Dearly Loved (13 page)

David reported for work early in the morning on most days, spending most of his time at his desk, writing his own copy and taping his written leads by speaking into a voice-activated camera. It felt good to be back in the swing of things and he enjoyed the feeling of accomplishment compared to moping around while he’d convalesced.

By the end of the week, David readied for his first official broadcast. After leaving the hands of the hair and make-up department with his face pancaked and his hair frozen into place with hairspray, he slid into his chair at the Sports Desk during a commercial break. He blew out a breath, feeling the usual stage-fright clench his stomach.

The cameraman zoomed in. The director stepped forward. “On air in five, four...” She used her fingers for the remainder of the count down. The station music swelled, the red light on the camera glowed red, the teleprompter scrolled his written script, and David smiled.

“Lots of action on the road for the A’s today. They swung their way to a victory against the Toronto Blue Jays.” He continued on with the details, covering the major highlights of the day in sports.

At the end, David held his smile until the red light went off. “Great job, David,” the director said. “Next up, Joe and Tracy.”

Expelling a pent-up breath, David made his way back to his desk and sat down. He bent his head and sent up small prayer of thanks. Already, stacks of work awaited him—commentary on the latest coach hired for the San Francisco Giants, sports news updated since he’d been on the air moments ago, and announcements of community events.

He had an intern who took care of some of the most menial tasks, but there were still reams of work to begin. David picked up a pen and idly chewed on one end. He wondered how Meredith was. He missed her. He thought about her constantly. Had she watched tonight? If she did, had she thrown a brick at the TV?

Not for the first time, David wondered why she refused to see him. Her attitude even seemed to prohibit friendship. David could swear she wasn’t indifferent to him. Meredith had always been somewhat skittish and incalculable. After a moment, he pulled the pen out of his mouth and stared in dismay at the ruined end. Disgusted, he threw it into the wastebasket.

***

Meredith pushed the off button on the remote, watching as the TV screen went black. Bitsy lay content on her lap. For the last week and a half, she’d watched the evening news faithfully, looking for David’s first appearance as KVL sports anchor. Now that she’d seen it, she wished she hadn’t gone to the effort.

David was no more the struggling invalid. He was once again healthy, vibrant, and larger than life. She was glad she turned him down outside the health club. Maybe they would’ve gone out a few times, had some fun, but she knew the fragility of her heart when it came to him. She couldn’t risk being burned for a second time.

Besides, this new and improved version of David would attract a lot more competition. She’d get left behind—again. It was better this way. She wanted someone who loved her for herself, not because she was at hand in a time of need.

Bitsy let out a yelp of pain. Meredith realized she’d yanked on the dog’s ear. She brought him up to her face.

“Sorry, Bitsy. It’s all David’s fault.”

Ten

The next morning, the phone rang. Meredith, eyes still closed, reached and put the phone to her ear.

“Uh huh?”

“I’m calling for a Meredith Ambrose. Is she available, please?”

Deciding to throw her phone away if it was a telemarketer, Meredith shoved her hair out of her face and struggled into a sitting position.

“This is she.”

“Yes, this is Sheila Patterson from Cedar Hill Community Hospital. I’m calling about the Peds position you applied for several weeks ago. We’d like to offer you the position.”

Meredith came fully awake. “Oh! Um, yes. I accept.”

“Great, we’d like you to start in three weeks, if possible.”

“No problem!”

“We look forward to working with you, Ms. Ambrose. Call me if you have any questions.”

Meredith grabbed a pen and jotted down her name and the number, along with her starting date, on the back of a magazine. After she hung up the phone, her face broke into a wide grin. Bitsy trotted into the bedroom and put his paws on the edge of the bed.

She scooped him up and held him tight. The phone rang again. This time Meredith picked it up in a better frame of mind.

“Hello?”

“Mer? This is Rosa. Whatcha up to today? Want to get together?”

“Well, I just got a call from Staffing. I got the Peds job!”

“That’s fantastic! We might actually see each other more.”

Meredith smiled. “At least I’ll be coherent when we do.”

“This calls for a celebration. Why don’t we meet for breakfast? Say, at Doyle’s in an hour? Better yet, I’ll swing by and pick you up. And I’m buying.”

“Sounds good. See you then.”

Meredith showered and dressed with a new sense of purpose. Adjusting the straps of her celadon green dress patterned with tiny white daisies, she took a peek outside. The sun shone, but in the last few days the weather had turned cooler as autumn began in earnest. She pulled a lightweight white cotton cardigan out of her closet and slipped it over her shoulders. Giving her hair a final brushing, she put Bitsy in the back yard and went out the front door when Rosa rang the bell.

Downtown, she and Rosa entered Doyle’s and threaded their way around the oak tables and benches laid with gingham tablecloths. They chose a spot near the window and perused the menus. After placing their orders, Rosa clapped her hands together.

“So, are you excited about the new job?”

Meredith smiled. “Yes. I think the part I’ll like most is being able to lead a more sane life.”

“Now maybe you can get out more. Find yourself a man like Ellen has.”

“Has she been after you about that, too?”

Rosa laughed. “Yes. In fact her fiancé has a friend she thinks I might be interested in. We’re all going out this Saturday night.”

“You mean on a blind date?”

“Sure, why not?”

Sputtering, Meredith leaned forward. “What if he’s a jerk? How can you take a chance like that?”

Rosa took a sip of her water and smiled. “Ellen’s guy seems nice. She’s assuring me Gino is a Christian and nice-looking to boot.”

“Gino? Is he Italian or something?”

“Yes, and from what I hear, all flashing dark eyes and swarthy skin.”

Meredith shook her head. “I don’t think I’d have the guts to go on a blind date. Way too much pressure.” She lifted her glass to take a drink.

Rosa eyed her speculatively. “Well, some of us have to make an effort to find a man. Not everyone has two guys after her.”

Meredith choked on her water. “You’re not referring to me, are you?”

“Well, I already know David Steller is sweet on you and now I hear that a real charmer visited you in the middle of the night at the hospital.”

Meredith blushed. “I met a man named Clay Roberts recently. We’ve only gone out a few times and it’s been very casual.”

“I can’t believe you never told me about him.”

“There’s not a lot to tell.”

Rosa groaned. “I’m starved for romance, girl. Even if I have to experience it vicariously. I want all the details.”

Meredith told her about Clay and Tiffany, purposely keeping her voice light, while their breakfast was served. Her explanations seemed to satisfy Rosa for the moment.

The brunette made quick work of her gooey sticky bun. While she licked her fingers, she brought up the subject of David. “You never did tell what your history is with him.”

Meredith paused eating her omelet and shrugged. “Think of a girl’s sad teenage obsession of the most popular boy in school. That’s about it.”

Rosa dabbed her mouth with a napkin. “Did you two ever date?”

Do long walks hand in hand and lazy afternoons kissing under a maple tree count as dating?
“Not really. Anyway, once school started, he found the bouncy cheerleader types more to his liking.”

“Ouch.” She blew out a breath. “I had a horrible crush on a guy in school, too. But that’s all in the past. Right now, I’m looking forward to adding some Italian spice to my life.”

“Don’t you worry that you just might be setting yourself up for a fall? What if this guy breaks your heart?”

Rosa laughed. “Not likely on a first date. But why not take a chance? You never know. True love could be just around the corner.” Sitting suddenly straighter, she peered over Meredith’s shoulder. “Speaking of true love...” she murmured, frantically waving to someone across the room.

Meredith turned in her chair. She sucked in her breath. David had just entered the restaurant and was walking straight for them. He wore tan slacks with a taupe shirt under a thin black leather coat. To see him so tall and strong, she never would’ve guessed he’d been in anything other than perfect health. For her part, she began to feel distinctly unwell. Her respiration increased and her heart pounded erratically in her chest. Just from a physical point of view, David was bad for her.

“Hello, Rosa. Merrie,” he said when he stopped at their table.

“Have a seat,” Rosa said with a sunny smile.

David shot a glance at Meredith. “I don’t want to interrupt anything. I just popped in to have breakfast.”

What else could she do? “Please join us, David.”

Rosa’s cell phone sounded from her purse. She jumped up before answering it and all but pushed David down onto the bench she’d just vacated. “I’m sure this important,” she said motioning to her phone. “So I’ll let you two visit in peace.”

Before she could protest, Rosa scurried out of the restaurant. Meredith raised her gaze and attempted a smile. It felt more like a scowl. “She was supposed to pay for my breakfast,” she said, fiddling with her napkin.

David grinned. “I’ll pick up the tab.”

She shook her head, feeling silly. “That’s not it. We were just…celebrating.”

“Celebrating what?”

“I got a new job.”

“Here in Cedar Hill?”

Meredith nodded, wondering if she imagined the note of alarm in his voice. “Still in the hospital, but in a different unit. I’m going to a day shift.”

“Congratulations.”

“Thanks.”

David gazed at her. “I don’t need to stay. I think Rosa was playing the matchmaker.”

Suddenly, Meredith felt churlish for her attitude toward him. “No, that’s all right. Did…did she know you were coming?”

“No, I came here on a whim. It’s my first day off since I started at the station and when I was still in the hospital complaining about the food, Rosa recommended I come here when I got out.”

Relaxing, she smiled. “It’s wonderful. Doyle’s is known for their sticky buns and other treats.”

A waitress came to take David’s order. With his attention diverted, she took the opportunity to study him without hindrance. It still felt odd to be so close to him after so many years of separation. The sun from the windows gilded his hair and lent a golden glow to his dark eyes. She suppressed a sigh. It just wasn’t fair that he looked so good.

When he turned back to her, he leaned forward. “So when do you start your new position?”’

“In a few weeks. How is your job at the station going?”

“So far, so good. It’s kind of hard getting back into the swing of things after convalescing for so long, but KVL seems like a great place to work.”

Meredith smiled. “I’ve seen a couple of your broadcasts.”

“What did you think? Did I ever have spinach between my teeth?”

“Nope. You were very professional. But I can’t compare you to anything as I usually turn off the news after the weather report.”

David put his hand over his heart. “Stab and twist, Merrie. But I remember you never were really into sports.” His eyes sparkled. “Maybe I should’ve become a meteorologist.”

She looked down at her hands.
He’s gone into his flirt mode. It’s as natural to him as breathing
.

“What did I say?” he demanded.

“Excuse me?”

“The light just went out of your face. Did I say something wrong?”

Meredith shook her head, shocked she’d shown her emotions so readily. At that moment, the waitress brought David’s order, a sticky bun and a cup of gourmet coffee.

“Mmmm. You were right. This is delicious.”

Meredith smiled and picked at her food. She took a deep breath and forced herself to converse with him. Soon he had her laughing at some of the comedic occurrences at the station that went on when the camera was off. She wondered if she’d been too hasty telling him she didn’t want to see him.

True to his word, David paid for her meal, despite her objections. When they walked out onto the street, she came to an abrupt stop. David bumped into her from behind.

Meredith slapped her forehead. “My car.”