Circle of Secrets

by Lauren Tisdale

  He’d stayed up many nights as he scanned every medical book on her condition to find some sort of treatment. When he finally did, seeing the color return to her cheeks and the light in her eyes growing, he was hooked even more. Lyndsay would hint around at asking her out but he never could find the nerve to do it. Partly from fear of being hurt or rejected, and the fact that she was his patient seemed to cross some kind of boundary. But now he was glad he had asked her, wherever this went from here they would face together. He’d always been her friend, well, professional friend.

  The fact he had been hiding from himself and not accepting was that he wanted to be more. He wanted to love her, care for her, not as just her doctor. When she accepted his offer for a date, a platonic, celebratory date, he was overjoyed and couldn’t stop smiling. He had asked his good friend Danielle her opinion on doctor-patient relations and how she handled it, speaking in figurative circumstances, she had suggested that the “doctor” make the conscious effort to realize that those things were tricky and could ultimately end badly, resulting in loss of career. Ethically, it was frowned upon and in some cases the doctor was sued or lost his or her license. Falling in love with your patients was not wise or smart. She’d said, “You can’t save them all, Carlos.” But Marissa, he wanted to save her and cure her so badly. Her case was the worst of all his patients. Even Danielle was stumped at first, since Marissa’s disease was unusual in its own way.

  “Sophia decided not to come?” he asked as the waitress handed them menus and took their drink order.

  “Water please, and no, she wanted to spend the night at Lyndsay’s. Samantha and Sophia are the same age and practically best friends.”

  He nodded and continued to smile. Looking down at his own menu, he continued to think of her and where this would all lead as he spoke.

  “I see. Like mother like daughter? Seems you and Lyndsay are pretty close friends as well.” Marissa smiled cheekily and nodded.

  She had the lightest hazel eyes he could get lost in and often found himself staring at her and not meaning to. This woman had captivated him in ways he didn’t think possible, and here he was, going against it all and taking a risk. Fear still lingered in the back of his mind at the thought that she may not currently or ever, want a relationship with him, other than for him to be her doctor. And if that was the case, he would accept it and understand.

  Having her in his life as a friend or patient was better than not having her in his life at all. On top of all that, she had a daughter, Sophia. She was the sweetest little girl, resembling Marissa almost identically. He would often chuckle when Sophia would tell him about things from school, or when she would be inquisitive about her mother’s condition and ask questions he never thought someone so young would think to ask. She was always intrigued by his answers and would take pride in giving her own thoughts in the matter. His favorite was when she suggested more ice cream to help the inflammation. Marissa was a spectacular woman, and her daughter was equally amazing. When she spoke again, it interrupted his thoughts.

  “Yes, we are. She’s terrific.” Small talk was nice.

  The waitress placed two glasses of water on the table and asked if they were ready to order. He looked up from the menu at Marissa, not able to keep from smiling as she looked over the menu, biting her lower lip. She was just…so beautiful and she didn’t even realize it. How could she not?

  “Do you know what you want yet or do you need a few more minutes?”

  “Well, hmmm, I think I’ll have a steak. Well-done please. Baked potato on the side. Loaded.” She smiled and handed the menu back to the waitress who smiled and took it.

  The waitress turned to Carlos and asked, “And for you, sir?”

  “I’ll have the same, sounds delicious.” She nodded and took his menu and left them alone again to talk.

  Marissa took a sip of water from her glass and smiled as it grew quiet. “So, do you take all your patients out to celebrate?” she asked as she set her glass down.

  “Only my favorites,” he said playfully with a chuckle as Marissa smiled and shook her head, looking down a bit coyly.

  * * * *

  “I see,” she said before looking back up at him. She was finding it hard to stop smiling as she exhaled slowly. And his smile…was so perfect. Gorgeous even, stomach flipping gorgeous.

  “Truthfully? I wanted to get to know you as well. On a friendship level, I mean. Is that okay?”

  She felt her cheeks redden as she nodded, “Of course. I understand and don’t mind at all. You seem like a great person to get to know as well.” Lyndsay would be thrilled to hear this, and Chantelle would be singing the I-told-you-so chorus. It had been a while since she’d had such a great time, today had been amazing and tonight was turning out really well. As their food arrived and they began to eat, he told her about himself. Why he chose to be a doctor, the best and worst things about his profession.

  “What would that be?” she asked after he said there were good things and bad about being a doctor.

  “Well, the good is helping people, making them feel better or giving them hope. The worst? That would be losing a patient. I hate seeing anyone suffer, but to know you failed really does put a damper on things. Luckily, being Christian, I believe it was just their time, but doesn’t help the part of you that feels very sad about not being able to save them.” She nodded in agreement, understanding exactly what he meant. She couldn’t be a doctor. “So, what about you? I hear you’re a teacher? What made you go into that?”

  She smiled. “Well, I’ve always loved kids. I wanted to be someone to help others, and when we were young I’d make my friends play school all the time. When I got to high school, I just really wanted to teach. It seemed like the perfect fit for me.”

  He chewed his steak and nodded before swallowing and taking a sip of his water. “You must do it well. I heard Lyndsay rave about you a lot when you were teaching. I’m really happy for you that this treatment is working and you’re getting your life back.”

  “I owe it all to my amazing doctor. I should send him a card or something, you should meet him. He’s a great man.”

  “Oh, is he? Sounds fantastic.”

  They both laughed and she realized she was sort of flirting with him. “Really though, thank you for all you’ve done to help me get the right treatment. I haven’t felt this well in a long while. And it’s great to feel great.”

  He shook his head. “It’s not just me, I thank God for leading me in the right direction to help you. And your outlook and attitude about getting better also helps. So give yourself some credit.”

  She smiled and took a sip of water. By God, this man was amazing. A Christian man, who seemed really great. Lyndsay had said he’d divorced because his wife had run off on him, but it made her wonder why. It was none of her business anyway and if he wanted her to know, he’d tell her. She set her fork down and chewed her last bit of food.

  “That was so delicious,” she said, wiping her mouth with the napkin. He nodded in agreement.

  “Yes, very. Great choice on the steak by the way. Care for dessert?” he asked with his award-winning smile.

  “Oh goodness, I’m not sure if I have room for dessert.”

  He picked up the dessert menu and shook his head. “Oh, come on, you can’t leave without dessert. It’s a celebration, remember?” Opening the menu, he made exaggerated mmmms and ahhhs to tease her.

  “Fine, but we share one dessert because I don’t want to waste.”

  Chuckling in agreement, he passed her the menu. “You pick.”

  “Oh no. I picked dinner, so you, Dr. Martinez, get to choose dessert.”

  He laughed and tipped his head as she returned the menu to him. “Touché,” he said as he looked the menu over and tapped his chin as if he were deciding on something very important. He pointed to something and turned the menu for her to see.

  “How about this? A brownie topped with ice cream.”

  “Mmmm, that looks good.”r />
  The waitress came to refill their glasses again and take their plates. She asked if they wanted any dessert and he ordered the ‘big ol’ brownie’ as it was called.

  “Okay, coming right up sir. Just one?” He nodded as she turned to leave with their plates.

  He focused on Marissa. “Thank you for coming tonight. It was a pleasure talking to you on this level.”

  Smiling, she shifted in her seat a bit. “Well, thank you for inviting me. I’ve had a lovely time.”

  Small chitchat continued as they began to talk about movies and music, realizing they liked a lot of the same things.

  “Favorite color?”

  “Red and black. You?”

  “Blue. I’m a statistic. I know.” They both laughed.

  “Favorite television show?”

  He laughed. “E.R.”

  She grinned, “Typical.” He nodded and chuckled.

  “When I do have time for television, that is. Where do you see yourself in five years?”

  She thought hard about his question before answering honestly. “Completely cured of this…illness and married. Hopefully. If Prince Charming drops from the sky. Realistically? I just want to see my daughter grow up happy and healthy.”

  “Not bad goals at all. I don’t think I’ve given up on the possibility of remarrying. It’s not out of the cards, provided the right woman comes along,” he said as the waitress came back with the dessert, setting it down.

  “Thank you,” he said before she left. Handing Marissa the extra spoon, he held his up. “Cheers.” Clicking spoons in a mock toast they each took a bite.

  The flavors of the chocolate brownie mixing with the vanilla ice cream made her express how good it was with a heartfelt moan. “This is so good. Great choice.”

  He nodded in agreement with a thumbs up. “Perfect ending to a great meal for sure.”

  She took a sip of water before continuing their conversation. “Sorry to hear about your divorce. You said re-marry. I only assume. But if that’s too personal…”

  He shook his head and began. “I’m not. It happens and was for the best. Not too personal at all, we are getting to know one another, right?”

  She smiled and nodded, deciding to change the subject. “Do you like the beach?”

  “I enjoy the beach very much. I love walking barefoot on the sand at sunset. It’s so peaceful and it’s the best time to think. I let her have the main house, which she sold. I purchased a small condo just for myself near the beach.”

  Her eyes widened. “I grew up living on the beach, but it’s been years since I’ve just had time to myself to walk on the beach at sunset. My parents live close to it, but I live in town. Real estate isn’t cheap in that area. And the risk of hurricane flooding was just too much for me.”

  “Oh that’s the downfall of it all. But it’s great.”

  “That sounds amazing though. Walking down the beach at sunset.”

  “Maybe you and I can do that one day. The view is breathtaking.”

  Okay, this only happened in movies. Was she dreaming? Was he really asking her out again? She felt her cheeks flush and they hurt because she’d been smiling so much throughout the night. She nodded and looked down, gathering her thoughts so she didn’t sound foolish. “I think that would be nice.” She looked back up at him with a smile, pointing a finger at him with a playful look of suspicion. “Are you asking me out again, Dr. Martinez?”

  “Please, call me Carlos. And…maybe I am. If you’ll say yes, then yes I am. If your answer will be no, I was just making conversation.”

  They both chuckled as she shook her head. “I think I’d like that. When?”

  “Whenever you would like. You have my number.”

  She swallowed more of the dessert and looked into his soft brown eyes and felt as if she were lost in them.

  He placed his hand on top hers that was on the table and she looked down at their hands. “I think you’re great. Really. Getting to know you was my only intention, but I like spending time with you. Is that a bad thing?”

  She smiled and shook her head. “I don’t think so. Unless it’s against the law for someone to…date her doctor.” She giggled at the thought.

  He grinned. “Nah, no law broken at all.”

  Wow. Just wow was all she could think. Their chemistry was off the charts and she felt like she couldn’t breathe.

  The waitress interrupted their exchange of heated glances by dropping off the check and wishing them a good night. He removed his hand from hers and took the check. “My treat, remember?”

  She nodded and took a sip of the water on the table, feeling as if her whole face was on fire. He left the table to pay the bill while she gathered her clutch and stood, heading to meet him at the door. He walked her out to her car, where she unlocked it and turned to face him.

  “I had a great time. Thank you for dinner and dessert, both were delicious.”

  He nodded and smiled. “I had a great time, too. Glad you enjoyed it, so did I. Drive safely, Marissa,” he said before leaning down and placing a sweet kiss on her cheek.

  She smiled up at him and said nothing as he opened her door. Getting in, she started the engine as he shut the door and waited for her to drive off. Lyndsay and Chantelle were going to freak! Her hands were sweaty, her body shaking, as she drove off into the night heading for home. One hand reached up and touched the cheek he’d kissed as she let out a sigh. Tonight went perfectly.

  Chapter Seven

  Helen returned home after a long day at the hospital and plopped down on the sofa letting out a heavy sigh. Tyson smiled and looked over as he made his way to her. Her father lay sleeping on the recliner, feet up and lying back. He looked peaceful. Tyson and Joseph had made a trip to see baby Olivia. Helen had found it odd when he called Abigail Helen. Of course, with all the medication he was on, it was easy to get confused. Lately he’d been acting oddly.

  “Tired, love?”

  “Very. It was so great to spend the day with Abigail and Brent and to hold Olivia in my arms.” It brought back so many memories of when she’d first held her own child. Something that seemed so distant, almost as if it hadn’t happened. Tyson rubbed her shoulders and she lolled her head to the side as he began to ease tension in her neck.

  “Why don’t you go have a hot bath and get to bed? Did you eat dinner?”

  She nodded, “Yes, I ate at the hospital with Brent. A hot bath sounds really good right now. We should get Dad to bed.” Tyson looked over and agreed as they both stood. She gently shook her father’s arm as he sleepily opened his eyes.

  “Let’s get you to bed Dad.”

  “Anne? Is it bedtime already?”

  “It’s Helen, Dad. Yeah, it’s getting late, let’s go get comfortable in your bed.”

  “Okay, Anne. Let’s go.” He was so groggy she figured he was dreaming of her mother Anne, and left it at that as they helped him to bed. Tyson said he would finish watching the game while she took a bath. Kissing his lips softly she looked up at him and smiled.

  “Thank you. Again.”

  He kissed her forehead lovingly and nodded as he rubbed her arms. She turned and headed for the bathroom to bathe.

  She felt a sense of renewal after her bath. This time she was able to stay awake, but that wouldn’t last much longer. She quietly made her way down the hall to the living room to let Tyson know she was going to bed. He noticed her and turned the television off. Silently they both went to their bedroom. As she sat on the edge of the bed and kicked her house shoes off, he climbed in behind her and rubbed her shoulders. She leaned back into his arms and tilted her head up to meet his eyes.

  “I love you, you know that, right?” she said softly. He just smiled and nodded before crushing his lips against hers. Passion ignited something in them both as she reached up and ran her fingers in the hairs at the base of his neck. As exhausted as she was, their lovemaking was special that night. What felt like ages of absence, had now made itself known. There was no ag
e limit to passion.

  She woke the next day with a smile and stretched. It was only seven in the morning but Tyson woke with the birds. She could hear her father and Tyson talking about the game last night. Joseph seemed to be in better spirits as well.

  “Morning Dad, Ty,” she said with a smile as she rounded the corner into the dining area across from the kitchen. Tyson grinned and returned the greeting as her father looked up from the newspaper.

  “Good morning, Cupcake. Won’t you be late for school?” Helen looked confused as Joseph quickly corrected himself. “I mean work. Work. Not school. Work.”

  She smiled and kissed his cheek as she sat down at the table and began to eat breakfast. “No Dad, today is your doctor‘s appointment. You ready to go? We leave in two hours.”

  He huffed a bit and shook his head and set the newspaper down. “I have to do that today?”

  “Yes, you get the cast off today.”

  “Aw hell, it‘s about time. I don‘t know how much more of this cast I can take.”

  “Then after, we can go see Olivia and Abigail.”

  He brought his brows together as he stared at her. “Who?”

  She was starting to get concerned with her father’s strange behavior. “Olivia and Abigail. Brent’s wife Abigail? She had their baby girl Olivia yesterday, remember?”

  He snapped his fingers as if he suddenly snapped back to reality. “Of course. Old man here, I am just forgetful.”

  Since the accident he’d been confusing a lot of things. Tyson had assured her that his brain scan came back okay, but was willing to reschedule another just to be sure. She was now considering doing just that.

  After breakfast was done, Tyson headed off to the office as Helen helped her father to her car to go to his appointment to take the cast off. He did fairly well, considering, and the doctor was confident he’d have the full use of his leg in a few weeks if Joseph continued with his therapy.