Page 29 of Mail Order Splash

“Doc said he’s going back. He had to check on a call he got for real but didn’t think it would take long.”

“Speaking of patient, have you checked on Netty?”

“Doc’s assistant that’s watching her for us tonight has been messaging me every hour. Netty is sleeping right now.” I leaned my head back on the headrest. “Sorry I took you away. Let’s go back.”

“If you’re sure then yes, let’s go back.”

Doc laughed when I called. He said he knew Josh would convince me to return and that he’d wanted to dance more. “Meet me in thirty minutes.”

“We have a half hour. What should we do with that time?”

“No idea. Where can we go dressed like this? Actually, why don’t we go back and watch a movie?”

“Joshy, we do that all the time, it’s all we do. You wanted to go back so we’re going back.”

The local coffee shop called to us, then we made our way back to the party. Nerves had gotten to me on our first arrival and I missed all the details that had been put into the décor. They really went all out.

“Can you believe how much money must be put into these gigs? It’s as much as a year salary for me.”

“I suppose it’s a drop in the bucket for them. Did you get any idea of who they all were?”

“The girl on the dance floor all night was the daughter to Mrs. Hawthorne. I asked because she seemed secure in herself.”

“Meaning you asked to see if she was out of your league?”

“That too,” he laughed.

“Wouldn’t everyone there be out of our league?”

“Not really. I mean, we were there as guests. You don’t know who else was.”

“You speak the truth, a lot lately. Did you go and get smart while I was in school?”

“Always been smart, you just thought you were smarter.”

“Never smarter than you, but smarter all the same.”

“What does that even mean? I swear you made that up.” He pulled into valet parking.

“I did not, I heard a professor say it once. Wasn’t sure of its meaning then or now.”

“You two ready to dance the night away?”

“Lead the way.”

The room was as full as when we’d left and the food and drink still flowed in true elegance. Josh left me immediately for food from a tray when a waiter walked by, but Doc put his elbow out to lead us to the dance floor. We’d only made it, maybe, two steps when his presence was requested elsewhere, leaving me alone. Thankfully, Josh appeared at my side.

“Welcome back. I love the color of your dress.” The girl that was dancing earlier danced closer. “It’s perfect for your coloring.”

“Same to you. I wish I could wear that shade of green, but it clashes with my hair color.”

“Oh, I don’t know, with that tan I’d bet you could pull it off.” She held her sleeve up to my face. “Yes, it would suit you nicely. I’m Murphy, by the way.”

“Hi Murphy. I’m Kleine, this is Josh. We’re here with Dr. Garcia.”

“I love him. Usually, he closes out the night with me on the dance floor. Where is he?”

“Mrs. Hawthorne grabbed him.”

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