Open to the Heart

Chapter One

    "Hey Kristy did you get those files transferred for my new patients?" I asked as I rushed frantically around the office. My unruly hair matched the desk as papers were scattered everywhere baring confidential information. I glanced at the time and muttered a few profanities under my breath. I was going to be late. "Yea, boss they're on your desk!" My assistant yelled from the back room. I shuffled around the papers again looking for unfamiliar names, I had memorized most of my patients by now so the newest ones were sure to stick out.

    Kristy appeared from around the corner in a dark violet silk halter dress, it hugged her immaculate figure tightly, the slit of the floor length gown starting at mid- thigh showing off her bronze legs. "Move over you crazy weirdo, don't mess up my desk space!" She huffed as she pushed me aside. After handing me the files she proceeded to the bathroom to fix her make up.

    "Thank you," I said "But I'd really appreciate it if your work area were cleaner. Maybe I wouldn't need your help to find things so often." I grasped the papers tightly in my hands before shoving them into the yellow envelope. I had enough on my mind without having to worry about files getting mixed up.

    Stuffing the envelope into my purse I joined Kristy in the bathroom who had finished putting on her face. I scanned her quickly and shook my head "Change the makeup." Kristy stuck her tongue out at me, "You're just jealous that I'm hotter than you." Ignoring her comment I added mascara to my already long eye lashes and a little blush to the cheeks. I then adjusted my own mermaid styled red one shouldered dress making sure it wouldn't crinkle when I sat down. "We're going to a big event with important people, you're lucky I'm letting you come." I said as I added some dark red lipstick. With the contrast of my very blonde curly hair I was satisfied that I'd be noticed at the gathering.  "This 'event'" Kristy replied using air quotes on the word event, "sounds more like a party to me, where we can get just a teensy bit tipsy and go home with very rich and very manly doctors." She bit her lip daringly and ran her hands down the dress. I held back from giggling at the ridiculous girl. "I am there to meet doctors in the community and you are there as my guest." I contradicted, "We need to let people know about my practice."

    Kristy squeezed past me out the door to the front where she balanced on one foot to get her heels on, ignoring my comment she continued. "Just imagine Annie, a room full of dark, tall handsome men; we're the hottest things there, you're smart and I'm your assistant. One of them approaches and takes me away from you, we dance, we kiss, he takes me back to his place-"

"Doesn't sound like any of the men I went to medical school with," I laughed as Kristy glared at me for cutting off her fantasy. My eyes widened as I realized the time displayed on my phone. "We need to be there in five minutes!" Kristy laughed and pulled me outside to where the cab waited. "Then let's go!" 

***

    We arrived at the Sheraton Hotel and I paid the driver before the both of us walked in. It was magnificent, plates of seafood appetizers were carried above waiters and waitresses' heads, the crystal chandelier hung high and bright and the music was classical as the pianist played an easy melody. Kristy's eyes practically bulged out of her head as she took in the scene. The ballroom lit up with conversation and the tables were set neatly in the large space, sitting 4 to each. The men were dressed in suits and the women wore designer dresses just like the ones I had bought us. Dressed to impress.

    I turned to Kristy who I noticed had her big brown eyes trained on a man across the room. I grasped her shoulder as she started to walk towards him, spinning her to face me. "We need to go over some ground rules missy." I stated as she frowned at me. "First, whoever you talk to must know that you work for me. You say, I am Miss Sky's secretary at Rose Gardens Family Practice. Second you don't go home with any of the men here without telling me first, a lot of them have wives that they're willing to ditch to get under your dress. And thirdly-" "Anna don't worry, I'm an adult. I can handle myself." Kristy interjected, she smiled and squeezed my hand lightly. "Now go talk all smart with those doctors." She then swiftly turned and made her way across the ballroom. I laughed as she batted her eyes at the tall dark haired man who smiled and kissed Kristy's hand.