“I guess this is why I do what I do,” I said while grinning at the parents-to-be.
“It shows,” Ford replied.
I tried to think of a filler to add, something to stall and prolong their visit. Unfortunately, the exam just didn’t take much time, and before long the gang was filing out too soon for my liking.
Except Billy lingered behind, and I took it as a sign fromI don’t know who…
“Billy?” Her name bubbled up my throat without warning.
She turned to face me.
“Thank you for the swag.”
She raised an eyebrow.
“What? I’m not cool enough to know the wordswag?” I winked back. A little flirting never hurt anyone, and technically she wasn’t a patient.
Lucky for me, my comment or wink earned me a tiny laugh and a broad smile.
“No, of course you know swag. I meant it as a gesture though. No thanks needed. It was a thank-you. I appreciated your kindness.”
“Anytime. And of course I’m looking forward to your new movie. I can’t wait to see it.”
She nodded, and it felt like she didn’t want to discuss her career anymore.
Then, on a whim, I asked, “How long are you here for?”
She looked around to see if anyone was listening, but Ford and the women had moved over to the office to arrange for their next appointment. “I’m staying for a few days. I promised my mom I would attend a fundraiser for our other brother. Ford doesn’t do that anymore…Scotty asks, but it’s a firm no from him.”
“Sounds like you may be envious of that.”
“It’s okay. These events are good for me, workwise. I need to be seen. Ford doesn’t, although it never hurts.”
“Any chance you’d be up for dinner while you’re here?” The words came fluttering out faster than I could contain them; my boldness had zero boundaries when it came to Billy.
“Oh,” she said, looking up at me, reality hitting her in the chest—maybe it occurred to her I wasmore than a fan.
A beat passed and my heart sped. I’d just asked a Hollywood starlet to dinner, and I was beginning to think it wasn’t well received.
“That would be nice,” was all she offered, but I’d take it. “I’m staying over in Chevy Chase though.”
“I drive,” I countered.
“I assumed.”
“Then it’s settled.” I knew better than to wait to close the deal. The window could be short and sweet…
“Does my family’s country club work for you? It’s private and discreet. I hate to ask, but it’s not very fun to go out in public with me.” She bit her lower lip, waiting for a response, and I got the feeling she didn’t like asking this of anyone, let alone me.
“Of course it’s fine with me. What night is best for you?”
We were two opposites stumbling over logistics, but the energy was palpable and I was here for it. I liked Billy Conway. And maybe she liked me? Not in a long-term way, but in a for-now way?
“Tomorrow?” Her voice was quiet as her brother made his way back toward us.
“Ready, Bill? We are going to head out the same way we came in and the car can drop you off after us.”
She nodded. “Yes, I’m coming. The doc here was sharing his number with me since I’m a contact for both of you.”
