“I’ll see you there. I’ll be the guy with the goofy grin.”
I hung up and felt goofy myself. Carlos got a hurried brush down and I jumped back into the shower before throwing on some jeans and a pale yellow, cropped sweater with seed pearls around the low neckline. Sure enough, Worth was waiting for me when I reached the Chopstick and I ordered beef and vegetables. He was very attentive and I realized how much I’d missed him during the day. “This is good,” I said. My reference had nothing to do with the food.
“I know,” he said, understanding my meaning completely. “I was thinking the same thing.”
“So, what was it you wanted to talk about?” I stabbed a bit of broccoli with my fork.
“Have you given any more thought to that charitable foundation for the nursing home?” he asked me.
“Well… as a matter of fact, not only have I thought about it, but I talked to Dad and he agreed to help by making the contacts among his friends. Actually, I’m quite sure I’m going to do this. It just feels right.”
“Really?” he asked. “Well, I have your first victim.”
“Victim?”
“The first person to solicit contributions from. Mrs. Jessup’s son, David.”
I cocked my head, not understanding what he was getting to. “I don’t understand.”
“Just call him. I have a feeling you’ll find him quite helpful.”
“Why? He and his wife put her there in the first place. Why would he want to let go of part of that money to help?”
“I can’t tell you, just do as you’re told. Don’t use my name.” He was being mysterious.
I narrowed my eyes at him. “Well, I’m not going to approach him unless you let me know why he would have a change of heart. I don’t want to look like a fool.”
“You won’t, take my word for it. He will welcome it with open arms.”
I put down my fork. “What have you done?” I asked with suspicion.
He stopped eating and reached across the table to take my hand. “Auggie, listen to me. There are things I cannot talk about, you know this. You’ll have to get used to that fact and not question me about every little thing I tell you. Just trust me. Can you do that?” He seemed as though this was critical.
I thought a moment and answered, “Yes, I suppose I don’t have any choice.”
“That’s not what I said, Auggie. I didn’t ask if you would trust me, I asked if you could.”
I nodded and went around the table to kiss him quickly. This seemed to relieve whatever apprehensions he was feeling and he smiled. “Good,” he said and went back to eating.
“So, you’re really not going to tell me what this is all about?” I asked.
“That’s right.”
“You wouldn’t set me up to get embarrassed, would you?”
His fork clattered to the table. “Auggie, I’m sensing a trust issue here. Do you think I would set you up?”
“Look,” I began. “You need to understand something about me. I might appear to be a spoiled brat and all, but I go by the rules. It’s important to me. In fact, it’s the only way I know how to be.”
“I know that. It’s what attracts me. I’m bothered that you would think I would intentionally cause you harm.” His voice was hurt.
“I’m not sure your definition of following rules and mine are the same, Worth.” I was upset.
“Where is this coming from, Auggie?” he asked and leaned back in his chair. “I thought you’d appreciate the tip. I didn’t expect to be attacked for my character.” He wasn’t happy.
I sat back in the chair too and crossed my arms over my chest. “You’re right. That wasn’t fair. I apologize.” He continued to stare at me and I needed to get out. “I’m full. Thanks for dinner, and for the tip, but I’m heading home now.” I stood up and laid my napkin on my plate. “Goodnight, Worth,” I said softly and, grabbing my bag, left the restaurant.
I cried all the way home and sat in the driveway to finish it off. What is wrong with me?
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Worth
I knew I was playing with fire telling Auggie to contact Jessup. It wasn’t so much Jessup I cared about, but Auggie walked a narrow line, one with which I wasn’t so familiar. If anything, the lines I’ve walked in my life have been anything but straight.
I went into the office early and noticed that Jervis’ car was in the parking lot. There was no way to know whether he’d never gone home, or whether he was in even earlier than me. I decided I really didn’t care and went into my office. As it turned out, I was to learn shortly. A tap on my door was the only announcement he gave me.
I looked up to see Jervis standing in the doorway. “You’ve been avoiding me,” I said calmly. At least he had the grace to flush a bit and clear his throat.
“I thought we should talk,” he began.
“Oh? Really? What about?” I wasn’t going to make this easy for him.
“I, ah, well, you know there was that incident…” he faltered in his words.
“Yes.” A simple response that leaned in neither direction.
“Well… that is… I’m not sure if you know who that was in my office.” He was begging for me to fill in the blanks so he wouldn’t have to spill more than he needed to.
“I’m aware,” I answered.
“Good,” he said and took a seat, crossing one leg over the other in a gesture of defense. This was not lost on me.
“What can I do for you?” I put him on high alert.
“I had a phone call late last night, from the lady in question,” he began.
I only raised my brows. “I’m not sure how that involves me.” I gave him no toe hold.
“You’re seeing her daughter.”
“I still don’t see how this involves me,” I repeated.
“She doesn’t want you to,” he stuttered and looked down.
“I see.” I tapped a button and music filled the office, making his predicament insignificant and giving the overall message that I was in control. Chopin spilled into the room, weaving around the furniture from hidden speakers, giving an illusory effect of floating.
“That’s all you’re going to say? ‘I see?’” he questioned.
“Yes.”
“Look here, my boy…” he began.
“Dr. LaViere,” I corrected. I was strangling him.
“Worth, Auggie was a patient here. It’s against our ethics.”
“Dr. Jervis,” I emphasized his title. “Her mother sent her and there was nothing wrong with her. Anyway, I believe the key word here is ‘was’ and now that she no longer is, that ethic is not being broken. Will there be anything else? I have a patient coming shortly and need to prepare for my day.”
He looked like a man who’d been abandoned on a climb to the summit. “Will you stop seeing her?” he finally asked bluntly.
“That’s my personal life. We’re professionals and that’s where it ends. Have I made my point?” I laid down the law.
“So, you will stop seeing her?” he tried once more.