“Uh, n-no,” I stammered, uncertain of what he was thinking.
“Great. I’ll meet you by the door.” He left, not waiting for my answer.
Everything that Bekah had said about Dr. Solomon having an interest in me came blaring back in my ears, sounding alarms and making me feel a combination of awkward and flattered. As I left the lunchroom I walked to my locker and went to check my phone, just in case I heard from Greyson. I needed to hear from him, to reaffirm everything I already knew. Insecurity slapped hard and right now I had a red handprint on my face.
True to his word, Dr. Solomon was waiting for me after my shift. I smiled as I made eye contact, but my heart was tight. There had been no text or call from Greyson earlier and I wished there would have been. It would have been further armor against the onslaught of Dr. Solomon’s wide grin that welcomed me as I approached.
“Hey.”
“Hi.” I waited, curious and more than a little hesitant.
“So can you spare a few minutes for coffee? I’m dragging and seriously need some caffeine. The coffee at the cafeteria is passable, but…” He trailed off with a sigh.
“Uh… sure. Sounds good.”
“Perfect, we can walk, if you want.”
“Walk?”
“Yeah, it’s actually not far. Most people don’t even know it’s there. Best coffee though.” He glanced up as if thanking heaven.
“Lead the way.” I fell into step beside him and we passed through the main entrance and along the sidewalk. The sun was warm on my skin and relaxed me from the tension of feeling the stab of awkward betrayal. Coffee with Dr. Solomon felt wrong, like I was betraying Greyson, but at the same time the rational side of my mind was arguing that there wasn’t any reason to feel that way. It was coffee, at least for me. Nothing more.
“So how was your afternoon?”
“Good, uneventful. Just how I like it.”I said, pushing the stifling emotions aside and focusing on Dr. Solomon.
“Yeah, I second that.” His lips bent in a slight smile. “No drama.”
“Yeah. How was yours?”
“Same as yours. Thankfully. It’s kinda been quiet… it’s nice but makes you wonder when the next shoe is going to drop. You know?”
“Sure do. I’ve been kinda wondering the same thing.”
“Once you’ve been around this field for a while, you see the slight ebb and flow of life in the Center. Peace is great, peace is nice, but it is always, always temporary.”
“So you’re saying I shouldn’t let my guard down?” I raised an eyebrow.
“Exactly. Never, ever let your guard down.” He gave me serious gaze.
“Noted.”
We walked in silence for a few more minutes and I saw a few bistro tables outside of a small shop.
“Almost there. So what you do like?” Dr. Solomon asked as he opened the door for me.
“Do they have iced tea? I’m deviating from my regular choice.”
“I’m sure they do, what’s your usual then?” he asked as he placed our order.
“Coffee, black…with cream sometimes. Depends on how awake I am when I get it.” I smirked.
“Ah, I understand.”
I pulled out a few dollars from my purse but he shook his head, waving me off and paying quickly before I had a chance to protest. Soon our drinks were ready.
“Do you want to sit in here, or outside?”
“Outside.”
We sat at one of the bistro tables and I watched a few people as they walked by, savoring the bittersweet taste of the icy tea, welcoming the flavor.
“Sophia, I… I’d really like to get to know you better,” said Dr. Solomon, pulling my attention from the street.
Unfortunately, I had just taken a swallow of tea and it chose that exact moment to try and enter my lungs rather than my stomach. Without any grace whatsoever, I began choking and coughing, sloshing my tea as I set it down on the table. Immediately, Dr. Solomon was out of his chair and began to pat my back while handing me napkins. Unsure of what to do, I tried to smile through my watering eyes as I coughed. I still had no idea what I was going to say in response to his startling statement. After a moment, I was able to breathe without going into a coughing fit. I relaxed and tried to think clearly.
“Thanks,” I said in a gravelly tone and cleared my throat.
“Right now I’m trying to tell myself that was a coincidence, but…” He was smiling but the light didn’t reach his eyes.
“You… definitely caught me by surprise,” I admitted, a blush heating my face.
“Apparently.” He was bent down next to my chair so that I was eye level with him. The position was intimate and I was torn between feeling safe and wanting to pull away. I glanced left. A flash stole my attention and I narrowed my eyes. Looking closer I saw someone examine a black camera with a long lens, then lift it and point it directly at me. Confused, I glanced around to see if I was missing something. It was California after all; celebrities were here and there, most of the time doing their best to blend in. As I searched the streets I didn’t see anyone with dark glasses and a hat. Shrugging, I glanced back to Dr. Solomon.
“I think someone is…” I felt my face heat. “I think someone is taking pictures,” I whispered.
“Pictures?” His brow furrowed and he glanced around.
The man who had the camera had disappeared.
“Where?” Dr. Solomon asked then stood.
“I… he left. I don’t see him anymore. That was really strange.”
“Yeah… but not surprising. The paparazzi hang out around here. With the Willow and Oak nearby, this town is usually hounded by one or two desperate cameramen searching for a story. A celebrity in rehab? That’s big money.”
“Makes sense.”
“Either way, let’s walk back just in case. I don’t like the idea of someone sneaking around.”
“Sounds good.” I stood and followed him down the street.
Dr. Solomon walked quickly but made sure I was on the inside of the street, protected by the size of his body. It was a safe feeling. With quick glances about, he continued to search for anything strange. When we were safely back in the parking lot, his shoulders visibly relaxed and he shrugged.
“Sorry, I wasn’t much of a conversationalist. I have no patience for photographers like that, especially when they are trying to exploit someone here searching for help.” He gestured to the Center. “I need to go inside and let the admin know that there’s someone sneaking about. It happens often, but still. We need to be aware so that our clients are protected. You understand.” He lingered as if awaiting my response.
“Privacy is important.”
“Yes. It is.” He glanced down and took a deep breath. “Thanks for the walk, Sophia.”
“Thanks for the tea,” I responded automatically.
“Maybe you shouldn’t thank me for the tea…” He glanced down. His eyes crinkling with good humor.
“Yeah… Sorry about that.”
“It’s okay… though I’ve never seen someone almost drown in a sixteen ounce cup before…” He raised an eyebrow in jest.
“Thanks,” I responded wryly.
“Just sayin’.” He held up both hands. “But honestly, I know I surprised you with what I said… and I know…” He held up a hand as I opened my mouth to speak. I paused, and he continued. “I know that you think you have an answer for me, but please… just think about it, okay? I won’t pressure you, Sophia. I just want you to at least think about it, about me. I’m a pretty great guy when you get to know me.” He backed away, watching me.
“I—”
“Just think. I’ll see you tomorrow.” He saluted me and turned around, bounding up the stairs and into the Center.
With a heavy sigh I watched the door slowly close. That was awkward.
I thought back over the past hour. I should have said I was seeing someone, yet I hadn’t. Part of me wondered why, but at the same time I hadn’t really had a chance to tel
l him without it seeming random or awkward. And I didn’t need anything else to make it more awkward.
I walked to my car, glancing at my phone. Once I arrived home, I dialed Greyson’s number before I even got out of my car. The call went to voice mail and I left a short message. As I walked up to my apartment, I reminded myself that he was running a billion-dollar company, that he was busy, and it had nothing to do with me… but insecurity delivered another blow and the slap stung.
****
By Wednesday, I still hadn’t heard from Greyson. It ate at me, filling me with worry. To add to the stress, I knew I needed to say something to Dr. Solomon. It had been a few days since our coffee bar fiasco and he had been exactly the same as before, but I knew something was different. He deserved the truth, that I wasn’t interested in pursuing a relationship. He was an amazing guy — too amazing to be thinking about me when my heart belonged somewhere else. Of course, my heart would be in better shape if I had heard from Greyson. But he hadn’t called, hadn’t texted. Nothing. My heart felt raw with fear, and I berated myself for being so weak. I had prayed, but my prayers felt like they were bouncing off the ceiling and thumping me in the head while the insecurity of love pierced my heart.
I tried to catch Dr. Solomon all day, but each time I got the opportunity he would be interrupted. The peace we had spoken about? It had ended, rather it had been shattered into a thousand pieces when two band members of a British rock band had been admitted and were not dealing well with the emotional withdrawals of drug rehab. The janitor crew had been kept busy with shattered lamps and all the male doctors and nurses were on call in case additional assistance was needed. Initially, I had been assigned one of the guys, Fil. That hadn’t gone well.
At first the whole fiasco reminded me of my first impression of Greyson, but only vaguely. However vague, though, it was enough for me to miss him even more. But when Fil began demanding drugs, all that went out the window. Thankfully a male nurse was with me and pulled Fil off me when he had barreled out of the restroom and pinned me to the floor. As soon as I was free, I ran out the door and into the locker room. Tears stung my eyes, both from fear for myself and pity for Fil. He wasn’t in his right mind. He was controlled, possessed by his own addiction. That wasn’t living — that was slavery.
I was wiping the tears from my eyes when Dr. Solomon burst into the locker room, his blue eyes wild and searching. When he saw me, his expression gentled and without a word he strode toward me and pulled me into hug. It was exactly what I needed. Against my will, I began to cry again but this time with tears of relief because I felt safe. He held me tightly for a few minutes and slowly released me.
“Just so you know… both of those bastards are now under the care of our specialized male staff and are being discharged in the morning. We — the Center was told they were voluntarily admitting themselves. As you know, that’s not the case. It was more of a case of necessity, but we won’t tolerate assault.”
I nodded, thankful that I wouldn’t have to see Fil ever again. The specialized male staff? I grinned at the thought. They were nurses alright, but from either a military or police background with bouncer height and ex-marine skills. Fil was in for a treat if he tried anything else. Part of me hoped he would just so he’d get a piece of some huge guy’s fist.
“Are you alright? You’re not hurt?” Dr. Solomon bent down, his hands gently touching my face, shoulders and arms while his clear blue eyes studied me intently.
“I’m not hurt. More angry than anything.”
“Alright. Okay.” His gaze was intense.
“Thanks… I, um… a hug was exactly what I needed.”
“I’m always here, Sophia,” he said tenderly as his gaze caressed my face. “You have the rest of the day off. Go home, get some rest, and don’t give this another thought, okay? When you come back, they’ll be gone. Promise.”
“Okay… thanks.” I collected my purse and left, feeling Dr. Solomon’s gaze at my back the entire time.
When I got home, I went directly to my room, too exhausted to eat and not really wanting to talk. All I wanted was for Greyson to call me. I needed him, needed to hear his laugh and just hear his voice. I texted him and waited, hoping he had a free moment. Shortly after, my phone rang and my face broke into a grin as Greyson’s name lit up the screen.
“Hi!” I gushed into the phone, not caring I sounded desperate and lovesick.
“Hey.” Greyson’s voice was void of emotion, empty and dark.
“Greyson?” I asked carefully, alarms of warning blaring in my head.
“Sophia?” He mimicked back sarcastically. I shook my head, trying to figure out what was going on.
“Are, are you alright? Is everything okay, Greyson?” I stood up and began to pace the room, my chest tightening as he gave a humorless laugh.
“Freakin’ awesome.”
“Greyson…” I waited, sensing he was on the edge of something.
“So exactly how long did you wait before you moved on? I mean… you know I was really starting to buy into your whole God idea about love and shit and here you were banging the doctor behind by back. Damn, that feels good.”
“What?” I asked, completely confused.
“Dr. Damn Solomon.” Bitterness lent a dark edge to his tone.
“Okay… you think I’m… why would you think that?” I questioned, my confusion growing into anger.
“I have pictures, Sophia.”
“Of…”
“You, him, all close and enjoying the sunshine while sipping your coffee. I can practically hear the damn birds singing in the picture, it’s so perfect,” he spat.
“Ummm… I did have coffee with Dr. Solomon… actually iced tea. And I practically choked to death on it… he patted me on the back…” I tried to piece everything together when a snap in my brain put all the pieces together. The camera, the flash. It hadn’t been a celebrity; the picture had been snapped of me.
“Did you have me followed?” I asked toneless, holding my breath for his answer.
“Damn straight I did.”
“Why?”
“Why?” he asked in a dark humor. “Why, she asks.” He exhaled loudly into the phone.
“Yeah, why? Because I’m not sleeping with Dr. Solomon.”
“Yeah, that’s believable.”
“Pretty sure I’d remember losing my virginity,” I snapped back, hurt and humiliated. How could he even think those things? I knew pictures could be photoshopped, and could often be deceiving, but why would he believe it?
“Whatever.” He snorted into the phone. “What are you, some decoy at the Center? Their secret weapon that takes in the lost and lonely, gives them hope, sends them off into the bite-ass world, all the while happily bedding the golden doctor?”
“What is with you? Why are you being like this? I’m telling you it’s not true. Why don’t you believe me?” To my horror, my voice cracked.
“Because you’re a damn liar.”
“And you know this how?” I asked, my broken heart now growing into a hot fury of anger.
“Because they’re all the same. Alison was right.”
“Alison?”
“Yeah, just forget it. I’m done, okay? Stop calling, texting, whatever. I don’t want to hear from you again. Got it? You win, Sophia.” He disconnected the call and I was left staring at the black screen until it blurred from my tears. Anger and pain soaked the very air around me. It was too much. Between the issues of the day and then Greyson’s venom…I was utterly lost. Despair washed over me and I began to tremble. I was cold, both inside and out. Why had he been so quick to judge the situation? Why had he refused to even listen? I flung myself face-first on the bed and sobbed into my pillow, thankful for the soft down to cover the noise so I wouldn’t alert Bekah. The torrent of my tears ran freely as I poured out my bleeding heart asking God why.
I had never felt so alone. Where was God? My head knew he was there; he was collecting my tears and knew my pain, yet my heart f
elt alone. And that was the most difficult part… choosing to believe when everything felt the opposite of what I knew to be true. Emotions could be so much stronger than convictions.
Over and over I replayed our conversation, searching for clues. All I could figure out was that guy taking pictures of Dr. Solomon and me having coffee had done something… but what? I fell into a deep restless sleep and awoke to Bekah shaking me.
“Sophia! Wake up, get up, now. You need — Come here.” Her eyes were wide and she was shaking. “Come on!” She pulled me out of bed and I stumbled trying to gain my footing. My eyes felt like I had sandpaper in them and were puffy. I fumbled through the hall until I hit the living room. Our flatscreen was lit up with CNN. My world tilted.
“Billionare Greyson Bentley was found in his multimillion dollar mansion last night.” The blonde news anchor began in a clear tone. My heart stopped and everything around me began to spin. The woman continued to speak but I couldn’t hear her voice. A roar began in my ears, deafening everything else. I tried to swallow, but I was numb. Greyson.
Chapter Fifteen
“Sophia? Sophia, wake up!” Bekah was hovering over me. I saw her outline but all the details were fuzzy, muted, and blurry. I blinked, trying to get my body to respond, to speak but every time I tried to move it was as if I were strapped down. After taking a deep breath I tried to speak.
“Bekah?” My tone was wrong, strained and hoarse.
“Sophia!” Bekah buried her head in my shoulder before quickly leaning back and giving me a concerned expression. “Are you alright? What am I saying, of course you’re not alright! You passed out cold and darn near gave yourself a concussion! Don’t move! I’ve already called 911—”
“Oh, please tell me you didn’t…” I groaned as I heard the sirens.
“Of course I did! You’re bleeding, like everywhere and I’m not about to let you die on me.” She narrowed her eyes and moved something on the side of my head.
“What do you mean I’m bleeding?” I questioned. My body was finally responding and I raised my arm to touch my face.
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