Hooked on a Phoenix

by Ashlyn Chase

  “I’m going to be twenty-three next week.”

  “Really?” He glanced at her chart. “So you are. Happy birthday!”

  I might have MS, Lyme disease, or half a dozen other things? Yeah, a big fat happy birthday to me.

  “We need to do some neurological tests to narrow it down. I’m ordering blood tests, an MRI with contrast, and a spinal tap. I want to see you soon after I get those results. We’ll use these tests to rule out some possibilities and go from there.”

  He placed a hand on her shoulder and gave it a squeeze. “Don’t worry. We’ll get to the bottom of this.”

  She sure hoped so.

  He scribbled on a form and said, “Take these to the secretary on your way out. She’ll schedule the tests and follow-up appointment. You can get your labs done today, if you like. Nothing requires fasting.”

  “Oh, goody.”

  Eventually, she went home a few vials of blood lighter and several dollars poorer.

  She sighed. Now what? The whole thing made her want to run screaming, but she had to get these tests while she had insurance. If she quit the bank, that would end. And there was no way Gabe could cover her health insurance and her rent, as much as he might like to.

  She still didn’t know what to do about his recommending she find another job. Parker was backing him up. She hadn’t talked to either of them in a few days, but the one thing she knew was that she couldn’t quit the bank. Not now.

  She had to find out what she was dealing with before she made any kind of changes. If Gabe and Parker didn’t like it, that was just too bad. Parker would be on the other side of the world. And Gabe… What could he do? Spank her? The visual made her shiver—but not in an entirely bad way.

  She huffed and marched home in the chilly air, watching her steps carefully.

  Chapter 6

  Gabe hadn’t forgotten Misty’s birthday. He just wasn’t sure what to do about it. He had to work the day before, but he’d be off at six that night. He should call her. At least he could take her out to dinner—or something.

  Instead, he pulled his cell phone out of his pocket and called Jayce. The wind was bracing, so he ducked into one of the nicer hotel lobbies. Looking around, he felt like he should dress up just to stand by the window.

  “Hey, buddy, what can I do for you?”

  Sometimes, when someone called him “buddy,” he thought of his long-lost, floppy-eared, mixed breed puppy. A little knife would jab his heart, and he’d have to push it away until the next time.

  “I need to know what restaurant to take someone to. It should be nice but not impressive.”

  Jayce was quiet for a moment, then asked, “You mean like a chain? Like Applebee’s?”

  “No. Something, you know, different.”

  “No, I don’t know. What’s it for?”

  “A birthday.”

  “Just any old birthday? Or something special, like thirty or forty?”

  “It’s nothing special. Twenty-three.”

  “So why are you calling me?”

  “Because you know all the restaurants around. Before you met Kristine, you dated half of Boston.”

  Jayce laughed. “You’re exaggerating.”

  “Not by much. How is she, by the way?”

  “She’s doing good, trying to keep her honeymoon tan with that bottled stuff.”

  “How’s that working out?”

  Jayce chuckled. “Not great. She looks a little like a tiger.”

  Gabe grinned. “I guess it’s a good thing we have olive skin and kind of a permanent tan.”

  “Yeah. That’s what I’ve been thinking. So, you need a restaurant for someone’s twenty-third birthday.”

  “I know there must be a thousand of them, but I was hoping you could help me narrow it down.”

  “Do you know what she likes?”

  “You mean, like Italian food? Or Chinese? And by the way, what makes you think it’s a woman?”

  “Because if it were a guy, you’d just ask him where he wanted to go.”

  Gabe had hoped this wouldn’t turn into an interrogation, but it looked like it might. Glancing around, he found a comfortable armchair that wouldn’t show a stain if his uniform was a bit dirty.

  “So,” Jayce was saying, “is this young woman about five foot five, with long dark hair and big blue eyes?”

  “Shit.”

  A handsome couple stepped off the elevator at that moment and cast him a look that said, You don’t belong here, heathen.

  He rose and moved through the revolving door back onto the sidewalk while his brother laughed.

  “Look, it wasn’t my idea to look after Misty, but now that I have the job and it’s her birthday the day after tomorrow, I figure I’d better do something about it. I can’t think of anything except taking her out to dinner.”

  “Geez, Gabe. I knew you didn’t have much game, but I thought with someone you’ve known this long, you might be less clueless.”

  “Thanks a lot. Now can you help me or not?” He waited for the light to change and then crossed the street near the public library.

  “You can go online to a place called OpenTable. Check out a few places in the North End and make reservations.”

  “But she lives in the North End. Shouldn’t I take her somewhere else?”

  “Sure. But I still don’t know exactly what you’re looking for. Do you want a quiet atmosphere where you can talk? Or a loud, lively place with dancing?”

  “Hell, I don’t know. That’s what I was hoping you could help me with.”

  “Well, since you’re such a scintillating conversationalist, I’d probably suggest you take her dancing. We know she likes to dance.”

  “But I don’t want her to get the wrong idea. This isn’t a date.”

  “You’re really not giving me much to work with here, Gabe. How about taking her to the ballet?”

  “Ugh. Not if I have to be there too.”

  Jayce gave a long-suffering sigh on the other end of the phone. “I don’t know what to tell you, buddy. I think there’s a comedy club in Quincy Market. Maybe you can make reservations for the show and grab dinner at the Union Oyster House after.”

  “I guess. Seems a little touristy, but at least I wouldn’t hate it.”

  “This isn’t about you. This is for her. And by the way, don’t forget to buy her a present.”

  “A present?” he nearly shouted.

  A couple of passersby looked up at him but kept going.

  “Shit, yeah. You need to buy her a birthday present. She has no one else but us, right? She might not get anything.”

  “Like what kind of present?”

  “I don’t know. Something nice like a cashmere scarf or leather gloves. Can you think of something she needs?”

  “She had her wallet stolen. That was a week ago. She probably has a new one by now.”

  “You know what?”

  “What?”

  “It shouldn’t be this hard. Why don’t you just ask her what she’d like to do and where she’d like to go? Then maybe take her shopping and let her pick out something she wants for her birthday. If she’s just a pal, you don’t have to surprise her.”

  Oh brother… Why didn’t I think of that earlier?

  “Yeah. That works. Well, Jayce, I’m almost home. Thanks for the advice.”

  “Let me know how it goes.”

  “Yeah. I’ll do that.”

  Jayce laughed. “Don’t screw it up, or I’ll hear about it anyway. I have eyes and ears all over the city.”

  “Whatever.” Gabe didn’t much care anymore. There sat Misty on his doorstep, shivering and looking miserable.

  * * *

  “Misty, what’s wrong?”

  She glanced up at him. How could she tell him what she was going thro
ugh and not sound needy? She rose and tried to smile.

  “I, um, have to tell you something. And please don’t tell Parker.”

  Gabe hesitated. At last, he said, “Let’s go inside. It doesn’t sound like a discussion to be having on the doorstep.”

  Misty followed him through the front door as soon as he unlocked it. She had never been to his place. The building was massive and plain. It was like a big brick block with windows. Many of the buildings around it had embellishments on the doors and windows. Not this one. Maybe it used to be a factory or warehouse, or because it was built more recently, they hadn’t bothered. Older buildings had the pretty frills.

  As she entered the elevator, her shivering stopped. She wasn’t sure if it was the warmth of the lobby or being with Gabe that helped. At any rate, she felt a little more relaxed…safer, if that made sense.

  When they reached the top floor, the elevator door opened, and he blocked it with his arm, then followed her out. Turning right, he strode down the hall to the end.

  “You have a corner unit?” Misty asked.

  “Yeah, more windows. The place gets plenty of light.” He opened the door, and she stepped inside. It was a loft apartment. Exposed ductwork on the ceilings and brick walls gave it an industrial feel. A stainless-steel prep island and appliances added to that look.

  “Very masculine.”

  “That’s good, since I’m very manly.” He gave her a smile to show he was joking around.

  The furnishings were minimalist. He didn’t even have any window treatments. She wondered if he didn’t want any artwork on the walls or if he just hadn’t bought any.

  Misty rubbed her arms absently.

  “Are you still cold?” Gabe asked.

  “Oh, no. Not really. I’m just…a little stressed.”

  “Have a seat. What can I get you? Coffee? Water? Wine?”

  She chuckled. “I need the wine, but it’s only eleven o’clock in the morning. It’s supposed to be at least noon for that, right?”

  “I won’t tell if you won’t.”

  She let out a deep breath. “Okay, I’ll take that wine and your silence too.”

  As he strode to the open kitchen, he glanced over his shoulder and frowned. She must have looked like she was staring at him, but she was really staring into space. She quickly pulled her attention back to her lap, then it automatically returned to what he was doing. He grabbed a bottle of wine out of the refrigerator and poured her a glass. Correction, it wasn’t a glass. It was a Solo cup. Well, she’d know what to get him if she ever needed to give him a present. Wine glasses and artwork.

  When he returned and handed her the cup, she took a large gulp. She figured if he wasn’t going to be fancy, she didn’t have to trot out her best manners either. He sat on the cushion next to hers and stretched his arm across the back of the sofa. He could easily put his arm around her shoulder. In fact, she wished he would.

  “So, what has you stressed?”

  “Gabe, you have to promise me that you won’t tell Parker. I don’t want him to worry.”

  “I’m starting to worry for him. Spill it.”

  She took a deep breath and said, “I went to the doctor for dizziness. He seemed to think it could be something awful.”

  Gabe’s eyebrows shot up. He leaned back and gawked at her. “What makes him think that?”

  “I’ve been having some balance problems. Stumbling, almost falling, and sometimes I feel dizzy, and I’ve seen spots in front of my eyes.” She took another good gulp of wine.

  Gabe hesitated, then said, “I thought you just wanted me to catch you.”

  She snorted. “Well, it happens even when you’re not around. You just happen to catch me when you are.”

  “That sucks. Not my having to catch you—I don’t mind that—but your balance thing. Is that what made you go to the doctor?”

  “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, I want to 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, that makes 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?”

  “I…I don’t know. I hadn’t thought much about it.” That was a lie. She had thought long and hard about how to spend her birthday. She just hadn’t thought she’d have company. Now her plan didn’t fit. Gabe at a spa? That would be a hoot.

  “We could just go shopping f
or a present and then go out to dinner,” he was saying. “What kind of food do you like?”

  Shopping for a present? She didn’t need anything but his companionship—and maybe more… She could start with the restaurant. “I know we both like Italian food. I like Indian and Chinese food too. What do you like?”

  “All of those.” She could see him struggling. “It doesn’t matter what I like. It’s your birthday. So, what would you do, ideally? Forget about me for a second.”

  She chuckled. “Actually, I’d go to a day spa, get a facial and a massage, then grab Chinese takeout and eat at home. After that, I’d probably watch a movie.”

  At last, he smiled. “Sure. Let’s do that.”

  Her eyes widened, and she burst out laughing. “So you’d go to a spa with me?”

  He shrugged. “Why not? I’m secure in my masculinity. A massage after work actually sounds pretty good.”

  “I’m picturing you wearing green goop on your face and cucumbers covering your eyes.”

  He groaned. “You wouldn’t make me do that, would you?”

  Oh, she was tempted. “Probably not.”

  “If I can get you to change that to definitely not, I’ll take you. And Chinese food after sounds perfect. The movie depends on what you pick.”

  “Let me guess, you like action-adventure, something with lots of violence.”

  “Yeah, but it’s your day. What do you like?”

  “Actually, I like lots of different movies, including action-adventure. I can do without the violence, though.”

  “Fine. Action-adventure, with no violence. Is there such a thing?”

  “I sure hope so.”

  * * *

  They spent a few seconds staring at each other in silence. At last, Gabe gathered her into his arms and held her close.

  He could almost hear his mother giggling.

  He didn’t see himself as the most sensitive of his family. That questionable honor fell to Luca. The youngest. Didn’t it? He was the one their mother babied.