“I’m glad to hear that, but Lilly did sound very concerned. She wanted to know if Morgan should be reassessed.”
Neill’s stomach twisted in anger. Lilly had given up any claim for custody, had basically been an absentee parent, and suddenly she was directing Morgan’s care without discussing it with him. “Dr. Reynolds, I’m not sure you’re aware of this, but Lilly and I are divorced and I have full custody—with Lilly’s full agreement, I might add. I’m a little concerned that she would see fit to call you without talking to me first.”
He was more than concerned. He was infuriated at Lilly’s interference. She wouldn’t have witnessed any symptoms that should have raised concern. And if she had seen anything, she owed it to him and their daughter to discuss it with him first. “In fact, Morgan is settling in well. She lives with me here in Eden Harbor. Her grandmother and her teacher are aware of the situation and if there’d been a problem, I would’ve been informed about it.”
“That’s a relief. Then you’ll call me should you need me.”
“I will. You can count on it.” The minute he was off the phone, he called Lilly. When she answered, he wasted no time. “I just spoke with Dr. Reynolds. Why did you call him?”
“I was worried.”
“Worried enough to call him, but not to stay here a little longer with your child? You know she’s doing well. You had no right to go behind my back—”
“Oh, for heaven’s sake, Neill. I wasn’t going behind your back. I just wanted to make sure our daughter was okay. Why are you suddenly so hostile?”
Whenever Lilly turned a situation back on him, it was her way of trying to escape any blame. Lilly was always blameless, no matter what the issue. He’d learned that early on in their marriage but had been too infatuated to call her on it. Today, however, he’d had enough of her tactics. “I am not hostile. But I’m not going to tolerate this kind of behavior from you. From now on, when you want to know about our daughter, you call me. Is that understood?”
“What’s gotten into you, Neill? There’s no need for this,” she said, her tone of disapproval unmistakable.
Lilly’s disapproval didn’t matter to him, and it had been that way for a while, he realized suddenly. “This call is to remind you that I am Morgan’s legal guardian and I will handle any issues around her health. Understood?”
“Neill, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you—”
“Then don’t do it again.” He hung up, knowing that he’d been rude. Yet, for the duration of that brief call, he’d felt the old frustration that had haunted his marriage. Lilly had done exactly what she wanted and left him to deal with the aftermath of her one-sided decisions. Bringing his emotions under control, he gazed around his office, at the old paintings of sailing vessels bequeathed to him by his uncle Nicolas, at the brass bookends his mother had given him his first day in the office and the photos of Morgan lined up along the credenza. All reminders that he had a new life and that the frustrations experienced during his marriage were no longer meaningful.
What mattered now was that he had to find Sherri.
* * *
AFTER A RUSHED trip back to her condo to drop off her chart, Sherri made it to the Sage Bistro in time to meet her mother. At sixty-three, Colleen Lawson was still a very attractive woman. In addition to her outgoing personality and her impeccable grooming, Colleen was kind to everyone. She truly cared about the people in her life.
Sherri’s dad had died twenty years ago, leaving Colleen to single-handedly manage a large, rambling house on the edge of town—a source of concern for Sherri. But after her narrow escape from Neill’s office that morning, Sherri wasn’t worrying about her mother at the moment.
She’d managed to evade Neill’s questions today, but there was no way she could go back to his office and face his scrutiny when he discovered her chart was missing. As for her diabetes, she was managing just fine.
Feeling the warmth of her mother’s smile from across the restaurant, she made her way to the table, settling into the seat across from Colleen, which looked out onto the back courtyard of the restaurant. “I hope you haven’t been waiting long,” she said.
“No, not at all. I’m early as usual, and it gave me a few moments to talk to Joann Saunders about her mother. The dear woman is being placed in a nursing home out on Cranberry Point.”
Needing a few minutes to catch her breath and sort through her thoughts, Sherri picked up the menu and started leafing through it. “Joann was always so good to my friends and me back when we were in grade school. I remember when I got my first allowance I went straight to her grocery store and bought a bag of potato chips.”
Colleen chuckled. “How well I remember, and you still love potato chips.”
“I do. I know it’s a bad habit, but they’re easy to eat on the run.”
“I wish you’d slow down a little. With all those shifts you’re doing at the hospital and your diabetes... I don’t mean to be bossy. It’s a mother’s job to worry about her children.” She touched Sherri’s hand. “I’m so glad to see you. I’ve been waiting for a chance to tell you about my new idea.”
Grateful to have something to talk about other than her health, Sherri put her napkin on her lap, and focused on her mother. “What’s your idea?”
“I’m wondering if I shouldn’t consider turning my house into a bed-and-breakfast. I mean it’s so large, and it has those big front rooms, the library and the five large bedrooms upstairs. And now with Linda making plans to buy her own house, mine will be empty.”
Linda and her two sons, Tom and Michael, had lived with her mother for the past five years after being abandoned by Linda’s husband—a man who was allergic to responsibility.
As she listened to Colleen’s enthusiasm over her plans for the house, Sherri felt a little less guilty about moving away. If her mother was busy, she wouldn’t miss her as much. “I think you’d make a great B&B owner and hostess, and with a little planning it should be fun. You wouldn’t have any trouble finding guests, of that much I’m sure.”
Her mother laughed in delight. “Thank you for saying that, and for being so supportive. There are a few of my friends who think this isn’t such a great idea, but they don’t know how lonely it’s been without your dad all these years.”
“I understand, Mom. I miss Dad, too.”
Colleen smiled in understanding. “Tom and Michael would be able to help me with the yard work, and one of the women down the street has offered to clean for me. And I know how to make a great breakfast. Honey, I am seriously considering this.”
Sherri touched her mother’s fingers. “It sounds like you’ve got it all thought out. Is there anything I can do to help? Paint a room, maybe? I love to paint.”
“It’s strange. I’ve thought about doing this so many times, and each time I talked myself out of it. But I finally faced up to the fact that if I’m ever going to do it, I have to get started now.”
“Mom, that’s part of the reason I accepted this job in Portsmouth. I need a change, and I need to see what’s out there for me. I’m not getting any younger.”
“Hey, don’t talk like that! That’s something I should be saying, not you!” her mother teased.
“You’re right. But some days I do feel a little old.”
“Whenever you feel that way, go out somewhere, go shopping, go for a walk or a jog. The feeling will pass.”
“But look at you, ready to take on a whole new challenge.”
Her mother sighed, her face wreathed in an expression of delight. “And there are lots of good things ahead in your life, too. I’m glad Neill was there for you. Learning about your diabetes after you moved to Portsmouth would’ve been so much harder.”
“Yeah, it was a busy time for everyone at the hospital. Dr. Brandon was very helpful.”
“Dr. Brandon? Don’t t
ell me the two of you aren’t back on a first-name basis.”
“Neill was very helpful.”
Her mother had fretted for weeks after the announcement that Neill was coming back to Eden Harbor. “I told you, we’re fine,” Sherri added.
“He’s divorced, isn’t he? And Portsmouth isn’t all that far away.”
“Don’t go there, Mom. Neill and I will never be anything but friends. He has his life, and I have mine.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. I’d hoped someday...” Colleen shrugged. “I wanted so much for the two of you to be together. You were so perfect for each other.”
“I know you did, but it didn’t work out. And I’m okay with that. Really. In fact, I wanted to tell you about my new job in Portsmouth.”
Her mother frowned. “Tell me what about it?”
“For the first time in months I’m really excited about the future. My new nursing position is in risk management—it’s the sort of job I’ve wanted for a very long time.” She lowered her voice. “I have to get away from here.”
“Sherri, are you doing this because of Neill?”
“Of course not. This is about me and my life,” she said, trying to keep her voice even.
“I know, honey. You deserve to be happy, and I didn’t mean to imply anything about you and Neill.” She brightened. “Sam was a good man and you were happy together, except when the baby passed away,” her mother said, her voice suddenly filled with emotion.
“Sam was a very good husband. I still miss him.”
“I’m sure you do, but you can’t change the past no matter how hard you try.” Her mother sighed. “It’s just... I still can’t help wondering what your life would’ve been like had you and Neill stayed together. I remember how happy you both were. He adored you. I’ve never really understood why you broke up, and a mother can’t help being curious. Do you think the two of you might date now that you’re both free?”
The last person on earth she wanted to talk about was Neill, and she especially didn’t want to talk about how their relationship had ended. She’d told her mother that she and Neill had drifted apart because of their course loads and the miles that separated them. Whether her mother believed her she didn’t know. Obviously, she still hoped there was a future for them. After being nearly caught stealing her chart from Neill’s office and worrying about all the stuff she had to do in the coming days, she was starting to get a headache. “Mom, can we let the subject of Neill rest until we’ve eaten?”
Her mother’s expression was apologetic. “Absolutely. Let’s order. Do you want a glass of wine?”
“No, thanks.” Sherri touched her forehead and rubbed the back of her neck. She felt hot all of a sudden.
Colleen watched her carefully. “Did you check your blood sugar?”
“Yes, it’s fine. I’m just a little tired from everything that’s going on. It’s been a busy few weeks.” She didn’t want her mother to worry about her, but she didn’t feel well. “I hope I’m not coming down with the flu,” she added, reaching for her water glass.
“Sherri, I’m getting our waitress over here right now so we can order,” her mother said, scanning the restaurant and waving the young woman over. “You need to eat.”
Sherri sighed deeply. “You’re probably right.”
The waitress came by then and took their order.
After she left, Colleen studied Sherri with concern. “I’m not sure you should be thinking of moving under the circumstances. Why don’t you contact the hospital in Portsmouth and tell them you need another couple of weeks?”
Sherri reached across the table and took her mother’s hand. “Mom, every new diabetic goes through an adjustment period, and this is mine. Please don’t worry about me.”
“You should come and live with me for a while, at least until you have everything straightened out where your health is concerned.”
“Please don’t worry, Mom,” she said again. “I’ve got everything under control.” It wasn’t the whole truth, but she didn’t want to worry her mother any more than she had to. Besides, diabetes was perfectly manageable, and she was an experienced nurse.
Their meal arrived, a pleasant interruption from her mother’s questions. They ate and talked, and Sherri began to feel a little better. By the end of the meal, they’d made plans for Sherri to go with her mother when she discussed the changes to be made to the house with a contractor. They were just about to leave when her mother smiled at someone on the other side of the restaurant.
“Well, what do you know? I haven’t seen you since you came back. Welcome home, Neill.” Her mother rose, her arms extended. “Give an old girl a hug,” she said.
“You’ll never be old,” Neill said as he wrapped his arms around Colleen.
She leaned away from him and smiled up into his eyes. “Are you here to have lunch with us?” Colleen asked.
“No, I’m here to see your daughter.” Neill towered over Sherri, annoyance simmering in his eyes.
This was not a good sign. Neill Brandon was like a hound on the scent when he got his back up about something. And it was clear he was upset with her. How was she going to get out of this mess? Had he discovered that she’d taken her chart? If he had, surely he wouldn’t bring it up here in the restaurant. She glanced at her mother, who stood smiling at Neill as if she’d just been reunited with her long-lost best friend.
Why did Neill have such a devastating effect on women? There was no age limit on his charm, obviously. She considered excusing herself, going to the ladies’ room and leaving from there. But that would just cause her mother and Neill to go looking for her, and how embarrassing would that be? She glanced around to see that most of the patrons in the restaurant were watching him. And then she felt Neill’s eyes on her. Glancing up, she recognized the inevitable truth. He would not let her leave there without him.
Facing him, she stood up. At least that way, he was less intimidating. “You wanted to see me?”
“Yes, but after you and your mother are done with your lunch.”
“Oh, we’re done,” Colleen said, her eyes darting from Neill to Sherri and back again, her expression hopeful. “You two run along. I’ll pay the bill and head back to the house.” She hugged Sherri, kissing her cheek. “Call me later, will you?” she whispered, practically forcing her into Neill’s arms.
“Mom, don’t go. Weren’t we going to talk some more about your plans?” she asked. “And I wanted to tell you more about mine.”
“Later, dear.” Her mother waved as she headed toward the cashier.
As her mother moved through the restaurant, Sherri turned to Neill. “What did you need to see me about that was so urgent?”
“You’re coming with me,” he said, his tone allowing no argument.
“What for?” she demanded. He may be a doctor, but he’d given up the right to make demands of her a long time ago.
“I want to see you in my office.”
She couldn’t go there just yet. She needed time to come up with an excuse, some reason why she’d taken her chart from his office without telling anyone. “I can’t go with you. I have an appointment,” she said, but it wasn’t for another two hours. She intended to go straight home and go through the contents of her patient record before going to her hair appointment.
His gaze was locked on her. “When will you be available?”
“Tomorrow morning. I promise.”
He checked his schedule on his cell phone. “Okay. My office. Eight o’clock sharp.”
She could not let him see what was in her chart. It was her life, her loss and her secret. “You got it.”
He looked as if he didn’t believe her, and she really didn’t care. Somehow, she had to put her chart back in his office before tomorrow morning, but how could she do that? How would she remove the informati
on about her psychologist’s report without Neill noticing that it was missing? She watched him leave, determined to put a stop to anyone ever finding out about her life in Bangor. All she had to do was hide the relevant documents and get a copy of her chart in preparation for moving to Portsmouth.
She watched as he left the restaurant. She had no intention of letting him follow her and discover she wasn’t going to an appointment. Once she saw his car pull out of the parking lot, she headed out of the bistro.
When she got home, she turned off her phone, spread the file out on the kitchen table and began going through it. After an hour of careful reading, it was clear that Dr. Nicolas Brandon hadn’t made any comment about her breakdown or her attempted suicide in his physician notes. The only mention was in a letter written by her doctor in Bangor in which he’d detailed her diagnosis and her eventual recovery from her breakdown. With a deep-seated feeling of relief, she removed the letter and hid it in the back of her underwear drawer.
Now all she had to do was find a way to put the chart back in the filing cabinet in Neill’s office tomorrow morning—without anyone seeing her do it. But if Neill told Ethel about her appointment the next morning and if Ethel pulled the charts for tomorrow’s office hours before she left today... And she would.
Ethel was extremely organized.
Darn! She had to get back to Neill’s office and return the chart this afternoon before Ethel left.
CHAPTER SIX
WHEN SHE ARRIVED at Neill’s office, the chart tucked into her bag, Ethel was typing on the computer, her fingers flying over the keys. She stopped and glanced up at Sherri. “Twice in a day. We’ve got to stop meeting like this,” Ethel said in a droll tone.
Sherri smiled nervously, her fingers twitching on the outer edge of her bag. “Yeah, I have an appointment tomorrow at eight with Dr. Brandon, and I’m a little worried.”
Ethel squinted up at her, started to say something and then pressed her brightly painted lips into a thin red line. “Is there something I can do for you?”
The Doctor Returns Page 9