“I agree,” he said. “I’ve done a lot of traveling, and with only a few exceptions, I’ve always preferred the countryside or the more remote beaches to the cities.”
“Do you like traveling?”
“Yes. There are so many wonderful places in the world, and I’ve been able to visit many of them.”
“I’m grateful to live in such a beautiful place since I don’t travel anymore.”
Ben finished chewing the bite he’d taken. “Is that by choice?”
Amelia shrugged. “Mainly. My life isn’t very well suited to travel at the moment.”
“Is it because of your health?”
She stared down at the chicken burger and fries she’d ordered for a long moment. “Yes. I wouldn’t be able to handle the demands of travel.”
“Will you tell me what’s wrong?” Ben asked, broaching the subject straight on.
“Why do you want to know?” she asked.
Ben took another bite and chewed slowly, trying to formulate his answer. “I suppose there’s a natural curiosity, given who weonce were to each other. But more than that, I wondered if there was anything that our company might be able to do to help you.”
“Help me?”
“Do you know much about Burke Pharmaceuticals or Burke NeuroTech?”
“Not really, no.”
“Our company has been part of many medical breakthroughs in the areas of pharmaceuticals and medical technology. That has been the focus of the company since my grandfather started it. We have other interests as well, but those are the primary ones.”
He felt a bit like he was giving a presentation or something, but he wanted Amelia to know that he wasn’t just making something up.
“And you think your company can do something for me?”
Ben really wished he could say yes with total confidence, but he didn’t want to make false promises.
“I don’t know for sure,” he finally said. “We’d need to know more about your health issues.”
She tilted her head, and the fry she held drooped between her fingers. “Is this just a ploy to get more information about my health?”
Ben frowned. “Do you really think I’d do that?”
Amelia stared at him for a moment that seemed to stretch out forever. “I guess not.”
The length of time it had taken for her to answer pained him. The implicit trust she’d once placed in him… in the knowledge that he’d always do what he could for her… was gone, apparently.
“If you’d rather not tell me, I could give you the name of someone in the company you or your doctor could speak with.”
She took a bite of her burger, her gaze going distant. It seemed like she was contemplating what he’d offered. Though in his mind, he had no idea what there was to contemplate.
He continued to eat as well, not pressuring her with more assurances or suggestions. This had to be something she wanted.
“Do you work for the company like Julian does?”
“Not in quite the same capacity,” he said. “Julian is very… committed to Burke NeuroTech, and he’s always on the lookout for the next medical breakthrough.”
“And you’re not?”
“No. I work in a small division that gives grants or loans to small businesses.”
