The Family Doctor Read Online Free PDF Page B

applauded.
    â€œWell, I’m sure you’d handle everything so much better than I do,” Dorothy said in a sarcastic voice. “Although two divorces aren’t exactly what I’d call an example of good judgment.”
    Georgia’s face flushed and Kate felt a rush of sympathy for her.
    â€œI don’t think this is any time to be jumping down Mom’s throat, Georgia,” Wilson admonished, again taking his mother’s side. “She’s under a lot of stress here.”
    â€œWe all are,” Georgia said in a trembling voice. “Why does everything always have to turn into a huge fight? We’re in this together. We’re all worried about Tony.”
    There was silence for a few seconds.
    â€œGeorgia’s right,” Judy agreed. “We should pull together instead of arguing at a time like this. And it sounds as if the worst is over, which is a good thing because Peter and I are going to have to leave now, Mom.” Judy pointed at her watch. “Otherwise we’ll get caught in rush hour traffic and be late picking up the kids from school.”
    â€œSchool! Oh, my goodness.” Dorothy clapped a hand over her mouth. “I forgot all about McKensy. How could I do such a stupid thing? She’ll be waiting for me when her class gets out. She won’t know why I’m not there.”
    This time, Kate noted, Dorothy’s hysterics rang true.
    â€œWhen that call came, I got so upset I didn’t think to make arrangements for her,” Dorothy wailed.
    â€œWe’ll go and get her,” Judy soothed. “We have to pick up Ryan and Tricia anyhow, and wecan collect McKensy on the way. Her teacher knows me. We’ll take her home with us for the night, Mom.”
    â€œShe’ll need her teddy and her quilt and some clothes,” Dorothy said, rummaging in her purse. “Here’s the house key—just drop it next door with Mrs. Draycott.”
    After Judy and Peter left, Wilson explained that he had to go back to his office, but he promised he’d come and drive Dorothy home later on.
    â€œI can drive you, Mom,” Georgia offered. “I’ve got my car.”
    â€œOh, I’d rather go with Wilson,” Dorothy said. “There’re things I need to talk over with him.”
    Georgia shrugged. “Whatever you like, Mom.”
    When the nurse told Dorothy she could go in and see Tony for ten minutes, Kate was left alone with Georgia.
    â€œSorry about all that,” Georgia said in an embarrassed tone. “I guess it’s pretty obvious Mom and I rub each other the wrong way.”
    â€œIt’s a tense time for all of you.”
    â€œYeah, it really is,” Georgia sighed. “I should try and be more patient with her, I guess.”
    Kate felt that Dorothy was the one who should do the trying, but she didn’t say so. “It seems as if you all have busy lives and lots to think about,” she remarked. “Do you have kids, Georgia?”
    â€œNope. I was smart enough to know that wasn’t a good idea for me.”
    â€œMcKensy is Tony’s daughter?” Kate knew very little about Tony’s personal life. She vaguely remembered hearing through the hospital grapevine that he had a child and he was divorced, but she’d assumed the child lived with his ex-wife.
    â€œYeah. McKensy’s nine, she’s a great kid. Mom lives with Tony and takes care of McKensy for him.” Georgia’s eyes reflected the affection she felt for her niece. “Tony’s the best father any little girl could have.” Kate thought she detected a wistful note in the other woman’s voice.
    â€œSounds as if you and Dr. O’Connor are really close.” It was Kate’s turn to sound a little wistful. Her only sister lived in San Diego. Marie was eight years older than Kate, and the age difference had meant that they’d never really gotten to know each other. Kate sent