Page 141 of The Image of You

“Okay. Vivian first, Sean next. Then we’ll do our errands—the lawyer and shopping.”

“You forgot the license.”

I shook my head, lifted her hand, and kissed it. “That isn’t an errand. That’s the highlight of my afternoon.” I winked. “I don’t think I have to tell you the highlight of the morning.”

“Your sandwich?” she replied, smiling widely.

I laughed. “My Ally sandwich, yes. You were as tasty as I remembered.”

Her cheeks flushed and I chuckled. “You go get Vivian. I’ll park and be right behind you.”

“Okay.”

* * *

Vivian was shocked when Ally told her the story. She shook her head in disbelief.

“Oh Alex, how terrible.” She clasped her hand. “I’m so glad you remembered. I wish I’d met you sooner. Been part of your memories and could have helped Adam find you.”

Ally smiled. “It feels as if you’ve been in my life longer than you have, Vivian. You were my favorite boss. When you took over running the ER, it got so much better.”

“Will you be back?” Vivian asked hopefully.

Ally shook her head, meeting my eyes. I lifted Ally’s hand and kissed the knuckles.

“I’m taking her away, Vivian. For a long time. Any place she wants to go, that’s where we’ll go. We need to get away from here for a while and heal. Both of us.”

Vivian smiled. “I understand. But your job is there if you ever want it. I’d hire you in a heartbeat.”

Ally grinned. “A good backup plan.”

“One you won’t need,” I murmured.

She met my eyes, her expression soft. “No, I won’t.”

* * *

Ally’s low laughter across the room made me pause in my discussion with Sean and look over. She was being entertained by not only Chris but Tommy as well. They were showing her some pictures and, no doubt, telling stories of me from the times we had worked together. She was in the same room and I could see her, so I was relaxed.

Sean grinned as he looked between us. “It’s good to see you look like this, Adam.”

“Feels good too.”

“She’s lovely.”

I grinned. “I know.”

“I can’t believe all the shit her mother pulled.”

My expression darkened. “She’s a piece of work. I hope she pays.”

He regarded me silently for a minute. “You know, I’ve heard rumors.”

“Oh?”

“I was having dinner the other day with some friends. Ronald’s name came up.”

I moved forward, suddenly very interested. “Do tell.”