Page 9 of Eight Naughty Notes

She shocked me by reaching out and placing her warm palm over mine that rested on top of the counter.

“We both lost our father.” Her voice was solemn.

When my father died, I contacted Tori. Despite our relationship being over, I knew she would have wanted to know. There hadn’t been enough time for her to attend the funeral due to her schedule, but she and I chatted for a short while on the phone and she sent a plant for the ceremony. Sad to say, I killed the thing.

“We had great men in our lives. They shaped us.”

“Yes, you wanted to be a doctor like your father.”

I chuckled as I the memory of watching my father head off to his small family practice every morning, entering my mind. Those were some of my fondest remembrances of my dad and I chose those over the last years of his life.

“Okay, for real this time. Let me get going before Nurse Richards sends out a search party for me.”

“We wouldn’t want that.” I laughed even though I wished our time didn’t have to end. I knew then and there that I’d have to find a way to bring her in closer because when we were near each other, there was no denying that what we had, is still what we have and if I weren’t mistaken, she seemed like she didn’t want to go either.

Just as she was getting ready to walk away there was an announcement over the intercom.

Dr. Christian Powers has won the bid for the Nine Night Egyptian Cruise. Congratulations, Dr. Powers and thank you for helping make a child’s dream come true.

The auction winner announcements had been shared all morning and I had been praying that I would win the cruise so that I could spend as much time alone with Tori, cruising along the Nile River. Tori needed the time away and I needed the time to love her.

“Congratulations, Christian. I’m sure you’ll have an amazing time.”

“If everything works out, I will.”

She watched me with curiosity but didn’t pry. I wanted her to, so that I could tell her to prepare for her vacation.

After a moment she pushed away from the counter.

“Talk to you later, Christian.”

“For sure, Tori.”

I headed over to the phone and dialed Dr. Hughes’ office. There was something he might be able to help me with.

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