Tantrum

Ch. 20 Betrayal

*** Spencer's POV ***

It has been nearly a year since Gwen's incident. The growth I have witnessed in her leaves me speechless. Heck, the growth I've experienced because of her and the boys is also remarkable.

I'm all but living at her place now. I've given my notice, having interviewed and accepted a position at the hospital. It isn't exactly what Mandy does, but the hours are set and the pay is nearly one and half times what I was getting before. I managed to work the transition so that I'll have some time off during the holiday between jobs, starting my new position after the new year.

Decorating the house together was a real treat that I hadn't really experienced. My aunt was a sweet lady, but all her means went to keeping me fed and clothed so she would put up a small tabletop tree that we'd decorate with paper ornaments that we made. On my own, the holidays were a lonely time as everyone retreated to be with family. I always volunteered to be on call so that those with family could be there without obligation to their clients looming.

I really got into shopping for the boys too. Gwen insisted that I not spoil them, but it was tough because I knew the perfect gift for each and they were not cheap items. "Can we go in on them together?" Gwen suggested.

"We can, but I kinda wanted to do this for them on my own." I explained the best I could. I don't know what it was exactly, but this felt like a milestone of sorts. Like if we could survive the holidays together, we'd be set. The new year already held so much promise.

I also went out on a limb and purchased Gwen a series of culinary arts courses. With my schedule being more routine, I could easily be there for the boys on the nights she'd be in class. Moe was in on it and also offered to help out. I couldn't wait to see Gwen's reaction.

I am at my desk, doing notes when my boss pokes her head out of her door. She looks frazzled, even more so than usual. I know I was heaping on a pile of stress with my departure. I feel a bit guilty as they were incredibly understanding about my leave of absence. Her voice cuts through the almost deserted office. "Spencer, a word."

I lock my computer, bringing a notepad just in case. She closes the door behind me, which is odd, and parks herself on the edge of her desk. She's stalling as she fidgets with a stack of papers. "What's up, Ginny?"

"Spencer, something problematic has been brought to my attention." She starts, not yet making eye contact. I shift stiffly, my mind suddenly flipping through the possibilities. She continues. "I'm hoping the accusations are unfounded."

"Okay." It's the only thing I can muster and it comes out shaky.

She finally raises her eyes and I can tell this is not good. She slides a paper across the desk. I see Gwen's name and then the boys' names. Everything else blurs. "What is this?"

"Are you in a relationship with a client?" Ginny asks, bracing herself for the answer.

"She's no longer a client. She was cleared of her charges." I defend, jumping out of my seat.

She holds her hands up. "But she was your client."

"Oh come on, Gin!" I throw my hands up. "I kept everything professional throughout the evaluation period."

"Spencer, you know how this looks." She shakes her head. I let out a frustrated sigh. She looks at me sympathetically. "Look, I trust that you followed protocol, especially following your previous case. And you're leaving so it really isn't my problem. But someone turned this in to the ethics council for the licensing board."