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Although she’d only worked with the older woman sparingly, Sasha felt a genuine connection with her. Maybe it was the sincere compassion in her or her maternal aura. When images of her own mother popped up, Sasha shook her head and forced herself to smile when she found herself taken into a big hug.
“Oh! I’m so happy to see you again!” Elizabeth took over, dispatching the cab driver, grabbing one of her suitcases, and ushering her inside. “My dear son would have apoplexy if he knew I’d come outside at night like this!” The woman was laughing, but it rang an alarm.
“Why? Is the neighborhood dangerous?”
The lobby was basic, but it was secure. Elizabeth tapped a code, and they entered an elevator. “Not during the day, but at night, I guess it’s a bit trickier as there isn’t a lot of traffic. I’m told some buildings are being remodeled to become condos and apartments, so I guess the environment will change over the coming years.”
The door pinged open, and Sasha whistled at the space revealed before her. She’d expected a rudimentary apartment, but it was pretty luxurious. Decorated in all white and pale wood, it was soft and luminous, even in the dark of night. Simple, feminine, but warm and inviting. “Wow, you have a beautiful place, Elizabeth.”
Her laughter was like music. “It’s my son’s. I could never afford such a place working for non-profits, not that I would really want to.”
Sasha rolled her shoulders. “Even with my work as a doctor, I doubt I could either. Unless I relocated to Chicago and worked at a hospital with four walls and a roof that doesn’t leak.”
Elizabeth laughed, a dreamy look in her eyes. “When I’m on a mission, I often miss hot water. Being in a tent in the middle of the desert, with an infinity of stars over my head, I tend to forget about the comforts of this world. Would you like a cup of tea?”
Even if her body yearned for a soft bed, Sasha’s mind was restless, a sure sign of tossing and turning the moment she put her head on the pillow. “I would love some, if it’s not too much trouble or too late.”
“It’s never too late for a cup. Put your luggage down, curl up on the couch, and let me get you the best medicine in the world.
How could she refuse? She’d been in constant motion since she’d left her childhood home. It was rewarding and tiring at the same time.
Her phone buzzed again. Again, it was a blank message. What was going on? She deleted it once more, and wondered if it was a network problem.
“There you are. And I’ve added a couple of cookies. They’re marvelous.”
Elizabeth curled up by her side as Sasha took her first sip and sighed. “You were right. It’s heaven in a cup.”
“How long has it been since you’ve taken a break, my dear? You look worn out.”
Puffing loudly, Sasha shook her head. “The last few years have been challenging. Working abroad has become more difficult, and I had family issues to take care of stateside. I think all that combined took more of a toll than I’d realized.”
“So, you haven’t had any downtime in a while. I see a lot of my child in you. Loyalty, dedication, and stubbornness to the point where you push your limits too far. And I asked you to even more work. That was very inconsiderate and unthoughtful of me.”
Sasha didn’t want to say more as to why she worked so much and redirected the conversation. “Don’t worry about me, all I need is a good night of sleep, and I’ll be good as new.” Even though she smiled, Sasha could see the worry in her hostess’s eyes. “Elizabeth, I don’t want to pry or anything, but if there is something I can do, maybe talk to your son and make him understand how much you worry about him, I’ll do it.”
Elizabeth reached out and touched her hand. “You have a good heart, Sasha, but I’ve tried everything. To be honest with you, even though my boy demanded that I stay in the country since the kidnapping, I only agreed because I wanted to stay close to him. What he’s working on is eating at him, and even if I don’t know what it is exactly, I feel better knowing I can keep an eye on him. I wish he could see he shouldn’t shut out the world for his work, however dedicated he is. He told me he’d made a promise to see it through. I just hope it doesn’t eat him alive.”
Everything Elizabeth had said could’ve been applied to Sasha, but it also matched the intensity she’d seen in another man. Her thoughts had slipped again and made her heart lurch, and she hated herself for that. Had she been so lonely Lazarus King’s face was the only one that could make her tremble?
With another sip of the hot tea, Sasha tried to empty her mind. If she wanted to go to sleep soon, thoughts of the handsome, annoying man wouldn’t help at all.
Instead, she observed Elizabeth, who held a heavy burden in her heart with her son and her work in Chicago. “When you called you said you needed help with something. What was it?”
Elizabeth’s graceful face winced. “I shouldn’t have reached out to you like that. I’d hoped you were in the city and were maybe willing to help. But you don’t have to. I see you need to rest and spend time with your cousin….”
Sasha stopped her. “I love my cousin, but she has her own life with her man. Without a new contract, I don’t have much to do. I always consult, but that’s only when the hospital calls on me. And you know I never say yes until I’m sure I want to do whatever it is I’m being asked.”
With her mouth quirking up, Elizabeth relaxed. “That’s for sure. I remember very well. I knew I couldn’t stay inactive or I’d go insane, so I looked around and found an organization in the neighborhood that welcomes the homeless, who are mostly elderly and veterans. I volunteered and quickly became the coordinator. We sorely need a doctor. We’ve advertised, but you know how slow bureaucracy can be. I thought as you came under the umbrella of a non-profit, it would be easier to get the authorization and have you there as a buffer. I don’t think it will be a full-time job.”
The way she’d described it, Sasha knew it was a worthy cause. It was true that she’d worked in foreign countries, helping those in need, but there were many lost souls right next door. She could find a place nearby, take the time to unwind and see Deva more often, without the usual rush of having to catch her next plane. Could this be the opportunity she’d been looking for to slow down, even for a little while. The idea settled deep in her bones, confirming it was the right decision. “I think you just found yourself a doctor, Elizabeth. When do I start?”
After a couple of stunned blinks, Elizabeth clapped her hands before reaching out to take her in a tight hug. “Oh! Are you certain? That’s so wonderful. Those people are in such distress and you’re an angel to agree. Thank you so much!”
She’d never felt so relaxed after accepting a job, which was further proof she was right to say yes. As Elizabeth suggested another cup of tea to celebrate, a ringtone sounded throughout the apartment.
“That must be my son. He always comes for a couple of minutes in the evening to make sure I’m okay. Always the worrier. Have another cookie and I’ll be right back.”
The older woman almost sauntered away, and filled with contagious energy, Sasha did as she said and grabbed a treat.
