Page 35 of Moonshot

“Oh, honey. Try to relax and enjoy it. I know it’s easier said than done. Look at me. I’m as single as they come. But you deserve this. You’re beautiful, smart, caring. Those other guys knew the writing was on the wall with you. They’d never be good enough. They were smart enough to bow out early before you gave them the ax. This guy is different. I have a good feeling about it. You should have the whole package. The romance and the hot sex.”

Looking up, our timing is again priceless as the server is standing at the end of our table holding our plates. But unlike ‘fucking Edward,’ she just giggles as she puts our food down directly in front of us. “Get it, girl.”

* * *

It’s Monday, and I haven’t heard from Mick since our short text conversation Saturday evening. I spent a relaxing day Sunday at home after brunch with Eve. I made a light dinner, had a rare glass of wine, and went to bed early. I woke up this morning with a slight feeling of tension in my head and neck but no aura. I can manage this. This is nothing new for me. I’m sure part of it is knowing my weekend is over, and I have five more days of being at Dr. Stark’s disposal to deal with.

I drive to work, curious about what the week will bring. Dr. Stark will be back from his trip. No telling what kind of mood he’ll be in. Sadly, I must admit it has a direct impact on my work. Not only can his mood affect how much of a caseload he chooses to dump onto my plate, but his attitude affects my stress level and thus, my migraines.

* * *

The week, unfortunately, becomes more taxing by the day. Dr. Stark has been in a particularly demanding mood, and the Monday morning mild tension headache has now, several days later, developed into a vice grip about my temples. There’s still no aura, but the pain has not responded to my many attempts to treat it so far.

“Ava, I have a surprise for you.” I lift my head from my desk to peer up into Joanie’s sweet face. It’s hard to make out in the dimly lit space, but she appears to be smiling as she carries a large bouquet. As she enters the office and places the gorgeous spray of flowers on my desk, she quietly pleads, “Ava, can I please read the card? I’m dying to know if they’re from Michael.”

Knowing looking at that little card is one more eye strain I could do without, I nod gratefully.

“Oh, Ava.” I hear, looking back up to see her place her palm onto her chest. “It says, ‘some people are worth melting for.’”

I smile at theFrozenreference and place my head back down.Or perhaps I’m melting the iceman?I need to call or text him thank you later. He’d called and text late last night, but I’d just gotten out of the shower, and my migraine medication had kicked in. There was no way I could focus on a conversation. And after the craziness with his texting under the influence of cold medication, I wasn’t willing to tempt fate. I’ll try to send him a message this evening if I can get control of this headache.

The stunning spray of all white flowers is so thoughtful. But, alas, the pungent aroma of the lilies is starting to make my nausea intensify. They’re so beautiful, but the smell is overpowering.

“Joanie, do you think we could put the flowers out where more people can enjoy them?” I look up to see a disappointed expression cross her face, and I quickly interject. “I love them. And I’m so touched he sent them. But the smell of those lilies might push me over the edge. I don’t think I have enough peppermint here to compete with them.”

The instant relief on her face is evident. “Oh, of course, Ava. I didn’t think about that. I’ll move them for you, honey. I’ll make sure they’re somewhere I can see them all day and think about how sweet Michael was to send them to you. Oh, what I’d give to see the two of you together.”

“Me too, Joanie,” I mumble face down into the desk, praying for relief from the sensation of a tight band around my skull.

I finish out my day and start to pack up my things, anxious to get home and try to take some more powerful medication to relieve this ache when Dr. Stark approaches.

“Ava, I’m sorry for the late notice, but I need you to accompany me to a dinner lecture I’m giving tomorrow.”

“Dr. Stark, I’m not sure I can make it. I’ve been fighting this migraine all week, and it isn’t getting any better. I’m trying hard to not miss work, but I don’t think I’m able to commit to anything outside of normal office hours.”

“Well, I’m sorry you aren’t feeling well. But it wasn’t a request. This isn’t optional. Dr. Morgan’s PA, Justin, was supposed to attend. But he’s out sick, so I need you to be there to work alongside the drug rep to ensure everything goes smoothly.”

Let me get this straight. It’s mandatory I go, but Justin can call out sick?What. The. Hell?“Dr. Stark, I’ll try. But I really don’t think-”

“There’s no sense continuing this conversation, Ava. It’s at 6:00 at Rivercity Chop House. I’ll have Joanie move your afternoon appointments so you can head home to get ready around 4:00.”

I look up to notice he’s already exited my office.Bastard. There’s no more pussyfooting around. I’m looking for another job. There’s no way I can keep working for this asshole!

CHAPTERFIFTEEN

Mick

It’s Sunday afternoon, and I’m visiting my mom, Rob, and Emmaleigh for dinner. I’ve admittedly not seen them nearly enough over the last few months. Grabbing a meal on Sundays had always been routine. A way to stay connected. However, between traveling, little league baseball practices two days a week, and games on Saturday, it’s been a busy time of year.

“How’ve you been, Mick?” my mom asks, pulling me in for a big hug.

“I’ve been really good, Mom. Except for missing my team’s little league game yesterday, I’ve had a great weekend.”

Spinning on her heel, she gives me a look of concern. “Missed your game? That’s not like you. Did something happen?”

“It’s a long story, but I’d gone out of town for a game and got stuck in traffic.”

“Well, your little league games are always in the morning or afternoon. When on earth was your out-of-town game?”

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