Chapter 49: You Must Come to My Party!

Townsend didn’t want to answer Yolanda’s call, but she kept calling relentlessly. It was clear that she wouldn’t stop until he picked up, so, reluctantly, Townsend answered the phone. “Townsend, are you busy? I’ve been calling forever, and you just now picked up,” Yolanda said, her voice playful and slightly annoyed. Townsend rubbed his temples, tired, and gave a half-hearted excuse. “There are a lot of patients here; I haven’t had time.” On the other end, Yolanda’s voice turned sweet and coy. “I’m not calling for anything important. It’s just that tomorrow’s my birthday, and I want you to come to my party at Elst! You *have* to be there.” “I can’t make it tomorrow. I’m working the night shift,” Townsend lied. He had no desire to attend her birthday party, fully aware that Yolanda’s feelings for him went beyond a sibling-like relationship. They had grown up together in the same social circles, and Yolanda had confessed her feelings for him several times throughout the years. Town