Page 20 of The Holidays with Dr. Mitchell
“No problem, lover,” he teased.
“You’re up the same fucking creek as your boyfriend,” Spencer said with his usual arrogance.
“If you know something we don’t, Monroe, you’d better spill it now,” I said.
“You think everything’s fine because you’ve called out for dinner twice this week, yet you’re out with the guys tonight instead of with your beautiful wife?” Sebastian chimed in.
He knew something, too. I swear this was like high school life all over again, except Jim’s best buds were all executives who ran companies. Mine were doctors who, since we were all keeping score tonight, were a bunch of screw-ups barely hanging onto their marriages. Except for John Aster, I guess. He and Mickie were inseparable, but they shared the same profession and worked in the same office, so they didn’t count.
“No, Jake’s onto something,” Collin said, waving his fork toward the four smirking men across from us. “You dipfucks know something we don’t. Better start talking,” Collin challenged.
“It’s nothing. It’s just that word got to Avery that Ash is having a tough time right now, being lonely and shit,” Jim diffused the escalating conversation.
Collin chuckled. “Never a good idea to let the wife become lonely, man,” he said while I glared at him.
I felt hurt that Ash felt this way so much that she’d brought it to Avery’s attention, and now, it was coming up at the dinner table with the men. Fuck me. Seb was right; I shouldn’t be here. I should be at home with her and the kids on a Friday night.
“Your ass is in the same boat as Jake’s, Col,” Alex said. “Seems you both have lonely wives at home, raising kids while that hospital takes up all your free time.”
I frowned, “If it were that bad, Ash would’ve definitely told me.”
“But she didn’t, did she?” Spencer said. “She told Nat, though. And oncemy wifegets involved, you know it’s all coming out, and one of us or all of us is going to pay.”
“Speak for yourself, Big Bird,” Collin said, making fun of the Halloween costume his wife had made him wear.
“Wait,” I said. “Nat knows my wife is lonely?”
“Better Nat than the fucking pool boy,” Alex said.
“Listen, it’s not all bad. Because of this, you two dumbasses are getting time off for a romantic little getaway,” Jim said.
“What are you talking about? I can’t just take time off work and leave the hospital and my patients for a romantic getaway,” I looked at Collin to see if I was the only one who hadn’t lost their mind at the table.
“Can you afford a divorce?” Alex said.
“No, and don’t be ridiculous. That isn’t going to happen. I’m going to go home, talk to my wife, and we’re going to clear this shit up.”
“Sit down,” Jim said with a sigh. “No, it’s not all that bad. But yes, I’ve talked to Dr. Stone, and he will assume your responsibilities while you’re away with Ash. And you,” he looked at Collin. “Your main man, Dr. Mutton, will cover for you.”
“I’m completely lost,” Collin said. “Laney hasn’t mentioned shit about shit to me.”
“You’re never home, dipshit,” Spencer said. “Listen, Nat suggested that Jim give you two overworked doctors some time away just before the holidays to go on this sex retreat that Nat and I just got back from.”
“Fucking hell,” Sebastian laughed. “It seems neither doctor is arguing, and from the looks on their faces, they’re more than happy to hand over the reins for a much-needed break.”
“No shit,” I said. “When I think about it, I haven’t had arealvacation since my honeymoon. It’s always meeting up somewhere and taking the jet back early for work.”
“Exactly,” Jim smiled. “You’ll both thank me and Spence later for giving you the time off.”
“What’s the fucking catch?” Collin asked, slow to take the bait.
“Smart man,” I said, looking at my best friend. “This is all too fairytale easy, make your wife’s dreams come true type shit.”
“There is no catch unless you don’t like sex,” Spencer said with a grin I didn’t trust.
“How can we trust you both aren’t sending us to the fucking desert or something? There’s always a catch with you assholes,” I said.
“No catch. You’ll be taking the private jet to the Maldives for this exclusive retreat,” Jim said.
