"I seem to recall that you promised that if ever there was a conflict between us with regards to one of Greeley's patients, that I would have first pi...k. As a matter of fact, I believe 'the Good Doctor' witnessed the agreement." An uncomfortable period of silence followed. When Ray didn't reply, Jack continued, "So here's the way it's going to be, my friend. I'm calling in your 'marker', and taking the Lai girl. You can just pick another from this month's schedule as soon as it comes out.The. Mary Reed was an entirely different matter. During the short time Jahn had spent with her away from her daughters, he'd managed to get across to the woman just how much both of her daughters meant to him. Last month, he'd called her again, looking for some advice. After a reminder about his testicles being on the line, she'd answered."I already spoke to her. If this is what you want, we have her blessing." Turning briefly to Jen, he said, "However, if you want this too, you're going to have to. Just this afternoon I closed a deal that will help the business stay afloat a few more months. It's not enough to pay myself, but it's a win. Plus it was amazing spring day and drove down the road with the top down and the music playing. Life could be worse.As I climbed the stairs to our tiny apartment the neighbors dog barked through the door at me just like she does every time I pass."Good afternoon, Daisy," I said.Bark bark.I threw my keys on the kitchen counter and heard Megan talking to Mr. "I would thank her and sometime blush, if the sexual innuendos were even more obvious."Is it hard?" Rhonda asked."Excuse me?" I replied, as I blushed. Honestly, I was VERY hard at this point."Is it hard? ...you know" she repeated herself, "to stand on that ladder reaching up so high as you work." It's not that bad." I answered.At this point, Rhonda walked up to the ladder and offered to steady it as I reached for the final piece of trim. When I thanked her for her concern and help, I found her.