Page 24 of The Love Dose
Rachel appears genuinely stricken. “But you’ll get the apartment.”
I know I’ve been living the high life but clearly, being born with a silver spoon in one’s mouth makes one clueless. “How will the apartment pay Paul’s salary?”
She doesn’t answer because there isn’t one.
An awkward silence stretches between the three of us.
Finally, Rachel says, “I should get back to my rounds.”
I want to say “good riddance” but Paul won’t appreciate that and for better or worse, I care what he thinks.
Rachel plants a kiss on Paul’s cheek telling him she’ll call. To me, she says softly, “Feel better, Caroline.”
I nod and stand back up, grabbing my purse and coat from the closet.
Paul’s expression is strained. “Whereare you going?”
Chapter Seventeen
Caroline
Paul gives me a look that would make anyone else shake in their proverbial boots. His bulbous nose is still red from the cold outside, his gaze iron-willed.
He must have woken up very early to be here. I'm grateful he showed up when he did, acting as a buffer between me and Rachel. He’s the most lovable, determined, gangster-looking seventy-year-old on the Upper West Side.
“I’m going home,” I say, not bothering to mask my defiance. I had enough of being poked and tested. I’ve had enough of Rachel and the lawsuit. I am desperate to leave, regroup, and figure things out. Namely, my future. “I don’t want to stay anymore.”
Paul sucks on his teeth, juts his jaw. “What does Dr. Sinclair have to say about that?”
“Seriously? You know who my doctor is?”
I think of Calvin who is bound to come by soon. He’ll insist I stay for more tests.
“Of course. I’ve been keeping an eye on him. Since he showed up at the Dakota looking like a vagrant.”
I almost laugh at the description but I’m not letting Paul off the hook so easily. I wonder how he knows about Calvin’s visit. He has eyes everywhere. “So, you’remybodyguard now?”
Apparently, since Paul is no longer chauffeur, he’s promoted himself to a better unpaid role.
“I took Bernard’s request as a final wish.”
I swallow hard with emotion. It is touching how loyal Paul is. Bernard is gone but Paul still heeds his dear friend’s request to look after me. “Calvin is a friend. Actually, he was here to treat me when I came in yesterday.” I omit the touch-and-go part.
“I’m going to continue looking out for your best interest, Mrs. Page.”
“Do I have any say in this?” I ask, half-heartedly.
He shrugs and I laugh.
We both know this arrangement can't last forever. Nothing lasts forever. Just ask Bernard.
I don’t bother asking Paul what he really thinks of Calvin. It may come off like my doctor and I are more than friends and that would be awkward. Still, Calvin has been on my mind since I opened my eyes, seeing his worried face. He's a special man.
“I need to call an Uber,” I announce, pulling out my phone.
Paul frowns at the device. “Please don’t insult me.”
“I thought you don’t approve of my leaving the hospital.”
