Summary

Chapter 2 opens six months after Al's appointment. Paul's dental assistant is Abby. She is an excellent assistant, but they never talk about their personal lives. Paul feels that Abby is often silently judging him. Elizabeth Convoy is a widow and an efficient hygienist. Connie keeps the office running efficiently, making appointments and taking care of other office matters. She is Paul's ex-girlfriend, and he doesn't credit her with all the work she does around the office.

Paul talks about his relationship with Mrs. Convoy, who is devoutly religious. Each year, she convinces him to spend a week in a third-world country, performing free dental work. He always says he won't go but winds up going anyway. He talks about the fact that although the people there don't have a chance, he claims it as a tax write-off.

Paul is taking care of a routine...