There was a pregnant pause on the other end of the phone and Becky didn’t try to fill the silence. There was nothing else she could say about the subject other than what she’d already said.
“The two of you are working too much,” her mother said at last.
Becky chuckled as she rubbed Lucifer’s belly. “Don’t I know it. Michael is staying in town again tonight. It’s just me and the cat at home this evening. Lucifer came back.”
“He’s staying away again? It’s not a good idea for a young couple to spend so much time apart, Becky. Your father and I only ever spent three nights apart and that’s when I was in the hospital having you.”
Becky rolled her eyes. “Mom, the world has changed. Everyone is busy these days. It’s no big deal.”
“Hmmm. I’m glad your cat is back, anyway. When do you think you’ll be able to come?”
“Not this weekend, obviously. Christmas?”
“We had hoped to see you before then.” There was a pronounced accusatory tone in her mother’s voice now.
“I know. We’ll see what we can do. Is Dad there? Put him on and I’ll say hello.” She curled her legs up under her, already smiling at the thought of hearing her father’s jovial greeting. She’d always been close to her Dad, except for during the time when she was willfully disobeying him to be with Tony, but that was almost a decade ago now. She owed her life to her Dad, and in more ways than one.
“Becks-ta.”
“Hi, Daddy. Have you been keeping yourself out of mischief?”
“Never.” He laughed his loud belly laugh and her smile grew broader. She loved that laugh.
They started chatting and Becky idly watched as Lucifer begin to groom himself. His tongue was very pink against the black of his fur and he was intent on his task. He stopped suddenly and stared out toward the kitchen, his ears pricked. Seconds later, he bounded off the sofa and ran out of the room with his tail held high.
“Silly cat.”
“Mom just told me that your errant cat came back. What’s he up to now?”
“He went running out to the kitchen as if he thought Michael was out there filling his bowl with food. He’s already eaten tonight.”
“He might have heard a rodent. Mice and other critters like to find their way inside warm homes at this time of the year. You might need to ask that man of yours to set a few traps.”
She suppressed a shudder at his ‘other critters’ comment. She never wanted another ‘critter’ in her house like that varmint with a penchant for candles and love notes. She’d much rather have mice or squirrels in the house on any day of the week. She hadn’t told her parents about the intruder and she didn’t intend to. They would only worry and she’d caused them enough worry in their lives.
“I miss you, Becky.”
“I miss you too, Dad. I promise we’ll make it out there soon, okay? The renovations look great. I saw the photos Mom posted on Facebook.”
“I can’t make head nor tail of that Face-whatsit. Photos can never replace real life. You need to see the house in person in order to appreciate it.”
“I understand that. I’ll let you know as soon as we have a free Sunday, okay?”
“Okay. Love you, Becks-ta.”
“Love you, Daddy. Give Mom a kiss for me.” Becky yawned widely as she ended the call and switched the movie back on to play.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Alice was talking to Sasha about her new boyfriend when Becky arrived at the office the next day. Becky said hello and went across to her desk, only half listening to Alice’s effusive gushing. According to Alice, her new man was gorgeous, rich, and funny. From where Becky sat, it sounded as if Alice had landed on her feet.
Becky was soon busy returning calls and following up on the messages that she’d left with clients the day before. Alice and Sasha’s chatter soon became a dull hum in the background. However, when Becky finally finished her calls twenty minutes later and they were still talking she felt a prickle of irritation. If they weren’t busy she could certainly find them something to do. She looked pointedly at Sasha. “Do you have much on today, Sash? I’m sure Alice has work to get on with. I gave her some filing yesterday afternoon that still hasn’t been done.”
“Yeah, a few things.” Sasha threw Alice an apologetic smile. “I’d better get back to it. Maybe you can tell me some more later when it’s quieter.”
Becky turned back to her desk, frowning at Sasha’s tone. From the conspiratorial way Sasha had spoken, it made Becky feel as if she was the strict boss scolding her employees for giggling around the water cooler. Sasha was supposed to be on her side. Why hadn’t she told Alice to go back to work while Becky was busy with her calls?
Alice left the office a short time later, sent off on an errand by Sasha, and Becky took the chance to explain her frustrations to her friend. “I was expecting you to back me up before. We’re paying Alice by the hour and she’s been falling behind on her work lately.”
“You could’ve spoken directly to her instead of coming over all passive-aggressive with your comments.”
Becky glared at her, annoyed that she couldn’t see it from her point of view. “You were encouraging her to stand there and talk. I thought it was best to speak to you.”
Sasha tossed her head and turned back to her computer. “What’s up with you? You used to be more fun than this. You didn’t even ask about her boyfriend. Can’t you see how excited she is?”
“Well, I’m happy for her.” Becky stiffly put her back to her and gazed grimly at her monitor. She used to be more fun? Sasha knew the challenges she’d been facing. That dig was rude and unnecessary. “You seem to have recovered quickly from your tears over Chad,” she said. She knew she sounded spiteful but she didn’t care. She needed to go to the bathroom again and she’d been just before she left the house. Not only that, but an odd, stinging itch had now set in.
“Just because I’m not moping around like you it doesn’t mean I’m okay.” Sasha stood up abruptly, snatching up her blazer from where it hung on the back of her chair. “I have an appointment with a client. I probably won’t be back until after lunch.”
Becky stared after her as she flung herself out the door. She felt irrationally hurt by Sasha’s reaction but she told herself that perhaps it was only because she wasn’t feeling well. Sasha had always spoken her mind and it had never bothered Becky in the past. Sasha was her closet, dearest, oldest friend. They should be able to say anything to one another without feeling offended. She needed to remind herself that Sasha’s life wasn’t exactly all sunflowers and roses at present either.
Her mobile phone buzzed with a text. Michael. Meet me 2nite for dinner? 7pm suit u?
She smiled at the message. She’d missed him last night, especially when she’d awoken just after midnight in the midst of a nightmare. His strong, loving arms were what she’d needed but instead she’d made do with Lucifer’s warm, purring body. But was she feeling well enough to go out for dinner after work? She had a property showing at midday, two client meetings in the afternoon, and another property showing at 6.00. She knew that by the time the last appointment was done all she’d want to do would be to go home and relax with her shoes off and a hot water bottle pressed against her belly.
She texted him back. Not tonite, hun. Crazy busy day. Order in? She sat the phone on her desk and waited for his reply but several minutes ticked past without her phone screen lighting up with a notification. She’d just gone back to working on the property advertisement when the office door opened. She looked up, expecting to see Alice walking back in but instead it was a man dressed in a business suit. His face was in shadow with the sun behind him but there was something familiar in the set of his shoulders and in the confident way he held himself.
“Hi there,” she called out brightly. “Welcome to Monroe & Freeman. Can I help you?”
He moved further into the office, shutting the door behind him, and then she knew who this was. Jerome Saunders himself. “M
r. Saunders! How lovely to see you here.”
“You know my name.” He walked over to stand in front of her desk and she was suddenly hyper-aware of the small pimple on her chin and her dire need of a haircut. Jerome Saunders positively sizzled. She felt as if his eyes were gouging into the very depths of her soul. Even her hot, stingy vagina gave a Why, Hello There twinge in response to the intensity of his smile.
“Doesn’t everyone in Portland know your name?” she retorted breezily as she handed him her business card to hide her fluster.
“Becky Monroe,” he read out loud from the card. “Ah, so you’re the lovely Sasha’s business partner. I’ve heard all about you.”
She kept her eyes fixed on his face even though she could feel her cheeks flooding with self-conscious color. “Sasha isn’t in at the moment. Did you want to speak with her or can I help?”
He sat himself down on the edge of Sasha’s desk and stretched his long legs out in front of him. Becky found her gaze drawn to his muscular thighs and she hurriedly looked away. “Is she due back into the office soon?” he drawled.
“Not until after lunch. Unfortunately, I can’t phone her to say you’re here because she’s in a client meeting. Her phone will either be turned off or she’ll ignore it.”
“What a pity.” He was shamelessly staring at her mouth now. She dropped her head forward to allow her hair to half cover her face, embarrassed by his interested attention. At last, her unruly, too-long hair had a purpose.
“So it’s just you and me here?” he persisted.
“Yes, but I can help you with any information or services that you require.” She pushed her hair back from her face and slid her professional mask back on. She would not allow the undoubtedly sexy Jerome Saunders to distract her from her role.
He stood up and walked disconcertingly close to where she was sitting, his groin just inches from her face, before casually wandering back to the door. “Tell Sasha to give me a call when she gets in.”
“I will. Goodbye, Mr. Saunders.”
She blew out a long breath and picked up a sheath of papers to fan her face as the door closed behind him. How had Sasha managed to keep her equilibrium while working with the man? He knew his power over women too, that much was obvious.
The door opened again and her heart leapt into her mouth but it was only Alice. The girl gave her a strange look as she dropped a brown paper-wrapped parcel on Sasha’s desk. “Is anything wrong?”
“No, not at all. I was just organizing my thoughts. Can you tell Sasha to phone Mr. Saunders when she gets back? I’m heading away shortly and I won’t see her again today.”
Alice fiddled with a strand of her dark, straight hair where it hung over her shoulder. “Of course. Do you have anything else you want me to do other than the filing?”
“Uh, no. Just the filing, thanks, along with any calls that come in.” She checked the clock on her phone screen, cursing at how much time had passed. She’d have to get herself together, pack her briefcase, and rush out of here if she wanted to make it to her midday appointment.
And Michael still hadn’t texted her back.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
She couldn’t avoid it any longer. She’d been up and down to the bathroom all night long, much to Michael’s annoyance, and an appointment with Dr. Saunders was now imperative. The uncomfortable feeling had grown worse and she was running to the toilet every five minutes. She couldn’t work in this state. She phoned the clinic and was relieved to hear that they’d had a cancelation. She could see Dr. Saunders today if she was able to make it down to the medical center in twenty minutes.
She phoned the office on the way to the clinic and left a message with Alice, telling her to tell Sasha that she would either be in late or not at all. Becky knew she couldn’t work today unless her health improved. She could scarcely concentrate enough to drive herself across town to Dr. Saunders’ rooms. She found a park not far from the entrance and hobbled-walked into the reception area. The usual receptionist was back and she greeted Becky by name. Becky cautiously lowered herself into a chair to wait. She glanced at the magazine table, noting that the Far Horizons leaflets had gone. It felt as if years had passed since she idly picked one up off the table to flip through while she waited.
Dr. Saunders called her in just a few minutes after her appointment time. She was relieved to walk into the doctor’s office and shut the door behind her. She already had the next 30 minutes planned out in her head. She’d have a quick chat with the doctor, pick up a prescription chit, drop by the pharmacy, and then go home to sleep until the medications kicked in. She quickly explained her symptoms and made her own diagnosis of a UTI to the doctor, who listened without saying anything.
Dr. Saunders passed her a specimen jar and asked her to go through to the toilet cubicle to collect a sample of urine. Becky awkwardly peed in the container and washed her hands, disconsolately gazing at her own ill-looking face in the mirror as she wondered if she’d ever feel like herself again.
She returned to the doctor’s room and submitted to the usual blood pressure test. Dr. Saunders’ tutted and said her blood pressure was up. Becky wasn’t surprised. As she was pulling her sleeve back down, she mentioned that her UTI had brought an itchy, hot sensation along with it. Dr. Saunders’ looked at her over her glasses and asked her to lie down for an examination.
Becky lay on her back and stared at the lights on the ceiling as Dr. Saunders pulled on a pair of disposable gloves and poked around painfully. Finally, she stood back and snapped off her gloves. “Your symptoms are consistent with genital herpes. Your urine sample will be tested but your other symptoms do point to a UTI, which corresponds with the burning sensation and the constant need to urinate. I can give you medication for both today but we do need to talk about where you might have caught the herpes infection.”
Becky’s entire body went hot then cold. She sat up on the examination table, unable to process what the doctor was telling her. She felt as if she was watching the discussion from a great distance and the conversation was completely unrelated to her or her life. “Herpes? Do you mean a STD?”
“Yes, unfortunately it’s all too common.” She was watching Becky carefully, gauging her response.
“Could I have caught it from somewhere when I was out? Maybe from a public toilet seat?” She remembered the grimy gas station bathroom she’d been forced to stop at after leaving Gordon’s house.
“It’s very unlikely. The herpes virus enters your body through your mucous membranes and it needs a warm, moist place in order to thrive. Public toilet seats have gained a bad reputation that they don’t generally deserve. They can be icky but it’s difficult to catch any real diseases from them.” Dr. Saunders shook her head, looking sad. She was a small, neat, motherly woman and Becky had complete trust in her. “Are you still in a committed relationship with Michael?”
“Yes. We’re still together.” She was still struggling to comprehend what she’d just been told. “This means he’s cheated on me, doesn’t it? Unless it’s one of those diseases that could’ve lain dormant since before I met him?” she added hopefully.
“Sometimes that can happen but I don’t think so in this case. I’m sure you would’ve have symptoms before now if he’d carried the infection for that amount of time. How long have the two of you been together now?”
“Four years. Nearly five years.” Oh my God, she had herpes. She climbed off the examination table and stood up on unsteady legs before lowering herself back into her chair. “We had sex a few nights ago. Did I catch it then?” Why was she finding it so hard to get the words out of her mouth?
“It take two to fourteen days for the symptoms to appear. Your partner’s herpes would’ve needed to be in the active phase for the disease to be transmitted to you.” Dr. Saunders turned back to her computer and began typing. “I’ll prescribe you some medication. Michael will need to come in and see us too, sooner rather than later. I’d advise neither of you to engage in sexual ac
tivity until your tests are clear.”
Becky stared at the poster for measles vaccines on the far wall, unable to speak or move. She felt unclean - dirty and desperately in need of a shower. She’d never had a STD before, not even during all those unprotected times with Tony. Even worse than that, this was the confirmation she’d been dreading. Michael was having an affair.
“Becky?”
“Hmmm?” She looked back at the doctor to see that she was handing her a prescription sheet with her spidery, illegible doctor’s signature scrawled across the bottom. “You can start taking the tablets immediately. The cream can be applied several times a day. Herpes can be managed but it can’t be cured. Most people only suffer infrequent flare-ups and they’re sometimes years apart. If it makes you feel any better, herpes is a very, very common viral infection.”
“No, it doesn’t make me feel any better,” she retorted sharply. “My boyfriend is cheating on me. I’ve never felt worse.”
Dr. Saunders’ sympathy was genuine. “I’m sorry. The center does offer the services of a relationship counselor if you think it might help.”
“I don’t know. I don’t know about anything right now.” She picked up her bag and stood up. “Thank you, Dr. Saunders. You’ve just confirmed what I already knew. I was avoiding it up until now.” She gave the doctor a tight smile and left the room feeling as if everyone in the reception area was looking at her and knew she was walking around with a STD. A STD she’d caught from her lying, cheating boyfriend.
She robotically paid her account and walked on numb, stiff legs out to the parking lot. He’d been with another woman and then he’d made love to her, passing on this disgusting infection in the process. She reached the car and her stomach rebelled. She doubled over, vomiting over the asphalt beside the car until there was nothing left inside her. She wiped her mouth on the back of her hand before glancing around to see if anyone had witnessed her embarrassing display. She considered going back to the reception to ask for a bucket of water to clean up her mess but swiftly decided against it. For once in her life, Becky Monroe was going to act as selfishly as the rest of the world seemed to do so casually and so flippantly.
The Life Thief Page 13