Ryan Cooper was debating with himself whether he should order a dessert to take back to the school after lunch when his phone dinged with a email notification.
Dr. HighTower from Barrington Academy in Hyattsville had looked at the resume he sent in for the position of guidance counselor in their medical clinic. The headmaster wanted him to interview next week.
Then his phone rang. An unfamiliar number with a Maryland area code.
" Hello , " he said cautiously as he answered.
There was a silence on the line for a couple of long seconds before a soft nervous lightly British accented voice asked equally cautiously," Is this Ryan Cooper? "
Ryan replied," Yes. This is Ryan Cooper. Who is this? Are you one of my parents? "
Richard glanced at the other man and said casually," I'm going to use the restroom before I leave. But I will be back to pay my half of the bill. "
" Don't worry about that, Richard," he said," I've got it. You get the next lunch, okay? "
The man on the other end of the line sucked in a breath. " Is that Richard Norland you're talking to? Is he there? With you? "
Ryan watched Richard leaving the table in search of the restrooms. " Yes. Why do you want to know? Who exactly is this? Do you need Richard? "
The man spoke after another long pause. He sounded like he was on the verge of tears. "No. I don't need him. I don't need him at all. And, who this is..... is not at all important. Good day to you. I'm sorry I disturbed the two of you. "
Then he hung up leaving Ryan looking perplexed.
When Richard returned a couple minutes later from the restroom Ryan glanced at him and asked one question.
" Is your husband , by any chance , from the United Kingdom? "
Richard looked puzzled at the question as he retook his seat. " Yes. Nigel is from England. London actually. He's been in America several years though. He's considering taking the citizenship test. "
Ryan shook his head. " Richard, my new friend, I think you need to get home. You might just have a misunderstanding brewing there. "
YOU ARE READING
ODDS OF LOVE : SEASON 15
General FictionThe ongoing original soap opera about the disabled math genius and former professor Dr. Spencer Norland - Lane , his doctor husband DuBuis Lane and their assorted family , friends and enemies in the Washington D.C. Metropolitan area. Diverse. Mult...
