“She is,” Matt answered as he closed the distance. “Don’t yell at Alice, I begged her to let me come back so I could surprise you with a lunch date.”
He handled that less aggressively than I thought he would.
“Thank you. Can you wait in the waiting area? I’ll be done in just a minute.”
He made eye contact with Paul, who blinked in a ‘message received’ kind of way.
“Sure thing.” On his way past Alice’s desk, Matt said, “Thanks again, Alice. I hope I didn’t get you in trouble.”
“You’re welcome.” Alice played her role. I made a mental note to buy her flowers.
Paul had the decency to look embarrassed. “Come on Pammie, let’s get you home.”
“Remember, get lots of rest and drink lots of fluids. You can take aspirin as instructed on the bottle if the headaches continue.”
“Thank you.” Paul paid for the appointment and ushered Pamela out the door.
Before the door clicked shut, Matt was at my side, his eyes filled with fear and self-loathing. “Are you okay? I’m so sorry, I never should have left my post.”
I held my hand up to stop him. “Matt, even you need to use the bathroom. And I’m fine, really.” I had an hour to regain my composure before seeing anyone else.
“Do you want to go home?”
“No, Matt, I want to stay and do my job.” Feeling bad for raising my voice, I asked, “So, where are you taking me for lunch?”
“You want to go out?” he asked.
I rarely went out for lunch, even if I didn’t bring my lunch I’d order delivery, but today I needed a breather.
“Yes.”
He looked at me, opened his mouth, then closed it again before saying, “I’m in the mood for a burger. That work for you?”
It did. I’d never admit it, but I appreciated Matt not asking me what I wanted. I didn’t have the energy to decide.
Chapter 34
Matt
Madi couldn’t hide behind her brave face. Not from me. That’s why I didn’t ask what she wanted for lunch. She already had too much on her plate and I didn’t want to add to it.
It’s all my fault.
If I’d stayed on the porch, I could’ve run interference and kept Paul away from Madi.
I wasn’t sure how I would’ve done it without making a scene, but the Navy taught me how to solve a problem within the given framework.
When Alice told me Paul was with Madi, I saw red; but Alice talked me down and explained what Madi needed from me.
Needed because I’d chosen the worst possible time to take a piss, leaving them in a vulnerable position.
After ordering our lunches, I said, “The woman with Paul.” I didn’t let on that Alice let it slip that she was Paul’s sister.That alone revealed how much Paul’s presence flustered her.
“Something about her seems familiar.” I still couldn’t put my finger on it, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that I’d seen her before.
“Today’s the first time I’ve met her,” Madi answered.
“I know you want to help, but you should have Alice flag her name, so she only sees Dr. Greenfield.” Just like they’d done with Paul.
