Page 73 of My Merry Mistake
“I’m actually trying to sort that out now,” she says, relaxing her arms. “I think there’s been a mistake. Maybe you could help me?”
“Help you how?”
“I just need someone to pass the message up the chain that I’m good to go back to work.”
Doc looks confused. His eyes dart briefly to me, then he smiles warmly at Raya. “Did you get the email about your time off?”
“Not yet,” she says. “I spoke with Brian, and I came straight down here to, uh—” She looks at me, and I barely resist finishing her sentence withrip this innocent man a new one, even though he did nothing wrong.
“The email came from me, Miss Hart,” Doc says. “I’m the one who put you on leave.”
She doesn’t seem to understand for a few seconds. “I’m sorry. You?—?”
“I talked to Dr. Gilroy yesterday,” he says. “I called to get an update, check up on you, make sure everything was okay. Since I was with you when the paramedics got here, they looped me in. We discussed your condition, and he told me his recommendations.”
I see comprehension spread over Raya’s face like honey dripping down the outside of a jar. She turns her head slightly, her eyes darting to me and then back to Dr. Marshall.
“If you want to come into my office, we can discuss this in private.” He motions down the hall toward his office, presumably because he’s not accustomed to discussing medical issues in the hallway.
She ignores that, and even though I’m feeling slightly vindicated, I don’t relish it. Raya is spinning out.
“Dr. Marshall,” she says after a pause. “I . . . I’m not sure what I’m supposed to do with that. I have to work.” The desperation seeps through her words.
“Miss Hart.” Doc puts a hand on her shoulder, and I hope the tension in her starts to ease. “Your body is trying to get your attention. From what I understand, you came from a high-stress environment to this job, which can also be pretty high stress. And you’re a great employee. The best, according to Brian. But he also said you look for ways to take on work that’s not yours, that you go above and beyond what is required, and that you will not accept anything but perfection.”
I bite my tongue. He’s just completely read her mail.
“You’re running yourself ragged. It’s unhealthy. If you don’t slow down, your body is going to make you slow down.”
Her gaze falls to the floor. I really hope these words are sinking in and not sliding off.
“Think of this like a warning shot,” he says.
“Plus, you’ve earned some time off, I think.” He squeezes her arm. “And just in time for the holidays. It’s great timing.”
Even though she’s still looking at the floor, I can see that she doesn’t agree.
“After a few weeks, come back in, and we’ll do a quick assessment to make sure you’re good to get back at it, okay?”Dr. Marshall says. “I promise the place won’t burn down without you.”
“Thanks, Dr. Marshall,” Raya says quietly. “Honestly. Thank you. Have a good Thanksgiving.”
“You too, Miss Hart.” He looks at me. “Have a great game tonight, Finn.”
Once he’s gone, I look at Raya. She’s completely deflated, her bravado evaporated into the ether. She looks up at me, and there’s just a little bit of fight left in there.
“Fine. It wasn’t you,” she says.
I can’t help myself. “I tried to tell you . . .”
She scoffs, rolls her eyes, and storms off down the hall.
And I watch until she disappears around the corner, wondering how to help someone who doesn’t think they need it.
Chapter Nineteen
Raya
By the next morning, I’m more convinced than ever that this is a huge mistake.
