Page 14 of Nate

“Why the hell would you think that of me?”

“The first time we met—”

“You didn’t even know me! Yet you assumed I was like that.” He moved closer to her, not giving her a chance to say anything. “Thanks for having such a low opinion of me. You didn’t even give me a chance before lumping me in with some prick who can’t keep his hands to himself. Does your mother know about it?”

“Yes, but she believed him over me.”

“You should have reported him to the police.”

“I couldn’t do that to my mom.”

“So, you’d rather let him continue touching you? What happens if he succeeds and rapes you?” Nate’s tone was tense.

Markie gasped. “He wouldn’t—”

“You keep telling yourself that. If he can’t take no for answer, it’s hard to tell how far he’d go.” Nate shook his head. “And you think I’m just like him. Goodbye, Dr. Russell. Have a nice day.” He turned away from her.

As he drove home, Nate cursed under his breath the entire way. How could she compare him to that scumbag married to her mother? He punched the ceiling of his truck in frustration.

“Damn it! I’m not like him.”

But it didn’t matter what she thought anymore. He wouldn’t be seeing her again. He’d make sure someone else came to tend to the animals next time they needed a vet, or he’d disappear if Markie was there. It was a shame though; he had liked her, but he wouldn’t pursue someone who clearly didn’t want him.

Arriving at his cabin, Nate parked and went inside. He made himself a sandwich for lunch and would try to focus on work. But the thought of Markie made it difficult to eat.

“You have to eat,” he reminded himself sternly.

After lunch, he headed back to the barn to work on the payroll. The men were busy stacking hay, and a delivery of animal feed was scheduled for later in the afternoon. It would be a busy day, hopefully enough to keep his mind off of Marjorie Ann Russell.

A few days later, Nate entered the diner and took a seat at the counter. After ordering his lunch, he glanced around and nodded at people who waved or said hello. He noticed a group of women sitting at a table, staring at him. When they waved and laughed, he touched his hat and grinned.

When the bell above the door jingled, announcing another customer, he instinctively looked over and saw Markie Russell enter the diner. Her eyes met his and he saw her take a deep breath, then surprised him by taking the empty stool beside him.

“There’s an empty stool further down, Dr. Russell. I’m sure I’m the last person you want to sit next to.”

“I’ll sit here, if you don’t mind.”

“Sit wherever you like. It’s a free country.”

Her light perfume was driving him crazy, and he thought about moving to the other stool.

“Hi, Markie. What can I get you?”

“Hi, Deidra. Just a southern fried chicken salad, please.”

“You got it.” Deidra looked at Nate. “Hi, Nate. Have you ordered?”

“Yes, thanks Deidra. Rissa got me.”

Once Deidra walked away. Nate picked up a menu and scanned it. A few minutes later, Rissa carried his plate toward him.

“Nate, here’s your lunch.”

“Rissa? I’m sorry, but could you bag that up for me? I’ll take it to-go, please.”

“Sure. I’ll just be a minute.”

Nate stood up. “Enjoy your lunch, Dr. Russell.”

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