The thought gave her instant butterflies, and that smile; the smile that would not go away. She put on a subtle trace of eye liner and a mild pink eye shadow. A girl had to look good for her man, but more importantly, she had to feel good. And Abby did. She stepped back and took in as much as she could in the mirror. She checked both off her list. She walked out to the living room to meet that wonderful man waiting for her.
“Ready?”
He stood up and looked at her intently. Taking her gently in his arms, he held her around her waist. “Abby. God. You look so beautiful.”
“Thanks.”
“Yes. I’m ready. I’ll tell the driver to wait here.”
She pulled her spring jacket from the front closet. It was probably chilly outside. He went out to speak to his driver, and Abby grabbed her phone, purse and keys, and locked up. He came back to the front door, hooked her arm into his, and they left on foot for their date.
She was glad she threw on the jacket. The night air was cool, with a soft breeze blowing. Every so often it would whip up her hair. It sent a shiver through her, but that had more to do with the man beside her. He unhooked his arm and wrapped it tightly around her body as they strolled.
“Are you cold?”
“No, not too much. Just enjoying the fresh air. We had been snowbound for three days, remember? And to be honest, after walking through that blizzard for over an hour, I wasn’t sure I’d like being out in the elements at all anymore.”
“I can imagine. Well don’t worry about tonight, Abby. I’m here to keep you warm.”
“Mmmm.” She snuggled into his chest and leaned her head on his shoulder for a moment. He smelled so damn good.
He was protective of her as they walked. No one was around, and the streets were quiet. He kept her close, and made a point of walking on the side closer to the curb. He was a true gentleman. Like her dad. Spending this time with Andrew, and at his cottage, was beginning to trigger so many memories of her mom and dad. This time, she remembered them walking along a small waterway in Sparks near the state park.
For almost the entire walk, her father had held her hand on one side, and her mom on the other. Whenever they got to a curb or crossed the street, depending on the orientation, he would switch positions with her mom. Abby was always in the middle, but had been confused about why he would keep switching. She had looked up and asked eventually. His answer was, ‘the man is supposed to walk on the outside near the curb, Abby. A good man always does what he can to keep his family safe.’
“So how do you like living here?” Andrew asked, pulling her out of her memories and back to their walk.
“I’ve grown to love it. It took a while. During my undergraduate years, I lived closer to downtown. It was way too loud. But out here, it’s close enough for me to run on the boardwalk, see the ocean, and it’s a lot quieter on this side of the campus.”
“Do you enjoy going out on the water?”
“I think so. I mean, I’m sure I would. I haven’t ever been out. Unless dipping my feet in the ocean qualifies.”
“Well, we’ll have to change that.”
“Really?”
“Yes, we will. My dad loves the ocean. He sails a lot on the east coast, but he’s got a speed boat he keeps docked at North Beach. Sometimes it’s at Fisherman’s Wharf. I’d like to take you out on it, one night when you’re free.”
“I’d like that,” she said, smiling up at him. She looked ahead. “Oh. That’s the diner over there. We can cross at the next light.-
“Sounds good. This fresh air has worked up my appetite.”
“Yes. I’m hungry too.”
He whispered in her ear, “I wasn’t talking about food, Abby.”
“Mmmmm.” That did it for her. His voice, and his breath on her cheek sent a pang of need straight to her core. It spread out through her body and she could jump his bones right there on the sidewalk. She turned and gave him a brief kiss on the cheek. It could wait.
He cradled her back and leaned down to reclaim her lips. With her flats on—she wouldn’t dare wear pumps so soon after her ankle sprain—he still had to bend, but not too far. No heels would ever let her meet him in height. He honed in on her neck and her breath hitched. It felt so good, standing there in his arms. Her leg slid up and down his pant leg without her permission. It just followed the lead of her desire.
A car drove by the quiet side street, and pulled her out of her erotic haze.
“Let’s have some food and hurry back to my place.”
He held both her hands and gave her a kiss on the forehead. “Good idea. I may have undressed you right here where we stand.”
He held her around shoulder as they waited for the lights to change. When it did, they crossed the road and entered the diner. There were four patrons inside—two men at the bar, sipping coffee, and a young couple at a back table.
“Sit wherever you’d like,” the waitress said to them. “I’ll be right with you.”
They chose a window booth. It was one of those sixties styled diners, with the neon signs, decorated in red and chrome everywhere. Sixties music was playing quietly in the background too.
“I can’t remember the last time I’ve been out to eat at a diner,” Andrew said.
“Really?”
“Yes. Unfortunately, I haven’t been out much.” He looked around. “This reminds me of a place near the med school campus. It must be a restaurant chain. It’s almost exactly the same décor and layout.”
“Probably.”
The waitress came up to greet them, and passed them the menus.
“Can I get you folks something to drink?”
Andrew gestured for her to answer first. “I’ll have water. Bottled, please.”
“And I’ll have the same.”
“We’ve got great milkshakes. Best in the neighborhood,” she added.
“No thanks,” Abby answered. “Dairy will be a little hard on my system this late at night. Another time, thanks.”
“I’ll pass as well.”
“Not a problem. I’ll be back with your drinks, and can take your order if you’re ready then.”
They nodded and turned their attention to the menus.
Andrew looked up from his. “This has got to be the same chain.”
“You think so?”
“Positive. The food’s identical. I guess it’s some consolation. Some things never change—even three thousand miles away and six years later.”
She nodded her agreement, and looked at the all-night specials. “See anything interesting?”
“The burger looks good, with garlic mash potatoes.”
“Yes. I have to warn you, though. Their hamburgers are massive. Tasty, but I’ve never been able to finish one. I think I’ll have one without a side.”
“Sounds great.”
“That way I can save some room for dessert. I’ve got a wicked sweet tooth, I’m afraid.”
“You do?”
“Yes,” she said, nodding, with lowered eyebrows. “I had to pry my eyes away from some of those tempting boxes of chocolates in your pantry this morning.”
“A few treats aren’t that bad.”
“True, but I would take it to the extreme if I had it around all the time.”
“Well we all have our weaknesses… What’s your favorite dessert?
“Cheesecake. And anything covered in caramel.”
“Okay. I’m making a mental note. By the way, I could take that in so many ways, Abby.”
She let out a shy laugh, and felt the heat rise up her neck as she blushed. Luckily, the waitress arrived with their water, so she didn’t have to answer.
“Here you go, folks. Are you ready to order?”
Andrew spoke for them both. “Yes. My…the lady here will have a double cheeseburger, hold the sides. I’ll also have a double cheeseburger, and would like a garlic mash on the side.”
“How would you like the burgers?”
“I’ll take mine well done,” Abby
replied.
“Same for me.”
“Okay. Coming right up, sir.”
She waited until the waitress left to continue. “So, what’s your favorite dessert?”
“New York style cheesecake. It’s hard finding it as good anywhere else. Thankfully, I’m not that much of a dessert person.”
“Okay. And what’s your weakness?”
“You mean in general?”
“Yes.”
He briefly looked down at the tabletop, and then back at her. “Mostly, allowing myself to be riddled with guilt.”
“Guilt about what?”
She saw him recoil slightly again. And averted his eyes. And the hand went to the scar.
“Oh, the past. It’s probably not the best topic for a late night dinner. But the one food I can never say no to is Mexican fried beans and rice. I don’t know what they put in that thing, but I can never resist. My housekeeper makes it for me once or twice a month.”
“Interesting.” She smiled.
He was quick to change the subject, but not quick enough. Abby saw that pain in his eyes again. She wasn’t as concerned about what it was from his past that troubled him so—it was how it seemed to swoop in and steal the happiness from his soul. It shut him down. She wasn’t in a hurry to ask yet—certainly not at dinner. She would wait until he felt more at ease. Now, she was the one beginning to have stray thoughts. She leaned forward and focused on how good he looked, sitting opposite her. Four days ago she didn’t know this man existed. Now she was wrapped up in his eyes.
“Do you like Mexican food?” he asked.
“Oh yes. Chili is my favorite. I use an amazing recipe my mom used to make. I can whip some up for you sometime.”
“Sure. I love chili.”
“Oh, before I forget,” Abby said. “What’s the dress code for dinner tomorrow?”
“It’s pretty upscale, but you can wear anything you’d like.”
“I’d like to blend in,” she added, giggling softly. “Otherwise I may show up in my standard go-to outfit.”
“What’s that?”
“Scrubs.”
“I’d be fine with that. I’m sure you’d rock the hospital staff attire.”
“Seriously, Andrew. Tell me. Business casual? A cocktail dress? I don’t go out much either, outside of school, the hospital, and clinicals. This will give me an excuse to go shopping.”
“Honestly. You can wear whatever you want. We own the place. They can’t force you to leave. Just be comfortable. But if you insist, you can wear semi-formal clothing.”
“Good. Semi-formal. Check.”
Their meal came soon afterward and they settled into a cozy silence while they ate. She had been famished. She ate the entire burger, for the first time ever. As it was late, Andrew called his driver to pick them up. They passed on desserts and hurriedly left. She was exhausted, and frankly, ready to hit the sack when he dropped her off in front of her place. He walked her to the door, and kissed her cheek.
“So I’ll see you tomorrow?” she asked.
“Yes, definitely. Actually, just in case this meeting with Sansbury runs late, can we meet later?”
“Sure. I have to do some paperwork for the new placement at the hospital. How about this evening?”
“That works. I can be here by seven.”
“I’ll be ready. Good night, Andrew.”
“Have a nice sleep. See you soon.”
Andrew waited for her to lock up before he returned to the limo and left. Abby went directly to the bathroom, removed her makeup, and pulled out another pajama top for bed. She crawled in under the covers and smiled as she drifted off to a restful sleep.
Chapter 3
ABBY grumbled and rolled over when a text message woke her up from such desperately needed sleep. She picked up the phone and looked at the screen. Andrew. Oh shit! It was after ten in the morning. Thank goodness he texted her.
She opened the text and read his message.
Andrew: Hi. Had a good sleep?
Abby replied: Hi. Pretty good. Overslept. You?”
Andrew: Heading to my meeting now.
Abby: Good. Going to get ready for my run.
Andrew: Nice. Just hit the gym downstairs.
Abby: Looking forward to tonight.
Andrew: Me too. Ok. Will let you go. When will you be home this afternoon?
Abby: About 2pm.
Andrew: Okay. Have a good one.
Abby: Enjoy your day Andrew
Abby set the phone down and got dressed. When she was ready, she got the phone again and pulled up the music sequence she programmed in for running. She grabbed her earbuds and locked up. Abby’s apartment was fifteen blocks from the water. Whenever she went out on a run, she would head straight for the ocean view, run up the boardwalk, and make a loop to get back.
Her run would normally last about forty-five minutes. On beautiful mornings like this, she would make it an hour. She wanted to do the same today. She needed it. But she had to give her ankle time. She started with a brisk walk to warm up. There was still some mild soreness, but she could work through it. When she was a few blocks from the water she transitioned into a slow jog. It felt good to be moving again.
As she turned south onto boardwalk, she felt the warmth of the sun hit the left side of her face. It was glorious—and hard to believe not even twenty four hours ago she had been snowed in at a Lake Tahoe cabin, with five feet of snow trapping them in. She soaked up the heat and took her jog up a notch. She was running now, letting her legs stretch so her stride could activate her quads and inner thighs. Her breathing had found its balance. Even her stomach was getting a workout. She allowed her arms to get in a neutral position. It began to feel automatic. Soon she was in her element, feeling the runner’s high kick in. She could keep going for a long time.
She ran the entire two miles of boardwalk and turned back to run it again. Going home was always easier. As she ran, she took a few sips of the water she had ready in her runner’s pack. She turned up the music and set her sights back the way she came. Her apartment was before her way too soon. She missed this alone time. She stretched her calves and quads at her front steps when she got back. The sweat was dripping off her chin now. She loved the feel of her drenched skin, sweat dripping down between her shoulder blades, her hair sticking to the sides of her face after a good run.
She got inside and hit the shower. It was time to catch up on the two days she missed, check emails, and get back into the routine of her studies.
ABBY made her way to campus first thing after her shower. She had hoped there wouldn’t be too much to catch up on. There was one missed seminar and a meeting with her independent project supervisor. While she was on campus, she got the seminar notes from one of her classmates, and rescheduled the meeting with her supervisor. Completely by chance, she bumped into Professor Sansbury, who nodded at her politely as he slipped by. She considered making conversation, and mentioning she got to know Andrew; but decided against it.
After reviewing some graduate student announcements on her laptop, she packed up and left. She had what she needed, and could catch up with the readings at home. Before returning to her apartment, she stopped at her usual grocery store. She needed food in the house. With her shopping cart strolling ahead, she perused the aisles to stock up on meat, fruits and vegetables. She couldn’t wait to settle back into her place after having been away for over two weeks. Now that she was likely to have company more often than not, she looked forward to preparing some of her favorite dishes again.
For some unknown reason, she noticed a man shopping down one of the aisles. Strange. It was Rob.
“Rob?”
“Hey Abbs,” he said when he looked around. “How’s it going?”
“I’m good. You shop all the way over here?”
“Yeah. This is the only place I do my groceries since I’ve been in Frisco. Is this where you shop too?”
“Yes. I can’t believe I’ve never bumped into you
here before.”
“True. That’s kinda weird. It’s the only place that sells produce and dairy from Sparks. Gotta love it home-grown, right?” He smiled and held up a wrapped chunk of Tahoe cheese.
“So you’re all okay now?”
“Uh huh. Everything’s awesome.”
“And did you fill Becky in about our blizzard adventure?”
“Yeah!” he said excitedly. “Mom told her while we were still down at the cottage. She was pretty worried for a while. When I talked to her this morning, she blamed me for the whole thing.”
“Really? Why?”
“She said I should have known better. That I was always on top of the weather and should have seen the storm coming. Ahhh, what does she know anyway. Sisters. She’d blame me for the weather too, if she could,” he said with a smile. “Oh, by the way, she said to tell you hi.”
“That’s nice of her.”
“She’ll try to phone you over the weekend. Mom told her about your ankle.”
“Cool. I’ll look out for her call.” Abby smiled, but doubted Becky would make good on that phone call. Becky had a tendency to get wrapped up in her studies, and her new east coast friends since she moved out to D.C. She wondered whether Becky still thought of her as her best friend anymore. Maybe it was the physical distance, and their mutually busy schedules during the last year of their studies that diminished their closeness over time.
After Becky left San Francisco, the place didn’t feel the same anymore. Abby was outgoing enough, and had made quite a few friends in her nursing program—people she knew would take very similar life-long career paths as Abby over the years. None of those friendships grew past the odd study session; hellos in the hospital hallways or watercooler talk when they had the same placements; or drinks after exams. Last semester was pretty lonely. Abby had begun to get used to it. She delved into her studies and placements, and went home to Sparks for all the school breaks. Now that Andrew was in the picture, she couldn’t help thinking whether she had new options outside of San Francisco.
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