The Woman Behind the Glass Wall

by DB Jones

  Senior smiled and extended his hand to Sal. “Haven’t seen you much lately. How’s the Mrs?”

  Sal’s face dropped. “Estelle passed away about a month ago.”

  “Oh, Sal. I’m so sorry. I didn’t know.”

  “She didn’t want us to make a fuss over her passing. You know what a proud woman she was.”

  Senior put his arm around Sal’s shoulder. “Estelle was that, but my Mary said your wife made the best Osso buco alla Milanes. Only Estelle could make those veal shanks melt in your mouth.”

  Sal nodded his head. “Now what can I get for you, my friends?”

  Senior turned to Jacob. “In honor of our wives, I’ll have the Osso buco, Jacob?”

  “I’ll have the same.”

  Sal escorted them to a table in the back then sent out a bottle of wine. “In honor of Mary and Estelle.” He opened the bottle and poured three glasses of wine.

  “To the women in our lives,” Senior said as he clinked his glass with Sal and Jacob.

  “Sal, why don’t you join us?” Jacob asked as he motioned for Sal to have a seat.

  “Maybe another time. We’re short handed tonight.”

  Senior leaned over to Sal. “At least you’re staying busy, that’s a good thing.”

  Sal returned to the back. Senior watched Sal slowly walk away. “I know that feeling too well. You spend your life with a woman and then she’s gone. Part of your soul goes with her. I’m glad he has his work and his children,” Senior sighed.

  Jacob took a sip of his wine. “Well, my patient returned home today.”

  “That’s great son. What’s your next project?”

  “Project?”

  “Your patient.”

  “Dad, she wasn’t a project.”

  “Why else would you spend so much time with her?” he inquired as he sipped his wine.

  “Because of what she’s been through. I wanted her to have another chance at living.”

  “And?”

  “And what? What kind of a question is that?”

  “Now, that she doesn’t need you anymore, what are you going to do?”

  “Huh?”

  “Son, with all due respect to you as an amazing surgeon; you certainly didn’t have to spend as much time with that woman as you did, unless you were feeling something. I may be old, but I’m no fool.”

  “I think you read too much into it.”

  “Did I, or are you not reading enough into it?”

  Jacob didn’t answer. He sipped his wine and glanced off in the distance.

  The waiter brought their salads and hot bread with a plate of herbed olive oil for dipping.

  “How are you enjoying your new room?” Jacob asked trying to change the subject.

  “You gave up the best room in the house. I don’t know why you didn’t do that years ago for yourself. Too bad, though.”

  “Why?”

  “I’m not giving it up now,” he chuckled.

  Jacob smiled and then pulled off a piece of bread and drenched it in the olive oil.

  “Frank said he’d have the patio finished in about a week. He’s waiting for the flagstone to arrive. Did you ask him to enlarge it?”

  Jacob nodded his head. “I did. What do you think?”

  “I like it. How about us moving the grill from the lake to the new patio?”

  Jacob swallowed his bread. “That sounds good. I’ll have Frank move it when he’s done with the patio.”

  Sal carried out the plates of food and set them down in front of Jacob and his father. Jacob widened his eyes. “Sal, this smells amazing. Tell the chef thank you.”

  “You’re welcome. I made it myself from Estelle’s recipe. I’m thinking of adding it to the menu now.”

  “You mean it wasn’t on the menu?” Senior asked surprisingly.

  “No. Estelle always made it special for you and Mary.”

  “Well, I’ll be damned. I’m very touched. I didn’t know; I just assumed it was a menu item.”

  Sal smiled. “What do you think?”

  “I think the whole town should taste this.”

  Jacob took a bite. “I have to agree with Dad. Best I’ve ever had. I’m sure it will be a hit.”

  Sal beamed with pride. He turned to leave but hesitated for a moment. “David, you should come by Sunday. I’m going to try out a new recipe from Estelle’s cookbook. Her grandmother gave it to her, but she would never let me cook from it, so don’t tell Mary, when you send her prayers,” he winked.

  “I’d love to, and it will be our secret.”

  Sal smiled and continued back to the kitchen.

  Jacob beamed when he saw the joy return to his father’s face. They finished all they could eat and boxed up enough for two more meals and left. Jacob put the leftovers in the fridge and was about to go upstairs when his father invited him into the den for a nightcap.

  “Thank you, Jacob,” Senior smiled as he handed Jacob a short glass of scotch.”

  “For what?”

  “For getting this self-pity jerk out of the house.”

  “I was hungry, that’s all.”

  “I shouldn’t have said what I did about your patient, Son. I’m sorry. Will you forgive your old man for trying to butt in?”

  “No problem. I know you’d like to see me settle down. I suppose someday I might, but for now, my work has to come first.”

  “I understand. I was just thinking about all the times your mother wanted me to stay home and spend more time with her. I’d always tell her that we would have plenty of time for that when I retire. You see what happened to me? I don’t want life to slip away from you.”

  “I appreciate your concern. But even if I was ready to settle down, dating my patient would be unethical.”

  “I’ll drop the subject. You’ll know when you’re ready. But the woman won’t be your patient forever,” he snickered.

  “Not going to meddle, huh?”

  “Not me.” Senior finished his drink. “Good night, Son, and thank you for a great evening.”

  Jacob lifted his glass as his father left the room. Dad has a point. Sydney isn’t going to be my patient forever. But would she ever look at me any other way than her doctor?

  “Hey, Sydney are you ever going to get out of that bed,” Teddy hollered from the kitchen.

  “What makes you think that I’m not up?”

  “I don’t hear any stirring around, and last night you said you wanted to get up early to exercise.”

  Sydney opened the door with sweat running down her face, and dripping wet with perspiration.

  Teddy raised his brow. “I stand corrected.”

  Anna shuffled down the hall. “What are you two screaming about?” she said as she yawned and brushed her hair away from her face.

  “Anna, we were not screaming. Did you just get up?”

  Anna cocked her head and gave Sydney a smirk. “It’s only 6:30, and it’s Saturday. Why wouldn’t I sleep in?”

  Teddy chuckled. “Would you like a cup of coffee, Anna?”

  “Yeah, thanks.”

  Teddy handed her a cup then took his out on the balcony. Anna took hers to her room. “I need to shower and wake up before I start with you two.”

  Sydney grabbed a bottled water from the fridge and made her way to the French doors with her quad cane. She leaned against the doorway drinking her water. “Teddy?”

  He turned. “Yes?”

  “I know you can’t stay here forever but…”

  “I’m staying for as long as you need me. Why don’t you come out on the balcony with me,” he requested as he got up and walked to the doorway.

  She bit the inside of her cheek. “Okay, but only to the table.”

  “That’s fine.” He held her arm and escorted her to the wrought-iron table in the middle of the balcony. “See, that wasn’t bad, was it?”

  She smiled at him. “No. it wasn’t. It’s nice out here. I see why you come out here in the morning. I would love to feel comfortable coming
out here alone.”

  He patted her hand. “You will. Now, what’s up?”

  “I think I’m ready to see your doctor.”

  “My hypnotist?”

  “Yes.”

  “I’ll make the call. How soon?”

  “Give me another week to get stronger with my walking and talk to Doctor T.”

  “When is your next appointment with him?”

  “I'm supposed to go in at the end of my therapy next Friday. He’ll tell me then whether he thinks I should continue.”

  “Have you heard from him since he brought you home?”

  She lowered her head. “No. I thought I would, but he hasn’t called. I guess he’s waiting to see how I do.”

  Teddy reached for her hand. “I sense some disappointment.”

  “It’s just that he took such an interest before the surgery and during rehab that I thought he really cared about seeing this through to the end with me.”

  “Is that all?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I saw the way you kissed his cheek and watched him walk to the elevator that night. Are you sure you’re not having feelings for him?”

  “You’re as bad as Anna.”

  Anna stepped out on the balcony. “Bad as me about what?”

  Anna sat across from Sydney and Teddy. “Did I interrupt a private conversation about me?”

  Teddy grinned. “Not at all. My sister here might be in denial.”

  “I am not in denial about anything because there isn’t anything.”

  Anna chuckled. “You’re sure getting huffy about nothing.”

  “Stop it. Doctor Thornhill is my doctor, and I respect him; that’s all. Don’t get any crazy ideas, either of you.”

  Anna looked over at Teddy. “Who us?” She sipped her coffee and looked over the top of her mug. “He’s not a bad catch though.”

  “Even if I did find him attractive, and I’m not saying I do, he’s a professional. I’m sure he wouldn’t get involved with a patient.”

  Anna leaned against the table. “Seriously, Syd? You’re not going to be his patient forever. If you don’t make a move soon, someone else will.”

  “Well, that’s not going to happen. Now, can we drop it?”

  Anna raised her hands up over her head. “Done.”

  Sydney turned to her brother. “Teddy?”

  “Done. What were we talking about before this?”

  “About me seeing your doctor.”

  Anna nearly spit out her coffee. “You’re going to do it? Girl, you’re on a roll. First the surgery, and now this. What’s next?”

  “I just want to see if the man can help me find out why I’m so terrified of going outside. Does it have anything to do with what happened to me? Or is it some deep-seeded fear I’ve developed from staying inside for so long? Whatever it is I need to know and deal with it, or I’m never going to progress beyond these glass walls.”

  “I agree, Sis. I’m proud of you.”

  Anna leaned back in her seat. “So, when are you going to do this?”

  “Teddy is going to make the call after my next appoint with Doctor T. If I’m finished with therapy, then I’m ready for the next step.”

  “Sounds like you have it all planned out.”

  “Not really, but it’s a start. All I think about is walking, and not just around the house. I watch my friends in the park, and I dream of talking to them and of walking around the lake, but until I discover what’s holding me back, I can’t do anything else. My work is suffering, and I need to get back to my schedule.”

  “Your schedule is never going to be the same. You’re going to create a new one that includes walking,” Anna added with a smile. “I have faith in you, Syd. You’ll find the answers you’re looking for and be stronger for it.”

  “Anna’s right, Sis.”

  “I appreciate both of you standing by me throughout all this. That’s one of the reasons I have to do this. Not just for me, but for you, too. It’s time you both had a life without worrying about me all the time. My goal is to be independent.”

  “You are not now, nor have you ever been a burden to me,” Anna choked as a tear trickled down her cheek.

  “Me either,” Teddy replied as he put his arm around his sister’s shoulder.

  Sydney smiled. “I know, but don’t tell me that you haven’t worried. If you do, I’ll know you’re lying.”

  Sydney’s cell phone rang. She reached into her pocket and looked at the caller ID. “It’s him,” she mouthed.

  Anna whispered. “I don’t think he can hear us.”

  “Smart ass.”

  “Hello.”

  “Sydney, this is Doctor Thornhill. How are you doing?”

  “I’m doing great, Doctor. I’ve been exercising every single day, eating right and walking a lot.”

  There was a hesitation. “Good.”

  Sydney hesitated for a moment. “Is that why you called?”

  “Uh, yes. I had an update from the therapist, and she believes you’re ready to be released, but I’d like to see you first. Are you busy this afternoon?”

  “Nothing planned.”

  “I have an early surgery, but my afternoon is free.”

  “Do you want me to come to your office?”

  Jacob hesitated again. “Your place is on my way home, and I thought I might stop by. Would that be okay? It would save you a trip out.”

  “That would be nice. Anna, Teddy and I have been doing a lot of rearranging since I’m able to walk now, and the place might be a mess.”

  “You should see my home, we’re doing renovations, so I understand. How about 3:00 p.m.?”

  “We’ll be here.”

  She hung up her cell, fell back in her chair and lowered her head.

  Teddy twisted his position to face her. “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing. Doctor Thornhill is stopping by this afternoon to check on my progress, that’s all.”

  “Something he said upset you.”

  “It’s nothing.”

  “It doesn’t look like nothing.”

  Sydney stood up, carried her mug to the kitchen and then headed for her desk.

  Teddy looked across the table at Anna. “Wonder what that was about? She looked glad he was coming over, then suddenly her face drooped. What did he say to her?”

  “I haven’t got a clue. Apparently, she’s not going to say. I don’t understand her. I know she has feelings for the guy. Maybe he’s gay.”

  “I didn’t get that from him.”

  “Maybe he mentioned a wife?”

  “From our conversations, I didn’t get that either. I know that his father moved in with him after his mother died, but Jacob never mentioned a woman in his life. You don’t think he gave her some bad news on her recovery, do you?”

  “Oh, dear Lord, I hope not. She’s doing so well.”

  “Maybe we’re jumping to conclusions. It might be nothing to do with Doctor Thornhill or her recovery. My sister has her moods at times.”

  Anna agreed. “Don’t I know it.”

  “Anna?”

  “Yeah?”

  “I have an idea.”

  “About what?”

  “Don’t you have an appointment this afternoon?”

  “Not that I remember. Why?”

  “I’m pretty sure you do.” Teddy winked at her.

  “You know I do. I must have forgotten. Didn’t you say you had to drive to your office today?”

  “I did. Hey, why don’t you come with me? You’ve never seen where I work.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “It will be fun and give us an excuse to not be here when the good doctor arrives.”

  Anna nodded her head and grinned. “I like the way you think. When do you want to leave?”

  “Let’s make a day of it.”

  “All day?”

  “There’s something I want to discuss with you, and this would give us the opportunity.”

  “What do you
want to talk to me about?”

  “We can discuss it on the drive. I’m going to tell Sydney I just got a call from the office and I have to leave.”

  “I can’t tell her I have an all day appointment.”

  “Yes, you can. Syd worries about you not having a life? Well, this will show her that you do. I’ll meet you downstairs at the car in twenty minutes.”

  “Huh, okay. Let me tell her first.”

  Teddy walked into his room while Anna headed to Sydney’s.

  “Syd, can I come in?”

  “Sure.”

  Sydney was sitting at her desk looking out the window at the people in the park.

  “Syd, I hope I’m not bothering you, but I forgot that I made plans with friends today. I won’t be back until dinner. Are you going to be okay without me?”

  “Of course. I’m glad you’re getting out. I’m fine. Besides, Teddy will be here. I’ll see you this evening. Have fun.”

  Anna slowly walked out of the room. She filled a tote bag with a book, water, and a few personal items then left the apartment.

  Teddy waited about ten minutes before knocking on Sydney’s door. “Syd, are you busy?”

  “No, come on in.”

  “What are you up to?”

  “Just sitting here hoping an idea hits me. I’ve have to get back to writing. What’s up?”

  “I hate to leave but I just got a call from my office, and I have to head out right away. I should be back by dinner.”

  “You’re leaving now?”

  “Do you want me to call the office back and tell them I can’t come?”

  “No. You go. It’s your business.”

  “Are you going to be okay? I can call them if you want me to.”

  “Absolutely, not. I’m fine,” Sydney said waving him off.

  Teddy reached down and kissed her on the forehead. “Great. I’ll see you tonight.”

  Sydney nodded and forced a smile.

  She walked Teddy to the door and kissed him on the cheek. “Drive safely.”

  “I always do. Have a great day. Tell Anna I’m sorry I didn’t have a chance to say goodbye, but I’ll see you both later.”

  “Yeah, I’ll do that.”

  Sydney watched as Teddy headed for the elevator then she waved. She closed the door and walked to the open French doors. The cool morning breeze brushed against her face, and she closed her eyes for a moment. The place was silent, where only twenty minutes ago it was buzzing with chatter from Anna and Teddy. “Dang, I’m going to be alone with Doctor T, and I don’t know how I feel about that, especially now that I know he has someone in his life. Why should I care? He’s just my doctor.”