“What do I owe you?” I asked.
“I got it,” Madi answered.
I narrowed my eyes at her. My first instinct was to argue, but I could tell Madi needed this.
“Thank you.”
She looked skeptical. “But…?”
“No but, just gratitude.”
The bruise to my ego was a small price to pay if it helped her feel better. “You’re welcome.”
At the clinic, I backed into the parking spot closest to the road. The position ensured I wouldn’t get blocked in if we needed to make a fast getaway.
I spent most of the day on the front porch, taking occasional breaks to use the restroom or walk the perimeter.
Alice smiled and waved me through to the back whenever I had to use the bathroom.
I wondered if we could install a security door between the lobby and the exam rooms. On my way back, I checked out the entry point more closely. It was wider than standard, so they’d need a custom door.
I made a mental note to research the safety aspect of having a locking door in the clinic before talking to Madi.
“Can I order lunch for you?” she asked. “We lock the door from noon to one, so you’re welcome to eat with us in the breakroom.”
“Thank you, but I already ordered something.” I wouldn’t eat with them either, because I didn’t want to intrude on what was most likely Madi’s only break.
I laughed when the thought; it was an easy day, crossed my mind.The only easy day was yesterday. The only easy part of today was working at the clinic. Tonight, Madi and I had a date.Fake date. With Paul moving to Weatherford, we needed to keep up the appearance of being a happy couple to keep him at bay.
If he continued popping up wherever she was, I’d have to play the jealous boyfriend.Paul won’t like that.
I’d also need to report it to her brothers. He’d like that even less, though it’d take him a while to realize it.
I had to walk a tightrope between Madi and SSI. I wouldn’t breach her trust, but I also wouldn’t risk her life. I’d end up pissing off someone before this was all over.Maybe everyone.
I checked my appearance in the rearview mirror before walking to Jack’s door and knocking.
“Hi, Matt,” Meg greeted me with a smile. “Come in. Madi’ll be ready in a second.”
“Thanks, Meg.”
My boss held a bottle for his daughter. “Robinson.”
I’d planned on playing nice, but instead I smiled and returned his cold greeting. “Sheppard.”
“Play nice, you two,” Meg ordered us as she took Natalie from Jack. I couldn’t see her expression, but from the look of defeat on Jack’s face, she’d scolded him.
Jack walked over and stuck out his hand. “Hi, Matt.”
“Hi, Jack.”
I had to give him credit for not using his grip to assert dominance.
“Any fun plans for tonight?” Jack asked through gritted teeth.
It was killing him to play nice, and I found it entertaining.
“Just dinner.”
