Janet’s Point of View
I stood stunned in Elena’s doorway, watching as Edward stepped forward beside me. I never expected him to defend me like this. Flora clearly thought I would be fired on the spot–the look of shock on her face was almost worth the whole ordeal. I bit my lip to hold back a smile, thinking how funny it was that she didn’t realize Edward was just a client, not someone in charge.
“Ms. Martinez,” Flora said, her voice suddenly soft and trembling. She dabbed at her eyes with a tissue. “I came here seeking help, but Janet was so harsh with me. So judgmental. I opened up about my grief, about my feelings, and she…” Flora’s voice broke dramatically, “she attacked me.”
I kept my face neutral, though inside I was rolling my eyes. Flora’s victim act was so familiar–I’d seen it countless times
before.
Edward cleared his throat. “I think you should drop the act, Ms. Reynolds. It doesn’t suit you.”
Flora’s head snapped up, tears miraculously gone. “Excuse me?”
“Being harsh and lying about Janet here,” Edward continued calmly. “It’s not a good look.
Elena looked between us, confusion clear on her face. “Mr. Jones, I appreciate your concern, but perhaps you should-”
“No, please,” Edward said. “I was outside Janet’s office. I heard what was happening.” He turned to Flora. “Janet here has been doing wonderful work. I’m living proof of that.”
I felt a warm rush of gratitude toward Edward, though I wished he hadn’t jumped into the middle of this.
Flora’s face flushed red as she stood up. “Who are you to interfere? You’re not even in charge here! Why are you defending her so strongly?” She looked between Edward and me, her eyes narrowing. Then her lips curled into a nasty smile. “Oh, I understand now. He’s your sugar daddy, isn’t he? That’s how you landed this job with your fake credentials.”
I couldn’t help it–I burst out laughing. The idea was so ridiculous, so far from the truth. Edward joined me, shaking his head.
“Not everyone is like you, Ms. Reynolds,” Edward said coolly. “Some people don’t need to go through men to get what they want. Janet is here because she’s brilliant at what she does. She’s compassionate, insightful, and qualified–more than qualified.” He looked at me with admiration that made me slightly uncomfortable. “In just a few sessions, she’s helped me more than months of therapy elsewhere. She’s remarkable.”
Flora’s mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water. She turned to Elena, clearly expecting support.
“Dr. Martinez, surely you can see what’s happening here?”
Elena folded her hands on her desk. “Ms. Reynolds, I’m not sure what happened in your session with Janet, but perhaps there was a misunderstanding. Janet has been nothing short of miraculous since she joined our team. She’s one of the best doctors
we have.”
Flora’s face contorted with rage. She snatched up her purse. “This is absurd! I’ll sue this entire clinic! You’ll be hearing from my lawyers!” She stormed past us, bumping my shoulder hard as she went.
Elena sighed as Flora’s angry footsteps echoed down the hall. “Janet, I am so sorry. This is entirely my fault. I asked you to take her case without knowing there might be… complications.”
“It’s not your fault,” I said quickly. “You couldn’t have known.”
She looked at Edward. “And Mr. Jones, I apologize that you had to witness that scene.”
Edward waved his hand dismissively. “I’m not offended at all. I’m just concerned about Janet.”
Elena studied my face. “Janet, you look exhausted. Why don’t you take the rest of the day off? I can reschedule your afternoon appointments.”
1
