"Yes, I have seen the flyers," replied Taylor. "The children talked about the last one for days afterward."
"Well, I mentioned it now because we always have a huge number of children at the center on those days and could use an extra hand. How would you feel about skipping one day this week and coming then instead? We could really use your help."
"I think that would be fine," replied Taylor. "What would you want me to do?"
"Just play with children and watch them while their mothers see the doctors. Mothers can be uncomfortable taking their children with them during their exams."
"Well then, of course. Count me in. I will take Tuesday off to run my errands and be here all day on Saturday."
The rest of the week flew by for Taylor. She spent Tuesday cleaning her apartment and doing some shopping. She noticed that even though she was running almost daily, she had gained some weight. She had to buy a couple of pairs of new shorts and some long flowing skirts as hers were getting too tight. For years, she and Joules had joked about how their emotions affected how much they weighed. She tended to gain when she was happy and lose in times of stress and unpleasantness. Joules was the complete opposite. While she was not overjoyed about gaining weight, she felt it was a sign of how happy and content she was in her new life, so she was okay with the changes in her body.
As planned, she worked at the center from Wednesday through Friday. On Friday night, Bennett called to check in. She found it funny that she no longer dreaded his calls. Each week, he'd call and update her on her investments and check in. Much of the conversations were the same as they had been having for years without the need to pretend they were a loving couple when they weren't.
Occasionally, he would mention Poppy or his son, but it was always in passing. Taylor gathered from their weekly chats that he was spending a lot of time with them, getting to know his son. She was happy for them, but she sometimes got a little lonely and wished she had someone special to share her life with.
In those times, she would always think about Greer. She had not heard from him since the night of the gala but had thought of him more than she probably should. If she were honest with herself, she fell asleep most nights wondering where Greer was and whathe was doing and hoping he was thinking about her as much as she was thinking about him. She also wondered if she would have the courage to contact him once her divorce was finalized. More importantly, she wondered if he was still interested in being contacted.
The center was a madhouse when Taylor arrived on Saturday morning around 8:00. Lucinda had assigned her to the arts and crafts area. For four hours, she made friendship necklaces and colored pictures with three times as many children as usual. The children seemed to enjoy the crafts, and she could tell the parents really appreciated the help.
Around noon, Lucinda stuck her head in and told Taylor that a hospitality room had been set up in one of the classrooms if she was hungry. Lately, Taylor was always hungry, so Lucinda covered for her while she went to get some lunch. Taylor was filling her plate with an assortment of fresh vegetables and a sandwich when she heard another volunteer walk into the room. Looking up, her heart almost stopped. Greer stood in front of her in a white doctor's coat over worn-out khaki shorts and a T-shirt. And he looked as delicious as always. They just stood staring at each other for a few moments.
Then Greer said, "TJ, is that you? Woman, you show up in the most random places. I swear, I do think you are stalking me."
At his references to what he had said to her that night in the bar, Taylor could not help but laugh. Smiling, she replied, "Well, maybe you are actually stalking me. I was here first."
"Okay, you got me. Busted." Greer gave her one of his killer smiles, and she felt it all the way to her toes. "But, seriously, what are you doing here? I thought you would be back in Arkansas."
At the mention of Arkansas, an uncomfortable silence filled the room. After a moment, she said, "I don't have time to explain all of it, but the gist is that I needed to get out of town for a while andwanted to come somewhere where I could make a difference. I asked Joules to find that place. This is what she came up with. What about you? How did you get involved with the medical mission here?"
"Well, my Aunt Edna was one of the first sponsors of this relief station. I started helping out here one weekend a month back in medical school. I liked it and have continued to come whenever possible."
The first thing Taylor thought wasEdna Stone, again! That woman is always in my business. I am going to kill Joules. What was she thinking of bringing me to a relief station sponsored by her? But what she said was, "Well, that is very nice. I am sure your aunt is very proud of you."
"I think so," said Greer. "She is a tough old bird, but she cares in her own way. Working for better medical care for those who don't have it is very important to her. Anyway, enough about Aunt Edna, how are you? You look great. Any more attacks?"
Shaking her head, Taylor said, "No, I never did get around to filling those prescriptions, but I still have them. However, I have been fine since I have been here."
Smiling and looking at her with hungry eyes, Greer said, "I need to grab a bite and get back, but what do you say to us having dinner tonight? Just as friends. We could have a glass of wine and talk. What do you say?"
Her first instinct was to say no. Even though she was dying to be with him, she was still married.
Instead of refusing him, she said, "I would love to have dinner with you, minus the wine. I still can't bring myself to drink alcohol after…you know…that night." She hesitated for a moment and added, "But I am still married. I wanted you to know that upfront. We are still planning on divorcing once the election is over, but until then, I am still legally wed. So, if you want to take back your offer, I completely understand. I can only go as friends."
Giving her a long look, Greer said, "I appreciate your honesty. But, the offer was just for dinner, nothing else. I will be finished here around 4:0. Can you get away by then? We could have an early dinner. How does that sound?"
He was looking at her expectantly, and Taylor could only manage a nod and an "Okay, see you then."
At that point, Greer gave Taylor a large smile, grabbed several sandwiches and a bottle of water, said, "See you later," and walked out.
Taylor's heart was racing so fast that it was all she could do to stay focused the rest of the day. She could not concentrate on the crafts she was supposed to be helping the children make. She spent more time cleaning up the messes she was making than anything else. Just knowing Greer was in the building filled her with excitement. Her body was literally humming being in such close proximity to him.
Around 4:00, Greer appeared in the arts and crafts area looking more like a sexy surfer than a doctor since he traded in his white doctor's coat for a beat-up baseball cap. All the children had already left for the day, and Taylor was cleaning up the room.
Giving her a sweet, crooked smile, Greer asked, "Hey, you about done?”
Oh God, she loved the way he said darlin’. It made her heart melt.
"Yes,” she said, "Just let me get my purse, and we can go."
