Dr. Grant (Off-Limits)

“I’m sorry, Noah,” Dr. Johnson says, barely able to look me in the eye. “The money they offered me was far more than I was expecting to retire with.”

He looks out the window, his shoulders hunched in defeat, and I follow his gaze. I expected to be in his seat one day. I imagined myself looking out this very window the way he’s doing right now, watching patients drive in and out of the clinic’s parking lot.

My gaze roams over the doctor’s office that was supposed to become mine one day, my heart sinking. I spent months interviewing in search of the perfect practice to join. In the end, I decided to work for Mr. Johnson because he promised he’d let me take over the clinic within a few years. Had I known that he’d sell it just months after I started, I’d never have accepted his offer.

“And you’re certain that they don’t need another general practitioner?”

Dr. Johnson shakes his head. “They want the clinic, but not the staff. I’ve tried to reason with them, but they won’t budge on it.” He inhales deeply, a hint of concern in his eyes. “I know this puts you in a bad position, Noah. I’m sorry to do this to you, and with such late notice too.”

I nod in understanding, even as worry gnaws at me. I can’t blame the old man. He’s only doing what’s best for him and his family. Had I been in his position, I probably would have done the same.

I rise from my seat and offer Dr. Johnson my hand. He shakes it, his grip tight and an apologetic look in his eyes. I was looking forward to learning from him for at least a few more years, but I should’ve known better. I never should’ve expected as much as I did. Life has a way of letting me down every time I get my hopes up.

I’m overcome with worry as I make my way home. I’m drowning in student debt, and my career isn’t starting the way I planned. I thought med school would be my ticket to financial security, but so far all it has landed me with is crippling debt.

Dr. Johnson is letting me go with one month’s notice, but that might not be enough time to find something new.

The house is quiet when I walk in, and today the silence feels suffocating. I pause in the hallway, my eyes drifting over the family photos my sister and I hung on the walls. I spent years studying in an attempt to follow in my father’s footsteps, and part of me feels like I’m not living up to the dreams he had for me.

My sister and I tried so hard to turn this into a home, to leave behind the memories of our parents’ blood staining the floor in our old house. Without a job, I’ll lose the home Aria and I built.

I stare at one of the photos that usually brings a smile to my face. It’s one of me with Aria and my best friend, Grayson. I’m standing in the middle, between them, but despite that, Grayson’s eyes are on Aria. They always have been — he just doesn’t quite realize it yet.

I wonder if today would be any easier if they were here and not a six-hour plane journey away. I’m not sure. Besides, I might very well be seeing them soon if I can’t find a job. I would hate to have to ask Grayson for help, but I might not have a choice.

Gray has offered to pay off my student debt multiple times now, but I don’t ever want to take advantage of him that way. Not unless the situation is truly dire and I’m truly out of options. Which I soon might be.

Three full hours fly by as I call every single person I interviewed with in the last year, everyone that has even remotely indicated that they would be inclined to hire me, only to find that every single position has already been filled. At this rate, I won’t even be working as a doctor for the next couple of months. Finding a good job and getting through the required interviews will take time. Time that I don’t have.

I lean back on the sofa and look around the house, my heart aching. While this isn’t the house that we grew up in, it is the house we turned into a home. How would Aria feel if we lost it? If I’m unable to pay the mortgage, they’ll repossess the house. I’ve failed my sister in many ways, but this? This would break her heart. This home is her safe haven. Despite her moving away to work with Grayson, I want Aria to have a home of her own, even if it’s just to come visit every once in a while.

In the few years before I was old enough to gain custody over Aria, she and I were forced to live with aunt Dorothy, our mother’s cousin, a woman we barely knew. While Aria never complained, I knew she was uncomfortable. I don’t ever again want to be in a position where I’m unable to provide for my sister, no matter how old we get.

I stare at the phone in my hands, desperation drowning out my pride. I know Gray wouldn’t miss the money if I asked for help. If anything, he’d be happy I reached out. That doesn’t make it any easier to ask, though. Making this call feels like failure to me.

Just as I’ve convinced myself to push aside my pride and do what I must… my phone rings. I frown at the unfamiliar number and pick up hesitantly.

“Hi. Is this Dr. Grant?”

I clutch my phone and sit up. “Yes, that would be me.”

The woman on the phone sighs as though in relief. “I’m calling from the human resources department of Astor College.”

I frown, confused why a prestigious private college would call me.

“We have a vacant position at our campus clinic, and Dr. Johnson highly recommended you.”

My mind is buzzing as she walks me through the role. It’s perfect for me. The pay is even better than what I make working with Dr. Johnson, and since the college is close by, I won’t even have to move.

“Would this be something you’re interested in?”

I smile to myself, only barely able to keep from laughing out loud. Would I be interested?

“Yes, that sounds great,” I say, forcing myself to stay calm.

“Perfect,” she says, going straight into scheduling an interview.

I sit back in disbelief as she ends the call and stare at my phone. I scroll through my contacts yet again, but this time I’m smiling as I pause on Grayson’s name.