August 2024
Willem
IT WAS FIVE PM, and Willem’s last patient for the day had left. Katja fidgeted in the chair on the other side of his desk. He had noticed a stain on her sand-colored chinos when she came into the office, and the sleeves of her knit pullover were rolled up. A band of sweat around her hairline darkened her coppery hair.
She heard him out. When he was finished, she said, “I’m sorry Hendrik barged in like that, but I can’t watch him every second.”
“I probably lost a patient.”
Willem was angry with Katja. He was angry with her nearly all the time, though he tried not to show it because he knew he was being unfair. She was his father’s wife, but she wasn’t his keeper. On most days, writing demanded her total focus. And today she had been occupied with the caterers and the cleaners to prepare for the party. It had been bad luck that Hendrik was having a bad day.
“Maybe your patient won’t file a complaint. Maybe he’ll call to make a new appointment,” she said.
“Wishful thinking.”
“What do you want me to do about it?” she said testily.
“It’s too late for you to do anything.”
“Then you’re wasting my time.”
She rose to her feet. He expected her to sweep out of his office without another word, but she didn’t. She stood there gazing at him, as if waiting for him to do or say something to smooth things over.
He felt ashamed of the way he had spoken to her.
He went around the desk and lightly touched her wrist, as though testing the temperature of a hot griddle. He wanted to take her hand and hold on tight. Moving into the house with her and Hendrik had been a mistake. The sexual tension between him and Katja simmered under the surface. At least, that’s how he felt. Maybe it wasn’t the same for her at all.
“I’m sorry I took out my frustrations on you. I’ve arranged for a locksmith to install a lock on the door to my office.”
“Where’s this hostility coming from, Willem?” She seemed genuinely puzzled.
“I’ve got a few things on my mind.”
“Anything you want to talk about?”
“Thanks, but I have to work this out for myself.” He gave her a reassuring grin.
She glanced at her watch and sighed. “I still have a ton to do before the party. You will come tonight, won’t you?”
“I said I would.”