Page 79 of All In
I check my watch and roll my head back against the car seat head rest because it’s time to go in and start my day.
As I gather up my stuff, I walk the opposite direction to my building. Away from Maria. I haven’t made any decisions yet whether I will approach her. Eventually, I’m sure I will. But for whatever reason, I don’t feel ready. For the moment, it’s comforting to know that she is so close.
The usual Monday morning work buzz is going strong as I make my way to my office. Beginning my usual morning routine, I sit my stuff down and check my emails and patient schedule. But my mind keeps wandering back to the leggyblonde I saw fifteen minutes ago. A smile crosses my lips as I swivel in my chair and look out the window.
I really hope my seven a.m. cancels again.I wonder what she will wear to work tomorrow?
The next morning
The appointment canceled, so I decide to park a little further away, under a tree shaded from view. Today, she is wearing pink scrubs, and her hair is down. I saw her pull in, and she drives a blue Honda Civic.
The following week
She’s rushing today and is later than normal. She’s talking on the phone, and it sounds like she’s arguing with Nate about the kids. I can see her frustration as she hangs up before she walks in and wipes a tear from her cheek. My heart drops seeing her upset. I miss being the one to wipe away her tears.
A month later
It’s pouring rain, and she doesn’t have an umbrella, so she’s running into the building. Water splashes up onto the bottom half of her scrubs every time she stomps on a puddle of water. How she made that look graceful and beautiful is beyond me.
After the new year 2017
She’s taking her time getting out of the car today. She arrived earlier than normal. Just like me, hoping I could catch a glimpse. Her head is down, and she’s scrolling on her phone. She lets out a laugh but doesn’t look up from whatever has her attention. I try to rub away the pain that I’m feeling in my chest, because I really hope it’s not another man.
The next week
It’s the pink scrubs again. Pretty sure these are my favorite.
Two weeks later
She and that Richelle are walking in together. The cold is bitter today. Her puffer jacket is back, and she has the cutest hat on. One with the fuzzy ball on top. Her hair is cascading from underneath it. Richelle’s hands are waving in the air, gesturing with anger. Maria is listening kindly, bobbing her head in agreement with whatever Richelle is in a huff about.
The next week
She isn’t here today. I overheard Richelle tell the other girls that she has the flu. I hope she’s okay.
The next day
I watch as she drags herself out of her car, holding a tissue in her hand. Her nose is red, and she’s coughing as she walks slowly into the building. I remember she likes soup when she’s sick. I hope she’s eating soup.
Friday the next week
I woke up this morning with a renewed sense of purpose. I’m going to approach her today. Sitting and stalking her is now becoming too much to bear. I need to talk to her. Plus, it’s creepy, so there’s that.
Mikey couldn’t resist poking fun at me for taking so long to do my hair, playfully imitating my careful movements.
“Why do you keep messing with your hair today, Dad?” he asked while I ran my fingers and combed through my mop a hundred times this morning as he copied me, laughing along the way. “You’re going to work. It’s not like you have a date.” He thinks he’s so cute and clever.
If you only knew, Mikey. If you only knew.
Now I’m sitting under my tree, waiting for her blue Civic to pull in. On Wednesday, I decided it was time to approach her. I mean, what’s the worst that could happen? She’ll be nice, of course. We will exchange a few pleasantries, maybe a hug, and catch up on our lives. Then be on our merry way.
Easy.
So then why are my palms clammy? On instinct, I rub them down my dress pants as I see her car approach and park in her usual spot. She gathers up her things, finishes up a phone call, shuts her door, and points her key fob at the car. The horn beeps to let her know it’s locked up as she turns on her heels and walks toward the building.
With my stomach in knots, my mind racing, and a heart full of hope, I step out of my car and call her name.
Chapter thirty-one
