One of Those Days

By Zathyn Priest

From the moment Alex woke up that morning, he knew it would be one of those days. Things go from bad to worse when his old high school bully, Ric, shows up at the chiropractic clinic where Alex works. Torn between having to fix Ric’s neck and wanting to break it, Alex sees the appointment through with the hope he’ll never cross paths with Ric again. But, Ric has other ideas.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Zathyn Priest
• Release date: Nov 20, 2017
• ISBN: 9780463887417

Zathyn Priest

Zathyn Priest is a best-selling author of MM fiction, digital artist, and editor with Scarlet Tie Editing. He resides in Australia, and lives with two greyhounds, two rats, and a duck. There are rumours that Zathyn may be a vampire, however there is no solid proof to validate this claim (As yet) When not writing, Zathyn can usually be found riding horses, eating fire, or practicing burlesque routines.

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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organisations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of either the author or publisher.

One of Those Days by Zathyn Priest

Cover Design by Scarlet Tie Designs

Edited by Scarlet Tie Editing

Edited in Australian English

One of Those Days © Zathyn Priest 2009. All rights reserved worldwide.

This eBook may be distributed freely in its entirety courtesy of the author, Zathyn Priest.

Apart from any fair dealing under the Copyright Act, no portion of this book may be reproduced without written permission from the author.

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One of Those Days

Zathyn Priest

CHAPTER ONE

It was never going to be an ordinary day. The alarm decided to wake me an hour early, at five rather than six. My dog ate the last of my cereal. The cat, which has spent three years happily peering through the fish tank glass, decided that morning was the occasion to quit procrastinating and jump into the tank instead. My only clean socks were odd, despite the fact I’m positive they matched when I put them away. I locked my keys inside my house, leading to having to wake my dear, but disgruntled neighbour, for the spare set. Then, just when I thought nothing else could go wrong, the car had a flat tyre.

I’m one of those types who plans everything. This includes rising in the morning an hour earlier than necessary on the off chance something - or several things - go wrong. I’ve always been this way. Pedantic my mother calls me. Anally retentive my father says. Either way, pedantic or retentive, at least I’m prepared. Being taken by surprise doesn’t sit well with me.

Finally, I made it to work, after being caught behind an old man driving like a snail who seemed to think the brake was the accelerator. When I walked into the clinic, I noticed Janet working the reception desk instead of Carmel. This is a fine arrangement for three weeks out of a month. It’s that other week that leaves me, and patients, walking on eggshells. She wasn’t supposed to be working this particular day, but Carmel phoned in to say she had flu and Janet took her shift. I knew the instant I walked in that it was ‘the other week.’

It’s a beautiful morning! I said, smiling in a way that alleged my contentment with the world even though, for the most part, it irritates me.

Ya think? Light grey eyes cut through me like a laser. Have you noticed Carmel isn’t here?

Yes. From five-foot-eight to five-foot in a nanosecond. I shrank under the woman’s furious gaze. I have. But… Smile sweetly and pretend you haven’t noticed horns growing out her head. It’s always a pleasure to work with you.

Men. She snorted. I swore I saw smoke swirling out her nostrils. You’re all the same.

In my infinite wisdom, I’ve learned to never argue with a PMS'ing woman. It always ends in tears. Generally mine. Janet started humming. When she hums I know it means I should avoid eye contact, conversation, weak jokes I presume may cheer her up and, if at all possible, refrain from breathing the same air as her

She shoved a patient file toward me. He’s late. She stomped her foot. Kind of like a raging bull. Men!

He’s only two minutes la… Shut up, Alex,