Page 9 of When I Found You

I shoot to my feet and pace the floor. Rob, being astute and noble as ever, has a valid point. I was responsible for her injury, therefore I am responsible for her recovery. Until we get some answers as to where she came from and who she is, I guess I’ll have to cope with the inconvenience.

This time I knock on the bedroom door.

“Come in.” Her voice filters through the wood.

When I push open the door, I expect to find her exactly where I left her moments before. Instead, she’s sitting on the edge of the bed staring out the window. I clear my throat and stalk to the far wall where the en suite bathroom is located. I flip on the light and turn to face her.

“Here’s the bathroom.” I stuff my hands into my pockets and lean against the door.

She’s still staring out the window as if entranced by the city lights flickering outside. “Thank you.”

Silence fills the void between us. “I’ll be in the other room if you require anything else.” Without waiting for a response, I leave the bedroom, making sure to close the door behind me.

I unfasten the buttons on my wrists and roll my sleeves up. In the kitchen, I gather some vegetables from the refrigerator. Breakfast was a cup of coffee and a bagel from the shop on the corner. In all the chaos, I completely forgot about lunch. A reminder my stomach punctuates with a loud grumble.

Chopping peppers and onions gives me something to do with my hands. I’m careful not to let my mind wander too deeply into the mess I find myself mired. I pop a slice of pepper in my mouth as I set a pan on the stovetop. My recipe isn’t quite as good as Nonna’s, but it works when I don’t have the time for a full ragu simmer. As I fill the pot with water for the pasta, the door buzzes. Quickly, I toss the onions in the first pot and let the hot oil work it’s magic.

When I open the door, I’m stunned to find not only my sister, but her two associates carrying bags in her wake.

“Arthur.” Marcy regards me with a smile and a once over. “You look like a train wreck.”

“Hello, Marcy.” I nod to her associates. “Jess. Anita. Come in.” They pass without hesitation when I step aside.

“Smells good.” My sister sniffs the air. “Nonna’s ragu?”

“No one has that kind of free time.” I disappear into the kitchen and stir the onions ensuring they caramelize evenly.

Marcy leans against the counter next to the stove. “So, dish. Who’s the chick?”

“Your slang has gotten worse.” I scowl. “Working with all those rock stars and celebrities is starting to rot your brain.”

“You’re a grumpy old man. Don’t take your issues out on me.” She sneaks a pepper from the cutting board and snaps it between her teeth. “So, where is she?”

“In the bedroom.” I regret the words the moment they leave my mouth.

Marcy’s brows shoot straight up. “You sly dog. That was fast!”

“It’s not what you think.” I groan and backpedal knowing she won’t let this rest now or ever if I don’t tell her the truth. In the fewest possible words, I explain what happened at the office and how I brought the woman here. I assure her Rob came and offered his professional advice.

“Are you kidding me? Professional advice, my ass.” She rolls her eyes and snorts.

“You and Rob have your little rivalry or whatever it is, but he’s my friend and a doctor. As much as his advice wasn’t what I wanted to hear...” I shrug and let the implication slide into oblivion.

“You feel guilty for whacking her over the head and knocking her out.” Marcy chuckles. “Good. You should.” She snatches another pepper as I pour wine into the onions to deglaze them.

I glare my sister wishing I had another female in my life who I could have called, but unfortunately, this is the curse of being a man married to his work. “I don’t need you to heap more guilt onto my shoulders as well, Marcy.” I jab my wooden spoon in her direction. “Just take the clothes and stuff into the bedroom.”

“I bet you didn’t even tell her I was coming or who I am.” She winks and disappears before I can stop her.

Shit. I didn’t tell her. I hang my head and chase after my sister. “Jess, keep an eye on the sauce, would you?” I motion to my sister’s assistant who gives me a strange look.

Marcy spins around at my command and glowers. “Don’t tell her what to do. She works for me, not you.”

“Shit.” I step between my sister and the bedroom door. “No, okay, you win. I didn’t tell her you were coming or who you were. Just...give me a minute.”

I open the door and find the room empty. The sound of running water echoes behind the closed bathroom door. My eyes drift closed. If she’s lying on the shower floor unconscious, I’ll never forgive myself.

“Go stir your ragu, genius. I got this.” Marcy steps toward the bathroom door and knocks.

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