He got serious and stared at me. “So, you’re considering it?”
“In all honesty, starting over might be the change that I need,” I admitted. “I guess you heard what happened.”
“Yes, and I’m truly sorry.”
I started to tell him that he had nothing to be sorry about but remembered my earlier conversation with Solitaire. Instead, I said, “Thanks.”
“How about I give you a tour? That’s always a good place to start.”
“Fine by me.”
“And don’t forget that the cost of living is lower down here; an added bonus.”
“You sure are laying it on thick,” I stated jokingly.
“Got to give it a hundred percent effort.”
Doctor Thompson gave me a lot to think about that afternoon. He dropped me off at the Marriott and invited me to dinner. I accepted and decided to catch a quick nap before he came back for me.
I laid down, closed my eyes, and dreamed of Rayne. I woke up to a knock on the door three hours later. Expecting it to be Doctor Thompson, I didn’t bother to put on my shirt.
“I apologize. I overslept. Give me a few—”
Solitaire stood in the doorway, looking much different than earlier. Her hair was cascading down her shoulders and she had on a shapely black dress with open-toe high heels.
“He asked me to come pick you up,” she stated uneasily, staring at my bare chest. “I hope you don’t mind.”
“No…No, come on in.” I moved aside so she could enter. “I didn’t realize you were joining us for dinner.”
“Well, I certainly hope you’re not disappointed.” She pouted. “He thought it would be a good idea, since we might be working so closely together in the near future.”
“Are the other doctors coming as well?”
“Strangely enough, no, not to my knowledge.” She giggled. “Maybe he expects me to try to persuade you in some way.”
She sat down on the bed and I rushed into the bathroom, where I had to confront what I physically couldn’t control. Solitaire Baker-Reynolds had sexually excited me. But it was more than that. What was it?