Chapter 31 - Valerie
It’s Thursday already, the week is flying by. Clay and I have been spending every evening together and I look forward to it every day. My follow-up doctor’s appointment is today so I get ready to leave work a bit early. Just as I’m stepping out the door to leave, I hear my phone ringing in my purse. It’s Emma.
“Val! Where have you been?! I don’t mean to interrupt the fuckfest that I’m sure you’re having with your hot new doctor but need I remind you that you have a best friend and that that best friend is currently languishing in this city all on her own?!”
“Hey Emma,” I chuckle. She does have a penchant for the dramatic. “How have you been? Let’s catch up, maybe this weekend? I could introduce you to the doctor.”
“Fucking finally!” She exclaims. She’s got a mouth like a sailor, I think.
“How about Saturday brunch again? You can fill me in on your week then too.”
“Sounds perfect. Love you Val, see you then.”
“Love you too Em.”
I hang up the phone and smile before the realisation hits me that Clay might not want to meet her. He’s always talking about just enjoying the moment, not taking things too fast. Maybe introducing him to my friends is moving too fast. I need to keep reminding myself that he’s leaving. Sure, it’s not confirmed yet but he’s always said his career comes first. I get that, my career comes first too.
I’ll have to talk to him tonight when I see him, and ask if he’d like to meet her. It seemed so natural to me, to set up the brunch but he might hate the idea! We have an understanding that this is just enjoying the present, taking it slow. We both have careers that aren’t going to take a backseat to a relationship. I’m just going to have to wait and see what he says, and bring it up as casually as possible.
I head over to the doctor’s office and I wonder if I’ll run into Clay. He knows I have an appointment with Doctor Sherry today but I’m sure he’s busy with other patients. I don’t have to wait long until an older woman in a white doctor’s coat comes out to the waiting room. She’s got pure white hair but her face doesn’t have too many wrinkles. Her pink lipstick and thick-rimmed glasses make me think she’s got a big personality. She has a warm smile when she sees me and immediately makes me feel at ease.
“Are you Valerie?”
“Yes,” I respond, getting out of my chair.
“Follow me.” She has a really kind voice, like a grandmother or an aunt would have. I am not surprised to see her at one of the top medical practices in the city, she’s instantly made me more comfortable.
She leads me down the same hallway that Clay’s office is on. I glance at his door and see his name: Dr. Clay O’Neill. Even knowing he’s in there makes my heart jump a little bit.
We walk on to the end of the hall and she opens the door to her office.
“So,” she begins. “You’ve been having trouble orgasming?”
This woman is not wasting any time.
“Yes. Well, no. I mean, I was. For a long time.” Why am I suddenly tongue tied! She smiles warmly at me. I take a deep breath and continue. “The problem seems to have… resolved itself lately.”
Doctor Sherry’s eyebrows shoot up.
“Oh?” she says, looking down at my chart. “And may I ask what has changed?”
“I’ve started seeing someone and he’s… very good.”
She glances up at me and grins.
“I’m glad to hear that Valerie. I’ve been looking through your hormone test results and have to tell you that everything seems normal. If the problem were persisting we could explore many other avenues including therapy or further testing, but it seems that the problem is no longer an issue?”
“Yes, that’s right. I’m relieved to hear there’s nothing wrong with my hormones. But, can I ask… if this guy were to go away. Or if it didn’t work out, or whatever… do you think my problem would come back?”
“I’m not sure, Valerie. Maybe you should try making yourself climax on your own and see if you’re able. Is everything going okay with the relationship?”
“Yes! Everything is perfect! I mean, it’s great, better than I could imagine. It’s just that he’s thinking of moving out of state and…”
She nods knowingly. “Try not to think about it right now. You’re still learning about your body, so just take this as a learning experience and always remember that you ARE able to orgasm. There doesn't seem to be anything physically wrong with you. Now if the problem comes back and you’d like a referral for sex therapy or further testing please don’t hesitate to call the office and we’ll set up another appointment.”
“Okay, thank you doctor.”
We both stand and she opens the door for me. She smiles as I walk through.
“I’ll let you see yourself out while I finish this paperwork up.”
“No problem.”
She closes the door behind me and I start walking towards the waiting room. When I get closer to Clay’s door my heart starts beating faster. I wouldn’t dare knock, he might be with a patient.
I slow down slightly as I walk by, trying to listen for voices inside his office. I can’t hear a thing. Just as I’m about to pass the door flies open and I jump back in surprise.
“Miss Brooks,” he says. “I’m glad to see you. Have you got a moment? I’d like to discuss the results of your last appointment.”
He’s grinning and I smile back, eyes still wide in surprise.
“Certainly, doctor.” I try to keep my voice steady but my smile is betraying me.
He opens the door wider and I slip through.
“I thought you’d never finish with Sherry,” he says in a low voice, putting his hands on my hips and pulling me closer.
“I didn’t know if you had a patient, I didn’t want to bother you,” I say before his lips meet mine. He devours my kiss and my arms interlock behind his head.
“My next patient isn’t until 4:15,” he says glancing at the clock. “We have 17 minutes.”