Dr. Allen throws a quick glance at me when I clear my throat. I hope the good doctor doesn’t take my request personally. “D-do you mind if I dis-scuss the case with—”
“Mr. Teager, I already expected you’d ask about a personal second opinion. It never hurts to have a fresh pair of eyes on a case. I’ll email you the reports. Mrs. Teager, I’m scheduling you for some general tests next week. Just to make sure you don’t have any sort of infection or deficiency.”
Thirty minutes later, we’re back in the parking lot.
My mind goes to the first day I brought Vienna here. She was like a firecracker in my car, but today, all that spark is gone. She looks lost and pale, and I fucking hate to see her like this. But I don’t know what to say and how to make it better for her. Because anything I say wouldn’t be enough.
When I start the ignition, Vienna grabs my arm and whispers, “I don’t want to go home. Can we go someplace else?”
I nod, because I’d go anywhere for this girl. Walk barefoot in a hot desert or take a stroll on an icy lake. She’s slowly becoming that one person for who I’d do anything.
I leave the parking lot, but the somber air of the hospital stays with us, filling every corner of my car. “D-do you have a p-place in mind?”
Vienna is quiet in her seat before a slow smile tugs on her lips. “I want to go to Giovanni’s.”
I don’t understand the reason for the mild upturn of her mood, but at this point, I’ll take every freaking thing that makes her happy.
* * *
Giovanni’s is one of the most popular restaurants in Cherrywood. Situated right in the town square, it’s almost always crowded. But as we are here post lunch, I’m hoping we’ll find a spot.
Thankfully, we do.
Before we walk in, I spot a few empty tables on the outdoor seating area. I place my hand on Vienna’s back. “W-would you like to s-sit outside?”
She glances at the clear sky of a rare autumn day and nods. We grab two seats with a good view of the town square and the water fountain.
A bunch of boys take advantage of their moms being occupied with conversation when they decide to splash water on each other. A boy in a red T-shirt started the game and is soon soaking wet. We don’t hear her words, but the kid’s mom’s flailing hands and shaking head indicate she’s really pissed. She tugs on his hand, possibly taking him home for a change. When they pass right before us, the boy gives us a wink and shows his toothy grin before he’s dragged away.
Vienna giggles and I can’t hold back my smile at that smart-ass. I’ve no doubt he keeps his parents on his toes.
“I’d love to have a boy like that,” Vienna mutters with a chuckle.
I haven’t even had a chance to fully digest Vienna’s words when a woman dressed in a purple silk blouse and black pants stops at our table. “So, things escalated this fast. We’re already talking about kids.” She raises an eyebrow at Vienna, who in turn smiles.
I guess she’s a friend, then.
“I don’t know. Would a wedding band say things escalated fast, Zane?” Vienna throws me a look. Her eyes dance and gleam like they do whenever she’s with Ivy or teasing me about something.
I don’t know anything about this woman who flipped Vienna’s mood, but I fucking owe her a ton. Watching my wife’s grin, my chest unclenches, and I grab her hand where she was flaunting her wedding band. I kiss on top of the ring I placed there not too long ago.
“I don’t give a d-damn about es-scalation. I only care th-that you’re mine now.”
Vienna’s eyebrows shoot up. I’m sure she didn’t expect me to respond, let alone throw such an overbearing display of affection.
“Holy crap, Vi! You got married and I didn’t know.” The woman pulls over an empty chair and flops down.
Vienna giggles. “Zane, this is Arianna. She’s one of the owners of Giovanni’s and my dear friend. And this is Zane Teager, my husband.”
My heart pounds whenever she refers to me as her husband.
“You didn’t even have a boyfriend a few months back, and now you’re showing up with a husband and talking about kids.” Arianna is still in shock.
Vienna chuckles and grabs something out of her purse. She flattens a folded “fifty percent off” coupon and hands it to her friend. “I’m here for a date with my first worthy boyfriend.”
Fuck. My pulse quickens at her declaration. What does first worthy even mean?
“Your wife has a habit of attracting scumbags,” Arianna explains before grabbing the coupon and getting up. “Today’s lunch is on us, and I’ll send you the best we have to offer.” She then hugs Vienna. “Congratulations, Vi. He definitely looks worthy.” I fluster as the two women look at me for a second longer, and then Arianna asks, “Do you have any allergies, Mr. Husband?”