Chapter 57
The next few days, I spent most of my time inside my motel room either watching TV or driving to a diner for food. I didn’t read. I didn’t write. I was just waiting around for a call.
It sucked, honestly. I couldn’t help worrying that the dental board would dismiss our complaints. The fear that Dr. Pike could just get off for what he’d done was more disconcerting than any other thought.
That morning, I was far too antsy to stay inside, and eventually I decided to go for a walk.
It had stopped snowing, and when I stepped outside the motel, it felt like another world. Everything was bathed in snow from the night’s heavy snowfall, creating a muted alabaster paradise.
The motel was surrounded by forest, and after only a short walk, I was surrounded by trees.
Pine branches dusted with snow completely enveloped me. My boots crunched softly as I walked, and it wasn’t even that cold without my jacket. The sun was out, and if I’d been athletic in any way, shape, or form, I would’ve been out skiing.
I walked for a while, making sure that when I turned around, I could still see the motel. It would be just like me to get lost in the woods.
So I went slowly, taking in my surroundings and letting the smell of pine and snow calm my tangled nerves.
When I reached a small lookout point, I paused to take it in. The lake stretched out below me, and it was absolutely gorgeous in the morning light. The surface was glassy and smooth. I knew it was probably freezing, but part of me wanted to dive right in; it was that beautiful.
My phone started to ring, shattering the stillness. My heart skipped a beat. The sound was remarkably loud in the quiet stillness of the forest. I hurried to answer it.
“Hello?”
There was no greeting in return. Just static, and I could’ve sworn I heard someone breathing on the other end.
“Hello?” I said again.
Still no answer.
Then the line went dead.
“Hm. That’s weird,” I muttered, glancing at the number. It was a random California phone number. Probably just a spam call, I thought.
I tried to enjoy the view for a few more minutes, but the call had jump-started my heart all over again.
I was right back where I’d been before the walk.
Jittery and anxious. I sighed and headed down toward the motel, already thinking about food again.
Maybe something fried would bring me some solace.
There was a little diner down the street called Oakside, and I’d been going there for almost every meal the past few days.
When I arrived, I ordered a burger and fries, knowing I was using up the very last of my funds and not really caring.
I knew I’d need to figure something out soon.
Emily had been a huge support over the last few months, but I couldn’t rely on her forever.
I needed to get my life back on track. My savings were nearly gone now, and I’d have to start looking for a job.
Any job, anywhere in California. Maybe not even California.
I still had no idea what I wanted to do or where I wanted to work. The writing dream felt impossible now. I hadn’t had a single real desire to write since leaving Big Bear. And so I was just biding my time, waiting until I had to face reality.
I didn’t know where I wanted to settle. Nowhere felt like home. Except Big Bear, and I couldn’t stay here.
So I was in a bind, and I didn’t want to face it. I’d deal with Pike first. Then I’d be forced to start figuring out what to do next. Until then, I was going to eat a burger and fries in blissful ignorance.
My phone buzzed. I checked the notification. It was the group chat with me, Brittany, and Jay.
brITTANY: I got an email from the board. They want to interview me. Hope, did you get one?
I hurried to check my email. Sure enough, there was an email from the California Board of Dentistry. My stomach twisted as I read it. They wanted to meet with me next week to discuss my complaint.
HOPE: Yeah. I got one too.
JAY: Let’s meet at the coffee shop on Main Street. I talked to an attorney friend, and he gave me some advice for the interviews.
brITTANY: 6:00?
HOPE: I’ll be there.
The coffee shop on Main Street was pretty empty by 6 p.m. When I entered, the smell of coffee and pastries greeted me, causing my mouth to water. Jay and Brittany were already sitting waiting at a table.
Brittany waved when she saw me, and I weaved through the little tables over to the corner where they sat, papers already out and ready to go for their impromptu meeting.
Jay was sitting with his arms crossed, wearing a black long-sleeve shirt and a black beanie. The same one he wore when we’d gone zip-lining.
“Thanks for meeting us,” Brittany said, and I nodded.
And that’s when I noticed the muffins. In the very center of everything were poppy seed muffins.
“I ordered us some pastries, I hope that’s okay,” Jay said, and I held his gaze for a brief moment, daring him to reveal that he’d done that on purpose. But his gaze gave nothing away. He was the perfect picture of innocence.
“Thanks,” I said dryly, taking a bite of the muffin a little more intensely than was probably appropriate for a muffin.
His eyebrow lifted, and I looked away, hating that my stomach flipped a little.
“Okay, so it looks like we’re heading to this interview next week. Did your attorney friend have any tips for us?” Brittany dove right in, and I was sucked back into the real reason I was there.
Jay went on to explain everything his lawyer friend had told him.
The things we probably shouldn’t say, wording that might help us build a better case.
It was surprising how many things his friend suggested.
But if we didn’t approach it strategically, the whole thing could get dismissed.
We wanted to make sure we both came across as credible in our interviews, and it helped to hear what would help.
It was obviously not guaranteed, but trying to nail down a strategy definitely helped.
We talked for a while and we were the last customers in the shop as it neared closing.
“Well, I think that’s a good brainstorming session. I’ll do my best during the interviews,” Brittany said, her brow furrowing. “I wish I weren’t scared, but I am a little afraid of how this might go.”
“You’re not alone,” I said, reaching over to pat Brittany’s arm gently. “But if we don’t try, we won’t ever know.”
“You’re right,” Brittany said with a sigh. “Well, thank you both for meeting up with me again. I know it would be simpler to do this over Zoom or something, but I feel better doing this sort of stuff in person.”
Jay nodded. “I understand completely. I’m glad that my lawyer friend had some suggestions. I think the interviews will be fine, and I have a feeling Dr. Pike is going to have a disciplinary hearing in his future after this.”
“I hope so,” I said.
“Me too. Well, I’m going to head out before the roads get too bad,” Brittany said, eyeing the window. It was snowing again, adding another layer to the snow that had already blanketed the whole town.
“Be safe,” Jay said.
Brittany got up and because she hadn’t taken off her coat while we were inside, she was already out the door.
I stood up and shrugged my jacket on, the only thing I had since leaving my coat at the dental office.
“You don’t have a coat,” Jay said, quickly noticing.
“Yeah, I left it at the office. But I’m fine.” I avoided his gaze and started for the door. But then his hand came out, gently grasping my wrist.
“Let me bring it to you,” he pleaded gently.
“I don’t need it,” I assured him, and he dropped my wrist when our eyes met.
“Where are you staying? I can just drop it by. You don’t even have to open the door.”
I wanted to argue. But I also wanted my coat back. And as long as he wasn’t insisting on seeing me…
“Room 3 at the Motel 6.”
I turned, not waiting for a reply, and disappeared out the coffee shop door.