Page 15
Leave it to my sexy husband! I had almost forgotten about the office party today.
The morning flies by with consultations and follow-ups. The weeks leading up to the holidays are always busy, with affluent clients wanting to look their best at their holiday gigs, so we’re up to our elbows in botox and collagen. I enjoy it immensely, despite the frantic schedule. They leave my office so happy and confident, and it feels good to give them this extra lift for their celebrations.
When I arrive at the bakery, Bertie is chatting up a tall redheaded hunk. Bertie must be in heaven—he likes them tall and thick—and he’s deploying his flirty smile, the same smile that snagged me those many years ago. My BertieBear is such a tasty treat. The redhead has his back to me, in a checked flannel shirt, and he looks familiar…
Bertie glances over and gives me a conspiratorial grin, the one he always gets when we’re doing some man-watching together. This guy must be something special. Maybe it’s that red hair, and he certainly has an imposing physique. I’m a six-footer, towering over my adorable pocket bear, but this guy even makes me feel small.
The fellow catches Bertie’s glance, and he turns around. I’m completely dumbstruck. It’s Orion…and he’s not wearing his mask! He looks, well, radiant, with a sparkle in his eyes and a gentle smile. But then his eyes go wide in shock, and I see his tentacula wriggling. He’s losing control of them.
“Doctor Genji!” he says, and slaps a hand up, covering his beard.
His eyes dart around the bakery in panic, and he takes off without another word, pushing past me to the door.
“Orion!” Bertie yells, confused, snatching up a big bag. “Wait up!”
He dashes past me and out the door, grabbing Orion’s arm as he’s untying his dog. Orion keeps his face turned away, but Bertie passes off the bag before Orion flees down the street.
“What was that all about?” Bertie mutters as he pushes back into the bakery. “Do you know him, Hidie-ho?”
I suggest, “Let’s sit for a minute.”
He must catch my look, because he says, “Give me a minute. I’ll make some lattes.”
When we’re settled at a table by the window, I say, “Yes, I know Orion. He’s my new patient.”
“The one you’re so worried about? What is the…no. It’s not my business. But is he okay? It’s not life-threatening?”
“Yes. No. No, it’s not life threatening, but yes, he’s working through a lot of stuff right now.”
“I had no idea. He’s been coming in here for years, and he’s always friendly. Quiet, very quiet, but with that adorable little smile. I look forward to it every time. As you saw, he’s gorgeous.”
“I think so too,” I say, maybe realizing it for the first time.
“And he’s so sweet. You know, he’s the taste-tester I’ve mentioned many times. You saw the text I got about my first kouign-amann.”
“So, he’s your GingerGiant,” I say, and I have to laugh. The nickname fits him perfectly.
“That’s him. He has insights like nobody else. He can always pinpoint exactly what my new creations need.”
There’s his enhanced sense of taste in action.
“He wasn’t wearing a mask today,” I say.
“Why should he? He hasn’t worn one since the pandemic. My god, why would he, with that beautiful ginger beard?”
“Hmm,” I say, and let it drop. It seems my boyfriend and my new patient have a special connection, one that’s built on friendship and trust, and a love of tasty baked goods. I hope I haven’t ruined it for both of them.
As if he read my mind, he says, “Let me know if I can help. I don’t want to nose into his business, but if there’s anything I can do, I’m here, or there, or wherever you two need me.”
“Thanks, cutie,” I say, and the first glimmer of an idea kindles. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
Now that I’ve had the idea, there will be no avoiding it. Professional or not, it’s going to nag at me until I take action. It’s becoming clearer and clearer that I want to dissuade Bertie’s GingerGiant from this procedure, and the perfect way to do it is right in front of me.
7
ORION
Albert is such a good friend. He packed me a loaf of rye bread today, some treats for Jake, and another pink box, larger this time. My tentacles simply can’t wait to explore those pastries again. The one I had was sheer pleasure.
