Page 14 of Someday You Learn

Robert has only been practicing a few days a week as it is, but on the days when he’s here, things definitely run more smoothly. This means that Seth and I are going to have to pick up the slack.

But that’s not the only thing on my mind.

Dr. O’Neil is only getting older. I think all of us are wondering how much longer he is going to push himself until he finally realizes it’s time to retire.

“Everyone needs to be on top of things this week and communicate effectively. No calling out unless absolutely necessary,” Beth says as everyone nods in agreement. “I will be visiting Dr. O’Neil later tonight to check on him and bring him some paperwork.” She slides a card out from under the stack of papers on her clipboard. “I thought it would be nice if we all sign this card for him too, just so he knows we’re thinking of him.”

The staff practically lunges at Beth with their pens poised while I head back to my office to look at the calendar and see what I can move around. I usually take a long lunch on Thursdays at Catch & Release, my brother Dallas’s restaurant, but I’m not sure I’ll have time now, so I shoot off a text to him while I have a free minute.

Me:Not sure I’m gonna make it for lunch tomorrow. Dr. O’Neil fell this morning so we’re down a physician.

He responds almost immediately.

Dallas:That sucks. Is he okay?

Me:Apparently nothing is broken, but the man is getting up there in age. I hope he takes this as a sign to slow down.

Dallas:You think he might retire sooner than later?

Me: Ha…maybe. I’ll stop by and visit him this weekend and try to see where his head’s at.

Dallas:And convince him to leave the practice to you and not Doctor Brown Nose?

Me:In a roundabout way…yeah.

Dallas:Are you sure? You’re already married to your job. There’s more to life than work.

This is rich coming from my former Marine brother who owns his own business. Before Willow came into his life, he was a workaholic too. But love made him change his ways, which is another reason I’m glad I dodged that bullet. I’ve worked too hard to give up now.

Me:You found a good woman. Not all of us are as lucky. I’m just fine with my job as my wife.

Dallas:Does the animal hospital have devices that can suck your dick for you that I’m not aware of then? Or did you finally buy the breast pump you were trying on for size when we were shopping for baby shit with Grady?

Me:I’m going to tell Willow you only keep her around to suck your dick. She’ll love that.

Dallas:Don’t you fucking dare say that to my pregnant wife, asshole. She is very sensitive right now.

Dallas and Willow found out she was expecting soon after they got married last summer. She’s due this May, which is about three months away, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed watching him walk on eggshells around his pregnant wife.

Me:Then stop telling me how to live my life.

Dallas:I’m just looking out for you since you’re too fucking stubborn to think about the future. It’s the curse of being the oldest brother.

Me:I do think about the future and I know I’m happiest alone.

Dallas:Fine. Text me tomorrow if you can make it in for lunch. You know the boys and I always enjoy your grumpy ass.

Dallas, Grady, and Penn, my other brother, love to ruffle my feathers at these lunches. But after Penn nearly choked me out one day because I was giving them shit about their relationships, I’ve learned there are lines you don’t cross—even with brothers.

Penn said it was because I was jealous, but that’s not it at all.

Would I have been married already if I hadn’t forced my fiancée to confront her demons?

Yes.

Would I be a lovesick man like my brothers, attached to a woman because she made my life better than it was before?

Maybe.

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