, okay?”

I don’t want to talk about it. I just want to do it.

“Okay, as long as I get a front row seat to this shitshow.”

“Fair enough.”

We don’t talk to each other after that. Instead, Theo drives in the direction of the bank, barking out something into his phone. I don’t bother trying to decipher what he’s saying. I have my own shit to worry about. Like walking into this building that I haven’t seen in years. My hands fidget, and my chest pounds. Dammit. Dammit. Dammit.

Do not text him. You don’t need his advice.

I pull out my phone anyway.

Tim: I’m going to the bank. Don’t make a big deal out of it.

Dr. Parker: Why would I make a big deal out of it?

Damn, he’s frustrating.

Tim: Because you make a big deal about everything.

Dr. Parker: Why are you going to the bank after all these years of avoiding it?

I sigh into the car, and it earns me a look from Theo.

Tim: Because I need a car. I don’t want to be a burden on my family.

Dr. Parker: Is that the only reason?

Dr. Parker loves to dig. He can’t just appreciate that I’m checking in and proving that I have moved on.

Tim: Before I say any more, I want you to agree this will count as my visit next week.

Dr. Parker: Depends on how fulfilled I am after this conversation.

Tim: You’re a pain in my ass.

Dr. Parker: And you’re stalling. I do have other clients besides you today. Spit it out.

He’s funny, making himself seem all important. His small office can’t have that many clients.

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