Page 29 of No Going Back

Chapter 6

Tyler sat in his jeep outside Onyx. Jeez, he’d really screwed up. With his team leader and Mira. Leaning his head back on the headrest, he closed his eyes. Should he go to Mira? Talk to her? It was the middle of the day, she’d be working. Probably not the best time to have a conversation. And what was he going to say?

Damn, Dex was right, his head was fucked up. He did want more with Mira. He just didn’t know if he was capable. Sighing, he pulled out his cell and dialed.

“Hi Claire, it’s Tyler Mason.”

“Hi Tyler, good timing, I just finished up with a patient. What can I do for you?”

“I was wondering if I could schedule an appointment?”

“Is this an after-op mandatory evaluation?”

“No. This is er...a personal matter.” Tyler closed his eyes. Was he really going to do this?

“Of course, when were you thinking?”

“I know you’re busy, but sooner rather than later.” Before he changed his mind.

“Are you free now?”

“Now?” He opened his eyes. Shit, that was really soon. “Er, yes, I am.”

“I had a cancellation. Shall I come to Onyx?”

“No. I’d rather come to your office, if that works?” He didn’t want his team or anyone at the Farm seeing him with Claire.

“No problem at all. Head on over.”

Twenty minutes later, Tyler stood in Claire’s office at Westside Hospital. He’d never been here before; Claire usually came to the Farm to do the team’s mandatory psyche evaluations. Her office was simple. He wasn’t sure what he had been expecting, but it wasn’t this. A small desk was set to one side, two large leather couches had a coffee table in between. Plants, a bookcase, and some bright, colorful, abstract art.

“Were you expecting a chaise lounge, so you could lie down?” Claire smiled.

Tyler grinned. “Yeah, something like that. Watched too many TV shows, I guess.”

He liked Claire, even if she did have an unhealthy love of country music. At five foot two, she was dwarfed by the team, but she held her ground with them and didn’t take any bullshit. The petite redhead could stop them operating with one word to Sam. Tyler respected her, as did the rest of the team. They understood that she had a job to do just like they did. Coming here voluntarily though, was a little out of his comfort zone.

“You’re welcome to lie on the couch, if you want.” She offered a small smile.

Was she joking? “No, I’m good sitting. Thanks.”

“Make yourself comfortable.”

Tyler sat on one of the couches. Claire sat across from him on the other in her jeans and t-shirt emblazoned with “This girl is powered by coffee and country music”.

“Nice shirt.” He smiled.

“Never truer words said.” She grinned. “So, what brings you to see me?”

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