Tantrum

Ch. 4 For the Better

*** Spencer's POV ***

I gave them space, making an appointment for later in the week. I really couldn't afford to squeeze in another thing, but I could read Gwen's desperation following Mason's outburst. She thanked me profusely. I gave her a gentle smile as she walked me out, picking up on the lingering smell of alcohol coming off her breath as she tried to explain the boys' behavior.

"I've heard worse." I dismiss her need for concern.

"Is this going in the evaluation?" She asks with wide eyes.

"Nah." I shake my head. "We'll call today a trial run. Get your house in order and maybe dry out some."

Her brow furrows. "What?"

I should just tell her what I mean. That I can smell the alcohol and I know it's not from last night's binge. That I suspect she is using alcohol to cope with her situation. And I can help her before it gets worse. But I don't want to knock her down anymore today. "From last night's celebration."

"Oh, yeah. Thanks." She mumbles and hurries back inside.

I stare at the closed door, second guessing everything. I am completely out of practice. What I just did, while kind, violates my professional ethics just the same as the judgmental asshole I was earlier. I spend the day dealing with menial tasks in an effort to avoid anymore ill-advised interactions with clients. A social worker never runs out of paperwork.

My phone buzzes with a text, making me finally look up. It's dark outside. Time to call it a day.

I stretch out my limbs, sore from being cooped up all afternoon, and read my text. Well hello, Mandy.

Mandy: Any chance you're free to grab dinner?

Spencer: I'd actually love that.

Mandy: Cool. What type of day was it?

I laugh remembering that our little friend group used to rank how rough of a day we had based on the cuisine we would pick to satisfy ourselves during late night study sessions.

Spencer: Probably not bad enough for Taco Tontos, but probably a Mega Mike's type of day. How about you?

Mandy: My day was more of Rosalind's type of day, but I'm down for some Mega Mike.

Spencer: Look at you coasting over at the hospital! You don't need to wreck yourself for me.

Mandy: Too late. I'm already hankering for some Mega Mike Mac. See you soon!

I can't help but smile about her invite. I finish up the case I'm working on and eagerly head out the door to meet the ray of sunshine that is Mandy Green. I arrive ahead of her and pick a booth away from the bar, which can get rowdy. I figure we'll be catching up so I want to be able to hear her.

She arrives a little later. Her cheeks and nose are flushed from the cold. "Hi! Sorry I'm a little late."

"It's no worry." I let myself admire her features, features that I never had a right to when she was engaged, but that I often snuck little peaks of. Petite, soft curves, gently curled blonde hair that hits right at her collarbone drawing attention to her fair skin. My eyes sweep along her delicate features.