“That is strange.” I put my stuff in my bag. “I need to go.”
“So soon? I just got here.”
“I know. Sorry. I have an important phone call to make before my lunch is over. I’ll catch you later today.” I patted her shoulder and I left.
“Okay, bye,” she muttered with food in her mouth.
I quickly rushed out and dialed Gideon’s number. He answered on the first ring.
“Baby, I am so sorry.”
“Gideon, stop,” I said in a low voice as tried to find a low populated area to talk to him.
“No, I am truly remorseful for my stupid pic. It’s totally a guy thing to do. I just thought we were vibing and I took it too far.”
“Gideon—”
“I mean it, baby. Please tell me I didn’t fuck things up for us.”
“You didn’t fuck things up!” I shouted, trying to get him to shut up. “Now let me talk.”
A man cleared his voice from behind me, and I cringed inside, praying it wasn’t a doctor or administrator. The last thing I needed was to get fired for being unprofessional.
I peered over my shoulder, finding an old man pushing an elderly woman in a wheelchair. Probably his beloved wife. Just kill me now.
“I’m so sorry. Men can be so bullheaded,” I told them and pointed at my phone, stopping so they could pass me.
They nodded as if in full agreement with me and went on their merry way. I decided the only safe place to talk to Gideon was outside because the hospital was too busy. It was the middle of the day, and it was supposed to hit ninety-eight, but if I could find a shady spot, I’d be okay. The thing I loved about California was, for the most part, it was a dry-heat state. Not that we didn’t have humidity at all, but it wasn’t hot and sticky like the South.
“Are you there?” I asked him, even though I could see we were still connected.
“Yes, ma’am.”
I smiled at his obedience. “And you’re going to let me talk without interrupting me?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Good.” I grinned, wishing I could see his face right now. “First, I’m not offended and you didn’t take things too far during our texting. My friend Dana had sat down at my table and I panicked. I put my phone away and kind of forgot about you. And for that, I apologize.”
He was quiet and didn’t respond.
“Are you there?”
“Yes. Can I talk now?” he asked in a serious, non-sarcastic tone.
“Gideon, really?” I laughed a little. “I’m not angry. We’re good. Please talk freely.”
He let out a heavy sigh. “You don’t have to apologize for anything. I freaked out. I’m not used to caring about a woman as much as I care about you.”
“That’s very sweet.”
“I don’t want to lose you, Kel.”
“We’ve been friends for a long time. I have no intention of stopping.” I turned to the right and noticed the biker Dana had mentioned.
“That’s just it. I want you as more than my friend. I thought we established that already. I don’t need a fuck buddy. I can fuck anyone I want.”
I felt the sliding doors open, and it blew a nice breeze my way.
