Page 23 of An Island Summer
“So.” The doctor inhaled sharply and produced a professional smile, “If everyone is in agreement, we’ll continue with Rupert’s current line of care and see where we go from there. Mr. Meyers, shall we list Miss Gray as a contact should we need her?”
“Of course.” Toby stood up and reached a hand across the table. “Thank you, Dr. Hughes.”
“Yes, sir,” the doctor said, giving him a firm shake.
Meghan stood and followed suit. Then everyone trailed out of the staff room, taking their posts.
“So, you want to tell me what’s going on?” Toby asked as they walked down the hallway toward Rupert’s room.
“I think my coming here helps him,” she said, leaving out the part that it seemed to help her too.
Toby stepped in front of her in the hallway, softly touching her arm and stopping her. She held her breath as he looked down at her, invading her personal space. He paused for a second, sending her heart pattering. “I’m worried it could complicate things.”
“But how is it complicating anything?” she challenged.
He pursed his lips as if biting back what he wanted to say, and slowly started walking again. Meghan shuffled up beside him. Finally, he said, “I just wonder if he and I need to get through this together with no other distractions. Maybe he’ll come out of this fantasy.”
“I hear you,” she replied, considering what it would’ve been like to deal with some stranger butting into her time with Pappy. “But I did promise him I’d come today,” she said. “So, let’s go in and then once you see how he is, you can tell me to stay or go and I’ll do whatever you want.”
Toby looked into her eyes, lingering there a moment and then nodded, and the two of them entered Rupert’s room.
The old man was sitting in a chair, watching a black-and-white movie. “Come in,” he said, beckoning them in. “Hester, this is one of your best films.”
“Which one?” she asked, lowering herself down on his bed.
“When the Sun Rises. Oh, it makes me cry every time she has to leave. Your performance is just so stunning.” His gaze floated back to the screen. “I know you could be disheartened by Hollywood, but you really are magnificent. Toby, tell her how great she is.”
“She’s really great,” he said, glancing over at her tentatively.
“You have time to watch the movie with me, don’t you?”
Meghan suddenly worried about what the doctor had said about Rupert’s erratic behavior. She had to get to work, but what would he do if she said no? There was only one way to find out. “I can’t,” she said gently. “I have to work.”
Rupert turned his head, sucking in a breath, something flashing in his eyes. Toby took a step forward, but Meghan subtly shooed him away.
“You’re doingCupid’s Goddess?” Rupert hissed. “For God’s sake, Hester, it’s a disaster. I thought I told you all this on the phone. Artists’ Alliance is crazy if they think you should shoot this movie. It’s career suicide.”
He knew about Hester’s management?Jeez.He really did know everything about this woman. Toby took another step toward her, his muscles tensed as if he were ready to intervene at any moment.
“It’s not that movie,” she said quickly, to defuse Rupert’s anxiety over it. “It’s a… different one.”
Rupert’s whole body slumped. “Thank God.” He smiled. “You had me worried.” He blew a relieved breath through his weathered lips. “What’s this one?”
“Hm?”
“The movie. What’s it called?”
“Uh, it’s not named yet. It’s a working title right now. And it’s not a done deal,” she scrambled. “I’m just… seeing if I fit the role.”
Rupert narrowed his eyes. “You’re nervous,” he said, causing her heart to slam around in her chest. Then a smile spread across his face. “That means it’s a good role. You always get nervous when you get a chance at something huge.” He laughed. “Go get ’em.”
“I will,” she said, relieved as she picked up her handbag.
“Hester,” Rupert stopped her. “You’ll be back tomorrow, yes?”
“Yes,” she replied, not knowing what to say.
She looked over at Toby, his lips turning upward fondly at her but his gaze still unsure.
