Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 93387 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 467(@200wpm)___ 374(@250wpm)___ 311(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 93387 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 467(@200wpm)___ 374(@250wpm)___ 311(@300wpm)
I had all his things boxed up and sent to the condo, ready for when she wanted to sort through them. And then she grieved. Privately, quietly.
Now, she wanted to start living again.
And if I was being honest, I wanted that as well. I missed her desperately in the office. Her smile and teasing. The way she had of keeping me in line. I missed hearing her laughter. I knew she went to her apartment at times, no doubt reliving memories.
“If you’re sure,” I agreed. “But if it’s too much, you can come home.”
She smiled. “Really, Bane. I’m sure the people in the temp office will rejoice. I heard you’re driving them crazy. You’ve gone through the lot of them. Twice.”
“I have been on my best behavior.”
She smiled. A real smile that showed her amusement. “Not what I’ve been told, but whatever lets you sleep at night.”
I held out my hand. “Let’s go, then.”
In the car, I studied her, noticing the way she played with her ring. It was looser now. She had lost some weight, and although I tried, it was hard to get her to eat.
“Are you taking your vitamins?”
She looked startled then nodded. “Yes.”
“You need to eat more.”
“I’m trying.”
“Maybe some protein shakes if your appetite doesn’t pick up.”
She slept a great deal, which I put down to grief. Given how often she napped, she still looked tired.
“Have you made an appointment to see Dr. Wilson?”
She nodded, looking out the window. “Next week.”
“Okay. Add it to my calendar, and I’ll come.”
A look of panic flitted over her face. “I don’t need you to escort me to the doctor. I’m quite capable of going on my own.”
“I’m well aware of that. I have a couple of questions I’d like to ask.”
She nodded but didn’t say anything. I had a feeling she wouldn’t be adding it to my calendar. I also had the feeling she was hiding something. And I didn’t like it.
I would have to find out what it was. I needed to help with whatever was bothering her.
No matter what.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
BANE
“Myers,” I called from my desk.
She appeared, carrying her notepad and pen, efficient as always.
And sad. So sad and trying to hide it.
I indicated the chair. “Sit, Maggie darling.”
She frowned but didn’t correct my using her pet name at the office.
“You look tired.”
She sighed. “I’m fine.”
I leaned forward. “Please stop being brave. You lost your father. Obviously, this anemia is worse than I thought—”
“Why would you say that?”
“You’re pale. You sleep a lot. Your appetite is off. You’re highly emotional—understandably so, but still. You’re jumpy.” I listed all the things I’d noticed the past few days of careful observation.
“Maybe your overprotectiveness is making me emotional and jumpy,” she responded.
“Really?” I asked, amused at her instant anger. It happened frequently.
“Yes. You’re always watching me. It makes me nervous.”
“That’s interesting since, until I said something a moment ago, I don’t think you were even aware I was watching you.”
She stood. “You know what? I am tired. You’re tiring me today.”
“Then maybe you should go home and relax. We’ll start again in the morning.”
“That’s a good idea. I’m going to the apartment.”
I rose from my chair. “That’s not what I meant, and you know it.”
She lifted her chin, defiant. “That’s what I want.”
I decided not to argue. There was a quiver to her chin, and her eyes, although flashing with anger, were troubled. “Fine. Darryl will drive you.”
She turned and walked away, and I heard her getting her coat. I called Darryl, who stayed close these days.
“She’ll be down in a few moments. Take her to the apartment.” I paused. “Could you pick her up some ramen from that place down the block from her? With chicken and a spring roll?”
That was her favorite, and if Darryl gave it to her, I knew she would eat it. There wasn’t much left at her place, and I needed to know she would eat something.
“Of course.”
I hung up, hearing the outer door close. I knew she was upset if she didn’t at least say goodbye. I sighed, leaning back in my chair and rubbing my eyes. I knew without a doubt I would end up at her place later, too worried to stay away.
Ten minutes later, my phone rang, and I picked it up. “Darryl?”
“Is she coming soon?”
I frowned. “She should be down there already.”
“Nope. I was out front when you called, and she hasn’t shown up.”
I hung up and checked the app I had on my phone. The new one I’d gotten her let me track her, and although she’d laughed when I installed it, she allowed me to do so. Her light blinked and was slowly moving away, and I groaned. I called her number, and she answered, the background noise affirming what I already suspected.
“Really, Myers? You took the bus?”
“I wanted to be alone.”