I tried to take one woman back to my rented condo—a blonde so I wouldn’t fantasize about Marion while I was with her, and make this worse. But I couldn’t get it up, and that’s a first. She took it personally, which it kind of was. She wasn’t the person I wanted. How much more personal can you get?
I lied, said my distraction was a business deal. When she didn’t completely believe that, I added a lost pet for good measure. That turned her into a puddle of sympathy and she went on her way, hoping I’d call. But at least she left with her confidence intact.
It’s not her fault I want Marion.
Rubbing my face, I ask Troy, “Why?
“Taking Mar to get her cast off today. Wanted to know if you’d like to be there.”
I stare at the stack of opened mail Bobby left for me to peruse at my leisure. He handled the majority of hassles, tackling everything he had the power to do. The rest has waited long enough. I need to stay here and hold my ground. “What time?”
“Two o’clock. Emory University Hospital.”
I can’t go.
I shouldn’t go.
I’m too obsessed to say no.
“See you there.”
He chuckles, “I missed you.”
I hang up. Truth is, I missed him, too. It was fucking lonely out there. Bobby stayed in Atlanta so I could face this demon that’s been on my back, without someone talking me up during meals.
But it did occur to me when I was lying on that beach that Troy would have been good company. It’s really easy between us. He would have made me laugh. Blue skies and relaxing ocean waves aren’t the same if you can’t turn to someone and say, This is the life.
After I swipe my keys from the marble counter, I steel my gaze at the reflection in a wall-mirror hanging near my front door. “You just want to make sure she’s on the mend, that her dancing career isn’t gone for good.”
Liar.
The sanitary corridors at Emory are relatively quiet. Maybe because it’s only Tuesday and not many people are getting into trouble on Monday nights.
The emptiness is strange. My footsteps echo off white walls as I nod to a curious old man in a wheelchair. He tips his head and even follows me as I pass by.
Odd.
Do I look like someone he knows?
The image of him slouched in that electronic chair stays with me all the way to the room where Troy texted me they’d be. Before I open the door, I steady myself for seeing the object of my desire for the first time since I told her she’d never have me.
Who bothers to knock?
Not I.
Troy and Marion look over from where she’s seated on one of those boring and uncomfortable hospital chairs, with him kneeling by her in an intimate conversation, a sight that makes my blood boil instantaneously. He’s got scuffed boots on with brown jeans and a green Henley that fits him well. She’s even more lovely than I remember in a dusty-rose dress that falls to her knees, but her bare legs give me a start.
He stands up as I demand, “Where’s your cast?” glancing to a female doctor who’s about to leave. “You the orthopedist?”
“I am. My name is Dr. Eudy,” she nods warily, thanks to my tattoos and intimidating size. Troy is tall, too, but he doesn’t look as pissed as I do.
“You took off her cast?”
“Doesn’t take long. Fact is, it was due last week but we decided to wait since the regrowth has been so promising.”
The good news swings my head over to ask her, “Mar, you can dance again?”
She nods, biting her lip on a smile. “It’s not over for me.”
It hits me hard, relief almost overwhelming. I rush to her, and understand why Troy had knelt down to take her hands, because I have to do the same. He’s standing by us as I drop down. “That’s incredible! I can’t believe it!”
Beaming at me, her voice is breathy with emotion as she squeezes my hands. “I didn’t want to hope.” Tears spring to her enormous eyes and Troy groans behind me.
“Here we go again.”
She flicks a look to him. “Oh, shut up,” but the reproach is filled with love.
Love.
Was I gone that long?
And just like that, my spirits crash to the ground so fast they make a hole we all can see. I stand up, rake my hair and scan the room. Everyone can tell I’m upset. This isn’t rage, it’s something else I can’t put a finger on.
Oh.
I know what it is.
Regret.
My voice is deepened by it as I clear my throat and give a single nod. “That’s great news.” I turn to the doctor so I don’t have to watch the happy couple. “Good work, Eudy.”
“She was a great patient. Most of mine don’t rest like they’re told to. They’re too eager to get back to normal living and in the process injure themselves, deepening the fracture, or worse. Some grow back disfigured and there’s little I can do about it when they don’t come to me early enough. I’ve had to re-set more bones than I care to. But not with Marion. Her leg had the chance to heal that it needed.”
There’s a huge smile in her voice as Mar offers news that cuts me to my core. “Troy helped. He did all of my errands for me. Cooked me meals. Kept me company while I watched girly-movies.”
I lock eyes with him. He knows I’m jealous, and he feels guilty about it. But didn’t I ask for this? Didn’t I tell her she’d never feel my kiss again?
“We all need friends like that. You can check out at the nurse’s station, Marion. It was a pleasure.”
“Thank you, Doctor Eudy.”
We watch her go, and as soon as she’s gone, Marion looks at me, the sweet smile gone. “How were the Florida Keys?”
I cock my head.
She’s jealous, too.
What the fuck?
She’s not satisfied with one guy?
She still wants two?
The door opens and we all look over.
“Daddy!”
My stomach turns as David walks in wearing a suit, his tie perfect. “Well well well, look who’s got her cast off!” Passing me, he claps a hand on my shoulder. “Hey Jack, when did you get back in town?”
“Today.”
“Poker on again?”
“You bet.”
“Great.” He focuses on our friend. “Troy. Good to see you. Thanks for driving her. It took a load off my mind.” Bending to kiss Marion’s cheek, he explains, “I only have a few minutes, kid. I’m driving back to my office.”
Her beautiful face is riddled with skepticism. “Late lunch?”
“Kind of.”
“Dad.”
He chuckles awkwardly and slides a glance around before landing back on her. “Had an errand to run after a lunch meeting.”
“I didn’t realize people named girls “Errand” now. I’ve heard of Erin, but…”
“Marion,” he laughs, rubbing his smooth jaw. “This is about you getting better, right? Look at that leg! Like new.”
“Dad…!”
One more glance swings by. “Oh, alright, I’m among friends. And I needed to tell you sometime. I just didn’t want to make this grand moment about me.” Taking a deep breath, he announces, “I was at city hall applying for a marriage license.”