Page 34 of Now & Forever
Chapter 8
James
Patrick’s health scare had been enough to send James to his doctor later that week. He had an hour to spare between a business lunch and a gathering with his peers at a local lounge. Plenty of time for his doctor to draw some blood and take his usual vitals.
And ask a slew of invasive questions.
Doubtlessly this doctor, who was known for being one of the best for anyone with means, had heard the rumors that James’s son had not been conceived via conventional means. Yet James had never suggested otherwise. Which was why he wasn’t surprised when the doctor started asking after his sexual health as if he planned on having more kids anytime soon.
The doctor’s job wasn’t to judge, after all. He could easily assume that James was knocking up Cassandra every two years. He could also follow that up with, “So how’s Gwen?”
James rolled down his sleeves while the doctor washed his hands in the nearby sink. “Gorgeous and not taking any flak from anyone. Least of all me.”
Chuckles overpowered the flow of water from the tap. “Sounds like the perfect woman. I’ll be sure to share that sentiment with my wife later.” The sink turned off. The doctor turned around, paper towel in his hand. “Is she doing okay since the, uh…”
That could’ve meant a number of things, but James had a good feeling this wasn’t about the surprise stepson Gwen received one day. “She’s doing great. Keep trying to convince her that we should go on a trip soon. Get out of town, you know. It’s been a dire winter with all the damned snow and dreariness of… well, you know.”
“Indeed, I do.” The doctor crossed his arms. “Did you follow my recommendation for a relationship counselor?”
“Ah, no…” James rubbed the back of his neck. “I brought it up, but she wasn’t into it.”
“It’s true that it doesn’t work that well unless you both want it. Yet the counselor I referred you to is one of the best in the state. Can’t go wrong with her.”
“Does that mean she has a 100% success rate?”
“Nobody does,” the doctor said with a laugh. “You’re a businessman. You know how true that is.”
James sighed. “Thanks. I’ll try bringing it up again.”
“Tell her that there are a lot of new treatments these days that can help a woman in her position.”
“Thanks.” James hoped the doctor would leave it there. He meant well, but he never heard what Gwen said late at night, when she had one too much to drink and looked at her partner’s cock as if it were a free-for-all buffet.One week since I knew such loveliness.Still didn’t compare to how it used to be.
James texted Cassandra on his way out of the doctor’s office. She confirmed that their son – who had been back home for a few days – was almost finished with his flu, and James was more than welcome to come visit whenever was good for him.
He checked his watch before replying,“I’d rather talk to you, if it’s all right. Can you meet me downtown in fifteen minutes?”
