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“A true gem of the first class,” Birgit huffed. “Anyway, thanks again for doing this. I really appreciate it.”
“Sure thing,” Wendy replied, closing up her bag. “How long is this thing again?”
“Just one more day,” Birgit promised. “And then we all get a nice little break before doing the final contest right before Christmas.”
“Gosh,” Wendy breathed, shaking her head. “No offense, but this whole Christmas Contest thing seems really intense. I thought the holidays were supposed to be relaxing?”
“You thought wrong,” Birgit said with a dry laugh.
Wendy laughed and took a long look at her old friend. It had been far too long since they’d seen each other. And though it was unfortunate circumstances that brought them back together, she was happy that it had been effective.
“Hey, listen,” Wendy said as she pulled her coat on, “I know you’re probably swamped, but would you maybe have time for a coffee or something after this wellness thing tomorrow? Get caught up on one another?”
Birgit’s eyes brightened, and she quickly nodded. “That would besogreat! Would you mind if we just ate here? In the hotel restaurant? It’s kind of hard to get off-site these days, but I promise you we have great coffee?—”
“No, that sounds great,” Wendy quickly agreed, both of them going in for a hug. “I can’t wait.”
“Miss Birgit?” Someone shouted from a booth. “May I have your assistance, please?”
“Well, that’s duty calling,” Birgit laughed, then shrugged. “I’ll see you tomorrow morning?”
“You will,” Wendy promised, nodding her head toward her friend as she began to walk away.
For a moment Wendy just stood there, watching her friend walk away. She was already looking forward to the end of the day tomorrow. As she turned back to walk toward the exit, the side of her face and shoulder collided with a warm, hard surface, and she felt her feet trip over themselves. A mumbledoomphleft her lips as she felt large hands wrap around her upper arms, preventing her from toppling to the ground.
“Sorry about that,” Erik apologized, steadying her. “I thought maybe you heard me coming.”
“What are you, a jungle cat or something?” she joked, running an anxious hand through her hair.
“Maybe just a little bit,” he replied, humor lighting his dark eyes. “I saw you were leaving and wanted to ask what you thought about the food.”
“The food?” Wendy echoed, trying not to let her embarrassment for their little run-in on her face. Erik nodded.
“Yes, you had the egg tarts this morning.”
“Oh!” Wendy exclaimed, unable to help the blush rising in her cheeks. When had she become so dumb?”
“Well, sadly, I wouldn’t know. I got caught up talking to Cynthia, and before we knew it, this thing started. The day was over before I knew it, and sadly, they were left abandoned on my desk.”
Erik tsked his tongue as he shook his head back and forth.
“Terrible waste of egg tarts,” he quipped, “but I’m more concerned about the fact that you didn’t eat at all today.”
“Please,” Wendy replied dryly, rolling her eyes. “I’m a nurse, I’m used to running on an empty tank. I have some Lean Cuisines at home. I’ll be fine.”
Erik’s dark eyes widened as he gave her a look as if she’d just struck him across the face.
“You’re not serious,” he stated as if demanding it to be true.
“Do you have a problem with frozen dinners?” Wendy laughed, finding his response amusing.
“Indeed, I do,” Erik replied, his tone serious. “I find them both disgusting and a waste of money. Not to mention bad for you.”
“Well, they’re fine by me.” Wendy laughed, “Besides, after the day I had, I’m too tired to go to the store, pick up groceries, bring them home to cook, andthenfinally eat. It’s just easier for me this way.”
“Let me offer you another option,” Erik offered, his lips drawing into a smile centered within his well-trimmed goatee.
“Yes?”
