In The Eye of the Beholder
Beverly Cialone
ireadiwrite Publishing
2009
ireadiwrite Publishing Edition
Copyright © 2009 Beverly Cialone
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission from the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.
This ireadiwrite Publishing edition is published by arrangement with Beverly Cialone, contact at [email protected]
ireadiwrite Publishing - www.ireadiwrite.com
First electronic edition published by ireadiwrite Publishing
In The Eye of the Beholder
ISBN 978-1-926760-13-1
Published in Canada with international distribution.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.
Cover design: Christopher Bradford
Chapter 1
As I sat at my usual spot in the hospital cafeteria, alone and lonely, the last thing I expected was to find my one true love, my very own Mr. Right. Yet there he was, unobtrusively eating a cheeseburger and fries, with a rather thick book propped in front of him. Ah, a potential friend, I thought as I studied him with interest. I enjoyed reading myself, and had enough books at home to start a small library. But he was a doctor, and I didn’t have the nerve to actually get up, walk across the room, and sit down across from him for a friendly conversation. I doubted he’d even give me the time of day, if he even had time to spare. I knew how incredibly busy doctors were, since I did work in a hospital, and I also knew that the doctors usually held themselves in some kind of revered awe, as did their patients, as if they were God, or at the very least, God’s right hand man (men?). Such profound respect made the man sitting five tables away all but unavailable to me, unreachable, untouchable. Surely he didn’t have time for such a lowly creature like myself.
At the moment I was the hospital’s business office manager, but that still seemed to put me just out of reach of someone like the man sitting across the room. At thirty I was painfully shy, single, and lonely, and although people didn’t retch and scream and run in horror when they saw me walking down the sidewalk, I also knew that I wasn’t going to win any beauty contests anytime soon. OK, definitely not in THIS lifetime, anyway. I wore glasses and wasn’t exactly pencil-thin, and although I took care with what looks I’d been blessed with and tried to dress nicely, the men just seemed to look right through me. I wasn’t into sports and I didn’t drink, and maybe that was why they chose to ignore me. Maybe all the advice in the popular women’s magazines just didn’t apply to me. I didn’t consider myself a guy’s girl or even a girl’s girl; I was just me, thirty, shy, single, lonely, and rather plain looking. Granted, I had positive qualities--I was college educated, nice, and, I hoped, fairly easy to please. I was also a virgin, but at the moment I didn’t know if that could be considered a positive quality or a rather freakish one. Come on, how many thirty year-old virgins do YOU know? Trust me, that quality wasn’t one that had been cultivated by choice. There just weren’t any takers, at least not for the moment. But as I continued to gaze dreamily at the handsome doctor sitting across the room, something told me that things were about to change for me, and for the better. At least I had learned something valuable from all those magazines--I was smart enough to trust my intuition when it stood up and screamed and smacked me across the face. With a determined sigh I got to my feet, emptied my tray, and began walking towards the doctor who was still eating and reading. He didn’t even look up as I approached, which made me reconsider my decision to approach him. I didn’t know whether to be insulted or angry as I neared his table, and after I nervously cleared my throat I politely said, “Hi. What are you reading?”
He glanced up at me and smiled, and I had to suppress a gasp when I noticed his eyes. They were the most brilliant shade of blue I’d ever seen, with a rather intriguing starburst pattern around the pupils. He had a nice smile as well, all straight, white, even teeth, and his voice was actually pleasant as he replied, “I’m reading a book by Dean Koontz. Are you a fan of his?”
I grinned and motioned to the empty seat across from him, then inquired, “May I?”
“By all means, please do.”
I sat down across from him and propped my chin on my hand, then replied, “Which one are you reading?”
“Out of the Corner of His Eye. It’s a rather interesting book. Have you read it?”
“I most certainly have, and I thought it was one of his best.”
“What did you think the book was about?”
“The power of the mind to overcome physical obstacles.”
He smiled then and nodded in agreement, then said, “I think you’re right. Those were my exact same thoughts.”
“What else do you like to read?”
“Anything by Stephen King, Robin Cook, Michael Palmer, Nicholas Sparks, and all kinds of self help books.”
I nodded and said, “I like all of those authors. I also like Danielle Steel.”
He grinned and said, “Of course.”
“So what’s your name?”
“Adam. And yours?”
“Sophie.”
“Well, Sophie, it was nice to meet you. Do you eat in the cafeteria often?”
“Usually every day.”
He nodded and said, “I eat here when I get the chance to eat.”
I nodded, suddenly at a loss for words as I studied his handsome face. He was undoubtedly the most attractive man I’d ever seen, and I was surprised that I was actually sitting here talking to him. Most men gave me the brush off after a few terse sentences, and surprised was actually too mild a word to describe how I felt at that moment. Dumbfounded was more like it, and I hoped there wasn’t a goofy expression on my face as I cleared my throat again and said, “Well. It’s been nice talking to you, Adam. Maybe I’ll see you in here again someday.”
He laughed and said, “How does tomorrow sound?”
I couldn’t believe what he’d just said, and in an incredulous voice I stammered, “Excuse me?”
“Would you like to have lunch with me tomorrow?”
I resisted the urge to press my hand against my chest as my heart fluttered wildly against my rib cage. Even though I was positively smitten with Adam, the last thing I wanted was for him to rush me to the emergency room and perform CPR. Instead I smiled as I happily replied, “Sure. Same bat time, same bat place?”
He laughed again and said, “Sure.”
“OK, then, I guess I’ll see you tomorrow. Let me know how you like the book.”
“I will.” He smiled up at me as I got to my feet and slowly walked away, and I spent the rest of the afternoon in a dreamy haze as I fantasized about Doctor Drop-Dead Sexy. Since we’d been sitting down I didn’t know exactly how tall he was, but I’d venture a safe guess that he was at least six feet tall, maybe a few inches more, and every time I glanced down at the paperwork on my desk all I saw was his silky-looking black hair that curled just above his collar and those striking blue eyes. I didn’t know which intrigued me more, his good looks or the fact that he’d actually had a real conversation with me! And I had a lunch date with him tomorrow. I couldn’t help smiling as quitting time finally rolled around, and as I slowly walked to my car, I thought I spotted him getting into a sleek-looking sports car with another doctor. I watched them drive off, then sighed and slid behind the wheel of my Mustang convertible. I loved that car like it was
a member of my family, and I gave the steering wheel a gentle pat as I sighed and said, “Well, Sally, I finally did it. I actually have a date!”
Sally instantly roared to life as I turned the key in the ignition, and I was feeling so happy that I put the top down and turned the radio up as loud as I could stand it as I drove out of the parking lot. Even though it was only March, it was a nice, warm spring day, and I laughed out loud as the wind caught my hair and whipped it out behind me. I grinned at everyone I passed and waved at all the handsome men I saw, but for me there was only one man on my mind--the handsome, mysterious doctor named Adam.
When I got home I was too keyed up to eat, so instead I went into my bedroom and stood in front of my closet for at least half an hour as I debated what to wear to work the next day. I finally settled on black silk pants and a pink silk shirt, then checked my reflection in the mirror and wondered if I should get a haircut. When it got too long I usually just pulled it back and fastened it with a barrette, but I wanted to look extra nice for my lunch date the next day. Like my mother was always saying, opportunity knocks only once, and you’d better open the door and invite it in when it finally pays you a visit. I knew that fate had finally smiled on me that afternoon, and I wasn’t about to do anything to screw things up. I sighed as I studied the few pairs of shoes I owned, then grinned as I suddenly decided that a shopping trip was in order. I was still grinning as I grabbed my purse and headed for the mall.
Two hours later I returned home, pleased with all my purchases. I’d bought a sexy new perfume, soft vanilla musk, and it made me smell good enough to eat. I’d also bought some new makeup, five new pairs of shoes, and a few CD’s by some of my favorite artists. I was like a little kid as I popped all the CD’s into my stereo and settled down to try out all my new shoes, and I finally decided on the black suede boots etched with a rose pattern that I’d bought. I’d also gotten a haircut, and I was feeling immensely pleased with myself as I finally wandered into the kitchen to get some dinner, but my appetite seemed to have disappeared. I simply shrugged and wandered back into the living room to listen to my new CD’s. I sighed and glanced at the clock, then sighed again when I realized it was only seven-thirty. Time has a way of dragging when you’re looking forward to something, and it seems to fly by when you’re dreading something. Knowing that I couldn’t make tomorrow come any quicker, I treated myself to a long, hot bubble bath and washed my newly cut hair, then stood naked in front of the bathroom mirror and scrutinized my body. I sighed as I absently patted the little pooch that was my belly, then turned around and studied the backs of my thighs and what I could see of my rear end. At least there was none of that dreaded cellulite, and I sighed again as I figured I may as well just accept myself as I looked at that moment. At least I had no scars, and I wasn’t freakishly hairy. My boobs were nice enough, rounded and still firm and my skin boasted a pleasant golden glow from my many faithful visits to the beach. Have I mentioned that I live at the beach? My parents really thought I was crazy for moving to the beach, but their main concern was hurricane season. I could understand that, and I’d promised to head inland at the first sign of trouble. I turned away from the mirror and pulled on my nightgown and robe, then padded into the kitchen to see if my appetite had returned. I didn’t want to show up for my lunch date ravenous and make a pig of myself in front of Doctor Adam Sexy, and I finally settled on a salad and some yogurt before I settled down to watch prime time TV. By the time the news came on I was pleasantly drowsy, and with a feeling of anticipation I switched the TV off and went to bed. It was a long time before I finally fell asleep.
Chapter 2
The butterflies in my stomach seemed to be doing somersaults as the hands on the clock slowly dragged themselves around to twelve, and when I was finally free to leave for lunch I slowly got to my feet and headed for the elevator. The cafeteria was located on the second floor, and I nervously straightened my shirt and fluffed my hair as I waited on the elevator. My mouth dropped open in surprise when the doors slid open and I saw Adam standing there. His smile was quick and easy as he said, “Hi. Would you like to eat outside today?”
“Sure.” I turned and followed him through the lobby and out into the courtyard where several people had obviously had the same idea to enjoy their lunch outdoors. The courtyard consisted of several tables and benches that were flanked by shade trees, as well as a large fountain that offered a slight, cooling mist if you sat close enough to it. Adam led me to a picnic table that was located on the other side of the fountain, and I was thrilled with the fact that it offered us a little more privacy than the tables on the other side of the fountain would have. He sat down and opened the white bag he was holding, then handed me a cheeseburger and said, “I hope you don’t mind. I convinced my brother to get these for us.”
“Thank you,” I said demurely as I unwrapped the cheeseburger and sipped the creamy chocolate milkshake he set in front of me. He smiled and replied, “You’re welcome.”
I took a bite of the cheeseburger and glanced around at the other employees who were enjoying their lunches, then turned my attention back to Adam and inquired, “So did you finish the book?”
He smiled and replied, “Yes, I did. It was very excellent. I can’t wait to start reading another one. Any suggestions?”
“Well, if you like Robin Cook, read his book Abduction. I found it fascinating.”
Adam nodded and unwrapped his cheeseburger, and as we ate we discussed different books we’d read, as well as what a nice day it was. I was taking another sip of my milkshake when Adam inquired, “What kinds of music do you like?”
I shrugged and swallowed the delicious shake, then replied, “I like most music except for rap and that heavy metal head banging stuff. And I’m not too fond of jazz.”
He nodded and added, “Who are your favorite bands?”
“The Eagles, Paul McCartney, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd…”
He seemed impressed as he said, “I’m surprised you mentioned all those, since they were all popular when you were just a kid.”
“Hey, the good stuff never goes out of style. Their music is just as good today as it was back when it was the ‘cool’ thing to listen to.”
He laughed at my choice of words and inquired, “How old are you?”
“Thirty. And yourself?”
“Thirty-six.”
I nodded and fell silent again as I finished my cheeseburger and fries, and as I drank my milkshake Adam inquired, “How long have you been working here?”
“Just a few months. I’m the business office manager.”
He nodded and gathered our empty wrappers to throw into the trash, then said, “I’ve been here for ten years. I like it here.”
“So do I. It seems like a nice place to work, and the people are nice.”
He nodded and smiled, then said, “So do you have a last name?”
I laughed and replied, “Of course I do. It’s Bishop . Do you?”
He laughed in turn and said, “Yes. It’s Hampton.”
I grinned and teased, “Thank you for lunch, Doctor Hampton.”
He grinned back and replied, “You’re quite welcome, Miss Bishop.”
I sighed as I glanced around at the colorful trees and bushes that were in full bloom, and Adam’s voice was full of concern as he inquired, “Is something wrong?”
“Yes. It’s such a pretty day that I don’t want to go back inside.”
He simply laughed and checked his watch, then sighed himself and said, “Yeah, I know, but we have to. Our lunch break is almost over.”
“Maybe it won’t be so bad. My day ends at five.”
“Then you’re lucky. Sometimes I’m here for twenty-four hours or more at a time.”
I nodded in appreciation of the long hours he put in, as well as his dedication to do so. He smiled and got to his feet, then unexpectedly laced his fingers through mine as we walked back into the lobby. The feel of his fingers linked with mine was intensely comfortable and sati
sfying, and once again I thanked the fates or whoever or whatever had arranged this meeting between Adam and me. He stopped just outside the door to the business office and gave me a smile, then said, “Have a nice afternoon, Sophie. I enjoyed our lunch.”
“Thank you. So did I.”
“How do you feel about having dinner at my place Friday evening?”
I smiled and nodded. “I’d like that.”
“Good. Is seven OK?”
“Seven is fine.”
“Where do you live?”
“The Royal Palms Apartments.”
He nodded and said, “That isn’t too far from where I live.”
“So you’ll be picking me up at seven, then?”
“Actually, no. I don’t own a car.”
“I see.”
“Is that a problem?”
“No.”
“Would you like directions to my house?”
“That would help.”
He laughed and said, “I live on Oceanview Drive, the very last house on the street. You can’t miss it, because the road dead-ends at my house.”
I nodded. “I think I can find it.”
“I live with my brother, so I hope that isn’t a problem.”
I frowned at his unusual statement and inquired, “Why would that be a problem?”
He suddenly shrugged and looked a bit sheepish, but even then he was still adorable, at least to me. I had the sudden urge to kiss his full lips that looked so inviting and soft, but I managed to restrain myself and gave him a smile instead. “Well, I guess I’d better get back to work so I don’t get fired.”
He laughed again and said, “Yeah. Would you like to have lunch with me again tomorrow?”
A pleased smile spread across my face as I replied, “That would be great.”
He grinned and teased, “Same bat time, same bat place?”
I laughed and said, “Of course.”
“Alright. I’ll see you tomorrow.” He turned and walked over to the elevator, and once again I spent the afternoon in a dreamy haze as I fantasized about where our budding friendship would eventually lead. Only time would tell.
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