Sybil sniffled, wiped her eyes, then sniffled again. “It feels like the others have written me off, but you’ve gone out of her way to be kind.”
“That’s what friends do.” Rysa wrapped her in a hug. “The others are sowing their oats, and I think your pregnancy has them freaked out and thinking about the consequences of their lifestyle. They’ll come around, and if not, that’s their problem.” She let go of her, backed up a step, and winked. “Between you and me, I’m not sure it would be that big of a loss.”
She broke out in a dry smile. “Sometimes I wonder.”
“They aren’t bad people—they just have to mature in their own time.” Rysa shrugged. “Most of them. at least.”
“Why are you different?”
“I know what it’s like to need a friend.” Shadows darkened Rysa’s eyes, but in a split second her eyes returned to their clover green hue. She smiled and pulled multiple containers from the bag. “And you, my friend, are in need. Let’s eat while it’s still warm.”
The battle not to cry again was a hard-fought win. “What did you get?”
“Two of the souvlaki platters that come with a Greek salad and hummus.” Opening a box, Rysa waved it in front of Sybil. “And this is fried kibbe. I’ve never had it, but the lady in front of me said it was a must-try.”
“I’m so hungry.” She grabbed two water bottles from the refrigerator and returned to the pub-style table. “I’ve eaten so much this week, I think I’ve made up for those two weeks I couldn’t.”
“You’re eating for two now, it’s allowed.” Rysa rolled her eyes. “Don’t tell my boss I said that. He’ll give you a lecture on the exact number of extra calories you should be eating.”
Sybil’s laugh bounced off the walls. “I wish your office took my insurance. I’d much rather have you as my nurse than that fuddy-duddy at Dr. Foster’s office.”
“You’re not the only one who’s said that, but Dr. Foster is a fantastic OB. My boss refers some of his high-risk patients to him.”
“That’s good to know.” She stepped up on the chair rung and took a seat. “I have another appointment tomorrow to check my blood pressure.”
“What time?” Rysa stabbed a piece of chicken with her fork. “I have off and can come with you, if you’d like.”
“Eleven. You’d do that? Liz was supposed to come, but she backed out.” She pursed her lips, tamping down the annoyance. “I know I could do it on my own, but…”
“Hey, I understand. We all need someone. Even Moses needed Aaron and Hur to help him win a battle.”
“Huh? Who are Moses and Aaron?”
“No one. Don’t worry about it.” Rysa’s countenance changed, as though a brick wall had been erected to shield off any further questions.
The behavior struck Sybil as odd and uncharacteristic for Rysa. Whoever Moses and Aaron were, they must have brought grief to her life at some point. Sybil let it go and nibbled at the rice underneath the chicken. She’d start with the bland flavor first to test out her stomach. “You don’t have to come.”
Rysa’s normal, happy, disposition returned. “I don’t mind. Besides, I like to spy on other doctors and see how they run their offices.”
Her response brought Sybil a hearty chuckle. “And what would you do with that information? You’ve told me a hundred times at least that Dr. Mel is set in his ways.”
“He is.” Rysa grinned and wiggled her eyebrows. “But that doesn’t mean I’ll stop trying.”
Sybil forked a piece of chicken, put it in her mouth. Her taste buds awakened and savored the seasoned poultry. “This is fantastic. Make me a promise that you won’t let me eat it every day.”
“All right, but only if you don’t let me have one of these every day.” Rysa followed her statement by dipping the fried kibbe in tzatziki sauce and taking another bite.
“It’s a deal.” She finished the meal, feeling lighter than she had in weeks despite her full stomach.
For a short time, her emotional baggage had disappeared, and she’d been able to relax. Even pregnancy thoughts had disappeared.
“One last treat.” Rysa pulled a final box from the bag she’d set aside.
Sybil’s eyes widened, and she glanced her stomach. “I can’t eat another bite.”
“That’s okay.” Rysa’s eyes twinkled. “We’ll just have to sit and chat until you’re ready to enjoy coffee and baklava.”
She clutched a hand to her chest in an exaggerated movement. “It will be a hardship, but I’ll try my best.”
