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“Shoo. Get away. Go find some worms.”
I grabbed for the blanket I’d tossed and waved it at the bird, who eventually got the hint and flew away. I walked over and looked out over Central Park. It was time to get the morning going. I stretched on my way through the open doors.
I must’ve been really tired to fall asleep on the balcony.
I flipped on the coffee machine and headed to the shower. The hot steam was what I needed to clear the fog in my head. I remembered now messaging my driver to get me some beer. I’d obviously had a few too many beers last night to have fallen asleep on my balcony.
My cell phone rang from the other room. I stepped out, tied a towel around my waist, and grabbed for my phone.
It must be seven by now. The hospital would be calling any time. I wonder if Mrs. Phillips had her baby.
“Good morning, Betty. What do you have for me?” I ran a comb through my hair and pulled my razor out to shave.
While Betty filled me in on the night, I quickly shaved and prepped my toothbrush.
“How did Sophie do overnight?” I asked, toothbrush in hand. “Congestion is to be expected. I’ll check on her when I get in. Give her another breathing treatment when she wakes up.”
I sent a text to my driver while I brushed my teeth, to pick me up in twenty minutes, then headed to my closet to get dressed.
I sent my mother a text.
How are you doing on picking a bride?I asked.
I’m working on it. Should have a pick within the week.Mom texted back.
Okay. Keep me posted.I texted back.
The aroma of bacon drifted down the hall and into the closet where I was dressing.
The cook is here and on time with breakfast as usual. I should ask him to make some to- go food for Chloe.
“Good morning, Edward.” I tossed my coat on the chair. “Can you make a to-go breakfast while I eat this one?’
“Absolutely, Mr. Hawthorne.” Edward slid a plate of food over to me. “Do you want the same food to go?”
“Yes, I need to leave in about ten minutes, so whatever you can have ready by then.” I dug into the eggs. “You’re a lifesaver, Edward. Without this food I might go all day.”
“I made you a chicken salad to take to work, sir.” Edward placed a small cooler on the counter. “Betty texted me this morning to make sure you have a lunch to bring.”
“She is bossy, isn’t she,” I laughed. “Thank you. Is there enough for two salads?”
“I’m way ahead of you, sir. I put a salad in the bag for Betty as well.” Edward chuckled while he turned the bacon. “I already know, if she is going to make you eat then you will make her eat.”
“You’re the best, Edward.” I ran a napkin across my mouth. “She thinks I work too hard, when really no one in that hospital works as hard as Betty.”
“I’ll have to drop in one day and meet her.” Edward placed a second bag on the counter with the to-go breakfast. “Is she married?”
I stopped and turned to Edward. “Are you interested?”
Chapter 48
Chloe
Sophie must still be really under the weather if I woke up before her. This never happened, but then maybe it was the super uncomfortable chair/bed I’d been tossing and turning in all night. The nurse had come in minutes before and told me to come down and have a coffee and donut before Sophie woke up.
If only they had hot tea. I would be over the moon.
I wrapped my robe around my waist and strolled down the corridor as if I were in my own living room. Not many patients were awake. No televisions blared from each room as I passed. The only sounds were soft whispers of the nurses going about their morning routine.
