STRANGER CALLING

LIBRA HOROSCOPE (from astrology.com): A big interruption comes at just the wrong moment today — but it’s not all bad! In fact, you may get great news or reunite with someone you haven’t seen in ages, so try not to let it bother you.

Laura’s Log:
Monica Tremont took me to lunch today. She tried to act all casual about the invitation. Partners love taking out peon office assistants every now and then. Right. This was about the Derrick debacle, plain and simple. She never came out and said as much. Instead, she kept things vague. “So how are you liking the firm?” I responded in kind. “It’s fine. So far, so good.”

That left forty-five minutes for chitchat over sushi. Talked that California roll to death. As Monica was in the middle of telling me where to get good sushi in Steveston—not that I asked or even cared—Edie shouted my name, came over and gave me a big, fake hug.

“Are you in town visiting?” I asked after introducing my cousin to Monica.

“No. I’m back! Done my time in Toronto and now it’s all West Coast, baby!” I cringed. Didn’t matter what city Edie was in. The worlds ALWAYS revolved around her.

She pulled up a chair and unpacked her takeout. It was a weird experience. I was both mortified and relieved. Suddenly neither Monica nor I had to squeeze out anymore conversation from raw fish. It was all Edie.

She got me through one lunch, but how was I going to get through countless future family events with Edie back in town?

KEN’S JOURNAL:
HAD THE FIRST SESSION OF THE DAY WITH BRAD AGAIN TODAY. I WAS ACTUALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO IT. I HAD WOMEN TO DISCUSS & NONE OF THEM WAS CLARA. THERE WAS LAURA AND THE UNFORTUNATE BEER SPILLAGE INCIDENT, GOLDA AND INSTANT COMFORT AND CARL/CARLA AND MY ALLEGED LESBIAN HATING. A FULL HOUR’S AGENDA.

I’D BARELY BROUGHT UP LAURA WHEN BRAD’S CELL RANG. “I’M SORRY. I HAVE TO TAKE THIS.” HE STEPPED INTO THE WAITING ROOM AND LEFT ME FOR FIFTEEN MINUTES TO REHASH THE LAURA ENCOUNTER ON MY OWN. DID I HAVE TO PAY FOR SELF-THERAPY?

HE BARGED BACK IN, QUICK WITH HIS WORDS. “I HAVE A PATIENT WHO MAY HAVE JUST ATTEMPTED SUICIDE. WE’LL HAVE TO RESCHEDULE. YOUR ISSUES CAN WAIT.”

YES, I HOPE THE PATIENT SURVIVES. BUT, FOR A MOMENT, I WAS THRILLED. MY ISSUES COULD WAIT. MAYBE I WASN’T SUCH A NUT JOB.