The doors opened.
I stilled at my desk, eager to see that brown hair, those blue eyes.
But it was Theresa.
She walked to my desk with the bag and took out all the containers.
“Where’s Cleo?”
She finished removing everything before folding up the bag. “She just dropped this off and said she was in a hurry.” There must have been something wrong with my face because she said. “Everything alright, Dr. Hamilton?”
“Yeah…I’m fine.” That was the response I’d given to everyone lately, but I was starting to realize it was a bald-faced lie. “Fine.”
When I got home, I called her.
It immediately went to voice mail.
I pulled the phone away and stared at the screen, unable to believe I’d just gotten her voice mail. “Hey, this is Cleo. Leave me a message, and I’ll—” I hung up. I didn’t even know what her voice mail sounded like because she always answered on the first ring. I texted her. You’re just never going to speak to me again?
The dots popped up right away. Is there something you need?
No. I just want to talk.
Well, I’m busy with a client right now.
I sighed in annoyance, unable to believe this was happening. Then call me afterward.
The dots were there for a long time, like she was typing up an essay. Your errands have been finished, your bills have been paid, and every request you’ve made has been completed in record time. My professionalism hasn’t changed, Deacon. Now, if you need something, let me know. Otherwise, I’m very busy.
I read the message twice, my fingers gripping the phone so hard I nearly broke it.
We enjoyed the game right behind home plate, using the season tickets from one of Cleo’s other clients.
Tucker had a great time. “I hope a ball comes flying toward us and breaks my arm or something.”
I gave him a raised eyebrow.
“You’re a doctor. You’ll fix me.”
“I’m not an orthopedic surgeon.”
“A what?” He grabbed his beer and took a drink, his focus back on the game.
The woman sitting beside me poked me in the side. “Who are you rooting for?” She was a young brunette, maybe a few years younger than me, and she was with a friend. They didn’t seem to be with anyone else, any dates.
“I don’t really follow baseball.”
“But you pay a hundred grand for season tickets?” she asked incredulously.
“I bought them from a friend.”
Tucker leaned forward. “Hey, what’s going on over here?” He extended his hand, smiling. “I’m Tucker. Sorry, my brother is just brilliant. Doesn’t know how to talk to people.”
She shook it. “Ivonne. This is Christy.”
“Deacon, switch with me.”
I didn’t want to talk to them, so I was fine with that.
Tucker spent the rest of the game flirting with them, one eye on the game and one eye on them.
I watched the players move around out on the field but didn’t think about the game. I didn’t really think anything at all, but it wasn’t the peaceful calmness I had at the cabin. It was something else…like I was incapable of feeling anything at all.
When the game was over, we made it to the front of the stadium.
“You ladies want to get a drink?” Tucker asked. “There’s a great bar just a few blocks away.”
“Sure,” Ivonne said.
“I’m down,” Christy said.
I pulled out my phone and texted my driver. I’m ready.
Tucker must have seen what I wrote because he grabbed me by the arm. “Just give us a sec, ladies…” He directed me out of earshot. “What the fuck is wrong with you?”
I stared at him blankly.
“These chicks are so fucking hot, and you’re gonna go home?”
I didn’t find them attractive at all. “I’m not interested.”
He stared at me like I’d sprouted wings. “You aren’t interested in perfect pussy?”
I hadn’t been with anyone in a long time. It’d been months…at least. But I wasn’t eager to get laid. “Guess not.”
“Dude, what is going on with you? Are you and Cleo together?”
The mention of her made my mood sour even more. “No.”
“Then…?” He raised both hands. “What the hell are you doing?”
“You don’t need me, Tucker. Fuck both of them.”
“Uh, no. Ivonne wants you. Christy wants me. I can’t just go alone.”
“Well, I’m not interested,” I snapped. “I just want to go home.” I saw the driver pull up to the curb. “Bye, Tucker.” I started to walk away.
He tugged me back. “Deacon—”
“Grab me like that again, and I’ll break your arm myself.”
He stilled at my threat and raised both his hands in the air like I was holding him at gunpoint. “Alright, man. Let’s just calm down.”
“I am calm.”
“Deacon, what’s going on with you? I know you’re a moody guy, but I’ve never seen you like this. Did something happen with Valerie?”
I hadn’t spoken to her since I’d screamed at her. “No.”
“Then what am I missing here?”
I glanced past his shoulder and saw two guys move in on Christy and Ivonne. “You should go, Tucker. Otherwise, someone else is gonna snatch them.”