Page 47 of He Doesn't Deserve You

“Seventeen,” Principal Grover replied. “Do you know how many days of school we’ve had so far?”

Gabriel shook his head.

“Thirty-five. They’ve been tardy half the time,” Principal Grover said sternly. “And that doesn’t count the absences. This is unacceptable, Dr. Anderson. Do you understand the severity of the situation? If they continue on this path, they will be held back.”

“I understand,” Gabriel said, standing up. “I’ll take care of it.”

“Sit down, we’re not finished,” Principal Grover said, raising his voice in authority.

Gabriel reluctantly took his seat, and the principal continued, “I’ve had numerous discussions with Mrs. Anderson about this matter, but nothing has changed. I was hoping that, as their father, you would understand the importance of discipline for teenage boys. There needs to be consequences for their behavior. Do you agree?”

“Yes.”

“I’m going to issue both boys detention, but I think it’s crucial that they also receive punishment at home.”

Just then, Gabriel’s phone beeped, indicating a new text message. He pulled it out of the inside pocket of his suit and read the message.

It was from his secretary: Dr. Lucas wants to see you ASAP.

Great, Gabriel thought.What else could go wrong this morning?He stood up, exhaling deeply. “I have to go,” he said, stuffing his phone back into his pocket. “I’ll handle the boys,” he assured as he hurried out of the office.

“See that you do,” Principal Grover called after him.

Gabriel hurried to his car and quickly called his secretary, hoping the situation wasn’t as dire as it seemed.

“Hey, it’s me. I’m on my way now. Did Dr. Lucas mention why he needs to see me?”

“No, he didn’t give any details. But, I have to warn you, he’s not in a good mood.”

“Okay, thanks. I’ll be there in five.”

“See you soon.”

Exactly five minutes later, Gabriel arrived at the office and handed his briefcase to his secretary. “Can you put this in my office, please?” he requested, before heading directly to Dr. Lucas’s office. He tapped lightly on the door and waited until he heard, “Come in,” then stepped inside.

“You wanted to see me?” Gabriel said as he took a seat. “I only have a minute; I’m backed up with patients.”

“Don’t worry about that,” Dr. Lucas said, “I’m going to reassign your patients.”

“What? Why?” Gabriel asked, taken aback. “Just because I was late? I’m here now. I can catch up. I’ll stay late if I have to.”

“Your tardiness today was the final straw. Your work has been deteriorating for months. You’re making mistakes and it’s evident to everyone that you’re distracted,” Dr. Lucas stated sternly. “You’ve been on thinice since the lawsuit, Gabriel. I expected improvement, but things have only gotten worse. You might not be aware, but the partners wanted to terminate you. I managed to negotiate a leave of absence as a compromise. If you don’t accept this, you will be fired.”

“How long?” Gabriel asked.

“I don’t know. Until you get your life straightened out, I guess,” Dr. Lucas said.

With no other option, Gabriel reluctantly agreed. “Okay,” he said, thinking the discussion was over, he stood to leave.

“There’s something else,” Dr. Lucas added, stopping him in his tracks.

Gabriel sank back into his chair, feeling utterly defeated. “What?”

“It’s about Maggie.” Dr. Lucas sighed heavily. “Do you have any idea where she might be?”

“No,” Gabriel replied, his voice defensive. “How would I know where she is?”

Dr. Lucas leaned forward, his tone growing more serious. “Listen, I’m not going to pretend I haven’t heard the rumors about the two of you. She hasn’t shown up for work, and no one has seen or heard from her in three days. If you have any idea where she might be or the reason for her absence, now is the time to come forward.”

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