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Until it reminded him of his intrusion being the beginning of the end. How he failed half the people by the time they discovered a haven.
“Did you have a restful weekend, Dr. McMahon?” Dr. Tolley greets him and has already changed into scrubs.
“I did. Although we lost Saturday to shopping for furniture for our new house.” He smiles because furniture was the furthest thing from his mind. In a small jewelry store, he found a perfect ring for Eden. A rose-colored diamond surrounded by smaller diamonds, the smaller diamonds embedded into the band.
Samuel went to hide it in the drawer as there was no ideal spot. They shared a space where Eden stashed scarves and gloves, and a drawer she wasn’t using at this time of year. When he reached to the back, he found another box containing a ring with diamonds in the band. He considered it to be a gift, only the modern design wasn’t an heirloom, and his thoughts drifted to one other person. The thought of how she came to be with it filled him with nausea.
“Dr. McMahon.” Dr. Tolley’s stern voice pulled him back into the room. “Are you okay?”
“Yes, I’m fine.”
A lie.
He wasn’t fine.
Not physically.
Not mentally.
Yet skilled enough to hide the truth from everyone.
20
EDEN
Six Weeks Later…
On Saturday morning, I’m standing at the International terminal gate, and part of me wants to go on an adventure with my friends. With so many fond memories of our travels, I’m happy how Yasmine’s following her dream and creating more memories.
People rush past making a dash for their gate. A buzz of excitement surrounds us with nervous and happy chatter. Looking around, there are mainly smiles and only the occasional wipe of an eye with loved ones saying goodbye. It opens a sad part of my heart, like a wound that hasn’t healed completely when I remember saying goodbye to Samuel.
The second time was harder than the first. In hindsight, I’d have never gotten on the private jet without him if I knew what the future held for him.
“I’m going to miss you.” I hug Yasmine one last time. “Please keep in contact.”
“I will.” Yasmine’s eyes flick across my face. “Don’t worry about me.”
I feel happier knowing Michael and Samuel are talking again, chatting at least once a week. If Yasmine needed anything, I’m comforted knowing Michael would reach out to Samuel.
However, her expression hints at something else.
She hugs me again, only this time she leans in close and whispers, “Samuel is having tests for his abdominal pain. He doesn’t want to concern you.” She leans back and looks me in the eye before her lips are close to my ear again. “You have known for a long time something isn’t right. It’s time you intervene.”
“Ready, chickee?” Deanne comes in for a group hug. “See you at Christmas time, peeps.”
Yasmine gives me one of her concerned looks then smiles at Deanne. I’m not about to rain on their happiness. “See you soon,” I call out.
Wrapping my arms around my middle, I feel so alone watching my friends walk away and soon be in another country. Amy accepted a teaching contract in a country town for the rest of the year, and Dana leaves in a couple of weeks.
And now I find out Samuel is keeping a secret from me.
My chest is tight in an anxious way. Bit by bit I can feel my world crumbling around me. I need fresh air so I dash toward the exit.
After keeping my shit together on the drive home, I pull up in Monte’s new undercover parking lot.
The pool is complete, and the accomplishment sends warmth through my chest. The car beeps with the security lock, and I stroll over to admire our design. The landscaping looks great with established palm trees and subtropical plants. It has the appeal of a resort along with covered street parking.
So much has happened in six weeks.
