What Looks Like Crazy Read Free Page B

keys.”
    â€œSo your boss—”
    â€œHis name is Allen. Allen and Ellen Fender of Fender Office Supply,” she added.
    â€œDoes Allen think you took the money?”
    â€œI don’t know. He wouldn’t even look at me when he fired me. I think he’s ashamed because his wife bullies him. Also, I think he’s afraid I’ll tell Ellen about his affair.”
    This was getting interesting. “Oh, so there’s another woman in the mix?”
    â€œI accidentally saw them together in Allen’s office.”
    â€œDid you tell Ellen?”
    â€œIt’s not my place.”
    â€œDid the Fenders threaten to press charges against you when they accused you of taking money?”
    â€œEllen said she wouldn’t call the police if I left quietly. I told her I needed time to find another job.”
    I could see the anguish in her eyes. “Do you really think you can continue to work there after what you’ve been accused of?” I asked. “You must be furious.” But Alice didn’t appear furious. She looked like a whipped puppy.
    â€œI don’t get angry.”
    â€œYes, but if you didn’t take the money—”
    â€œOf course I didn’t take it!”
    â€œThen you’ve been wrongly accused,” I said. “You probably need to talk to an attorney.”
    â€œI can’t afford to hire an attorney, and I don’t think they can either. I suppose I should update my resume and send it out as quickly as I can. I can’t believe they’re treating me like this,” she said. “I should have my head examined.” Alice suddenly laughed. The laugh became a giggle. “I am having my head examined, aren’t I?” she asked.
    As surprised as I was to see the laughter, I joined in. People have no idea how genuinely healthy it is to laugh. I could see the tense lines softening in Alice’s face. “Do you have trouble expressing anger?” I asked.
    The smile faded. “I don’t like confrontation. I hate confrontation. I’d rather be boiled in oil. I’d rather have bamboo shoved up my fingernails. I’d rather—”
    â€œI think I get it,” I said. “Most people don’t like confrontation, but that doesn’t mean you have to roll over and play dead. What the Fenders are doing to you seems very unfair.” My own job suddenly felt less crappy.
    Alice stared at me for a full minute, then put on her glasses and straightened her back. “You’re absolutely right,” she said. “I’m not going to make it easy for them. I’m going to tell them I do not appreciate being wrongly accused, and they’re going to have to give me two weeks’ notice. Plus I expect a good job reference. If they don’t agree to that, then I’m going to threaten legal action.”
    The change in her was remarkable. Dared I hope that the woman had a streak of spunk in her? “Good for you, Alice!”
    â€œThank you for helping me, Dr. Holly.”
    â€œYou’re very welcome. And call me Kate.”
    Alice reached for her purse and stood up. She started for the door. “You haven’t used all your session,” I said.
    â€œI’m done,” she announced. She opened the door and walked from the room, pausing long enough to write a check and hand it to Mona.
    Mona and I both watched her leave. “Damn,” Mona said. “Is it me, or should we call the fashion police and have that woman thrown behind bars?”
    â€œNot everybody can be as beautiful as we are,” I said.
    Mona picked up the appointment book. “When is she supposed to come back?”
    â€œShe’s not,” I said. “I seem to have cured her in one session.”
    Mona pressed her lips together and shook her head. “Not even Dr. Phil can cure patients in one session. He always tells the people on his show to get follow-up counseling.”
    Mona was