Mike's pov

Neil tells me not to panic. Really! Don't panic. Really! How is that at all helpful. All you've done is alert me to the fact that panic is the usual and appropriate response to what you're about to tell me.

"You're making me really anxious Neil. Please tell me what's going on."

"Alright. I won't beat around the bush. In one month I'll be introducing you to your 4th charge."

I sincerely hope he's talking about a new corporate credit card.

"Her name is Carrie.."

Neil's still talking, completely oblivious to the look of sheer terror on my face and my ensuing panic attack.

"...and she'll be here in exactly 32 days."

I'm trying to figure out how I've previously wronged this man. That's the only plausible explanation for his desire to torture me.

"Neil you can't be serious. We don't even know if I can handle three girls. How could you already commit me to four? It's too much."

I close my eyes and pinch the bridge of my nose, willing this to be a bad dream that I'll suddenly wake up from.

"Look Mike we both know you CAN handle this and someday you'll thank me. There's no need to be dramatic. It IS happening and you have over one month to come to terms with it. You're welcome by the way."

"I haven't thanked you yet." I shout as Neil walks out the door.