“Yeah. I didn’t want to start a job at a dance school if I couldn’t stay upright. A dance teacher falling over all the time wouldn’t inspire confidence.”
“Christ. So you might have something wrong, but you might not? How will you know?”
“They’re doing some tests, even though there isn’t a specific test for some of the stuff he mentioned. They’re ruling out some of those things first.”
“Like what kinds of things?”
“Oh, please, don’t make me go through the list. I’ve never even heard of some of the diseases he mentioned.”
“Would you like me to go with you? You know…for those tests.”
She was surprised at his offer. Or was it an offer? “Do you mean you’d go with me because you want to or because I need you to?”
“Either. As long as it’s during my time off.”
“I’m scheduled for an MRI next Thursday. I’ve never had one. Are you free then?”
Gabe strode to the kitchen, opened a drawer, and withdrew a single sheet of paper. After consulting it, he said, “I’m free Thursday. And to answer your other question, Iwantto go with you.”
A sense of mild relief washed over her. She had hoped he’d go with her. At least she wouldn’t be facing this alone.
He returned to his seat beside her. She must have looked pathetic, because he put his arm around her and stroked her shoulder.
He seemed uncomfortable. She didn’t blame him. She had just dropped a bomb on him. Would Gabe understand her need to stay at the bank? Insurance was a must right now.
“Gabe, I’m keeping my job. I need the benefits.”
He nodded slowly. “I get that. I may have overreacted about the job. It’s not like the bank gets robbed every day, right?”
She chuckled. “Nah. Just every other day.”
They faced each other and smiled, albeit sadly. Humor usually helped lighten her mood, but not when it was followed by pity.
After a short hesitation, Gabe said, “Friday is your birthday. I was hoping to surprise you, but I didn’t know what you’d want to do. Why don’t you come up with something?”
“You mean you’d like to spend my birthday with me?” She was a little surprised but genuinely pleased. This guy was either taking his responsibilities seriously or maybe he really enjoyed her company. She hoped it was the latter.
“Of course. The evening, at least. I’d never let you spend your birthday alone.”
She deflated slightly. That meant he felt sorry for her. “I, um… I have plans with some girlfriends.”
“Oh! I didn’t realize you had…” Trailing off, he looked uncomfortable.
Her jaw dropped. “You didn’t know I had friends? How pathetic do you think I am?”
“I didn’t mean that! No, really. I don’t think you’re pathetic at all.”
She took a couple of deep breaths. At last, she came out with the truth. “Actually, I have plans the weekend after next with some friends, but not tomorrow or the next night. I just…well, I didn’t want you to feel obligated to look after me.”
“Misty, I don’t feel obligated to spend time with you. If I didn’t enjoy your company, I would probably just text the occasional ‘Hey, how are ya?’”
She smothered a snort. “Well,thatmakes me feel better.”
“So, what would you like to do Friday night? I asked Jayce for suggestions, but all he and I could come up with was either the ballet or a comedy club.”
“Wow. Two ends of the spectrum. I can guess who came up with each one of those options.”
“Yeah, you probably can. But I really want you to decide. Pick anything. What would you like to do on your birthday?”
