Loving Oliver

【Ｃｈａｐｔｅｒ ３５ Ｌｏｖｉｎｇ Ｔｈｅ Ｐｌａｎ】

【Ｃｈａｐｔｅｒ　３５　Ｌｏｖｉｎｇ　Ｔｈｅ　Ｐｌａｎ】

I slide a little away from Sam as the video call connects. I straighten my shoulders, elongate my neck and raise my head. I can feel the switch flip. Just like I know my mother had taught me, a smiled that could only be described as wickedly charming. It was one she instilled in me to arm myself with whenever entering any meeting, deal, or hardball interview I faced. I loathed in that world. But somehow in this moment it was my amour and I was grateful. Maybe just maybe I could be taken seriously.

"Good afternoon Dr. Peterson, Thank you so much for taking my meeting at such short notice." I greet nodding my head once toward the camera. I watch as a man in his late fifties appears on the screen. He has pepper grey hair and a thick rimmed black glasses that sit upon a narrow nose. He's wearing a button down white shirt and a brown tie to with it. His eyes are brown and I can't help take in the bored expression that adorns his face.

I feel my hands clutch my notepad in my hands tighter and allow my smile to ease into something more gentler. I try to sit up even taller as if that will convince him that our meeting is not a waste of time.

That his advice will determine Ollie and I's relationship going forward. It will help me understand if there is a real possibility that Ollie will remember our daughter on his own.

It will determine Ollie's health and well being and he's, holy fuck he's finishing up his lunch.

My eyes track Doctor Peterson's move to wipe his mouth clean from the... ranch?

"Hello Miss Jones. I appreciate the business, especially of someone with such a high... profile. And you must be one of her assistants?" He questions disinterestedly as he turns his head in Sam's direction. I ignore the jab "high", and here Sam grind his teeth. I grab Sam's hand and squeeze hoping to relax him. After a few seconds his fist uncurls and he releases a sigh.

I glance back at the doctor and give an appeasing smile to get this show on the fucking road.

I don't miss the way his gaze flits over his glasses at Sam before balling his napkin back up in his hand and toss if off camera.

I clean my throat and go to answer but Sam beats me to it.

"No, I'm Parker's brother and guardian." He replies back sternly and I don't miss the challenge that's in his eyes.

I'm embarrassed that he would treat Sam like this but I need the information he has.

"Yes Sam was the one who cosigned the check for the payment of this appointment. I'm sure you'll be glad to know he's very involved unlike our mother." I pause returning a smile filled with warning at Doctor Peterson.

I feel Sam's head jerk in my direction but complete my sentence.