“I know, I know. But that’s part of the problem. I’m no good at the dating game. My confidence level sinks to zero on the social scene.” He crunched a couple more chips, battling a heavy sense of dejection. “Sometimes I wish God would just reach down and make it all happen—take matters out of my hands and build this relationship, if that’s what’s meant to be.”
Mason propped his forearms against the table and speared AJ with a warning look. “Careful what you wish for, Coop. Stranger things have happened, and in a way I think He’s already stepping in—for both of you.”
7
“Siobhan? Siobhan, is that you? Hey!”
Picking her way through a stack of avocados, needing a ripe one set to be pitted, scooped and creamed into spread, Siobhan froze when she heard the summons. It came from a familiar, low and smooth voice. Zapped by a thrill, she hobbled into a turn, using a newly purchased cane for stability. “Doctor Cooper? Hi!”
He moved from the produce display opposite her, a bag of red, yellow, and green peppers in hand. When he smiled, Siobhan went a bit weak, wondering. How could anyone not respond to such a beautiful sight? Eyes alight, he looked left and right, sneaky-like, and gestured her closer. “Come here for a second.”
Giggling, and boy did that feel wonderful, Siobhan looked to-and-fro as well, sidling up to him with a pair of perfectly ripened avocados ready for purchase. She slid her chosen fruit into a clear plastic bag. When AJ leaned close, she nearly lost her grip. His cologne was subtle—earthy with an undercurrent of spice—luscious.
“I have a secret to tell you.”
His playful whisper, the touch of his breath near her ear, stirred goose bumps and butterfly tickles. “What’s that?”
“I’ve checked, and we’re in the clear.”
Off balance and dazzled she eyed him in expectation and question. What on earth?
“There’s nothing to worry about, Siobhan. There aren’t any members of the doctor police within fifty miles. You can call me AJ, or Coop if you prefer and you won’t get into trouble. I promise.”
OK, that disarming piece of repartee stoked her feminine appreciation of this man to a whole new level. Should she respond in kind? Oh, why not?
“What a relief, AJ. I was scared there for a minute.”
When his eyes danced and his smile grew, Siobhan decided she was really glad to have taken the risk. He was awesome…but that was no surprise.
It had been a week since they last saw one another for a final consult before she surrendered exclusively to rehab efforts. And, oh, wouldn’t the girls be giving her grief over this little episode if word got out?
Heedless of that threat, she continued. “What a coincidence to run into you—although, I guess Westerville is small enough that our paths might cross at some point.”
“Like a gift. You look great without the cast.”
More delightful sparks danced across her arms. She needed the boost of affirmation, because without her cane and a steady dose of maximum strength pain relievers, her left leg would be giving her even greater fits. Whenever she rested her full weight upon it, excruciating bolts of energy shot lines against still-healing nerves and muscles.
“Thank you, but you were right. It’s a painful process. Still, I can’t wait to start training.”
“Hmm…I see how it is now. You’re a closet masochist. How sad.”
“Yep, that’s me.” Laughter overtook her in a spontaneous way that freed a few tethers from her heart.
He eyed the basket strung across her right arm. “Are you finished grocery shopping?”
Siobhan nodded.
“Me, too. Would anything of yours perish if we shared a quick cup of coffee? My treat.”
The Cuppa Café wasn’t even a block away. What a tempting idea. Siobhan was in the mood for an uptick like this. “I’d love it, Coop.”
“So, it’s Coop now?”
He arched a brow in tease, placing a guiding hand against her back as they walked slowly toward checkout. His steadiness rode straight through to her core and helped Siobhan maintain strong footing.
“I’m testing both models. Seeing which one I like the best.”
“Pragmatism. I like it.”
After temporarily stashing their sacks in the trunk of AJ’s car, they passed through a double-door entryway that led to the intoxicating aromas, warmth and welcoming atmosphere of Siobhan’s favorite haunt in downtown Westerville—the Cuppa Café. Siobhan chose her favorite, cinnamon and orange tea. AJ opted for a mug of strong, black French roast.
“I can tell you’re a doctor. You crave caffeine in the afternoon.”
“There are times when it’s a necessity—like when I work a double shift at the hospital.”
Following a brief wait for their orders, they made their way to a quiet corner table. AJ pulled out her chair and allowed Siobhan space to comfortably move and settle. The courtly gesture filled her with a powerful glow.
She set her bistro mug on the worn, wooden table. After unwinding her scarf from its loose loop around her neck, she draped the garment over the back of her chair. Warming her hands against the dark blue ceramic, she savored the image of Coop folding smoothly into the chair across from her and delighted once more at the unexpected way her shopping voyage had evolved.
Trying to stem an eager smile, she took a sip of tea. “There’s something just perfect about the combination of cinnamon and orange when it’s cold and gray outside.”
She loved the way his eyes flickered in response.
“Fill me in and appease my instincts as a doctor. How are you doing with getting around day-to-day? Any problems getting to the dance studio or anything?”
“Nope. I’m not driving yet, but my friends and family have been a big help.”
AJ blew across the surface of his coffee, taking a tentative sip. “Why aren’t you driving? You’re healed enough to operate a vehicle.”
Siobhan tapped and twitched with a stir straw while his words faded. “Yes, but Aileen has a flexible schedule. She’s focused on rehearsals and the recording sessions to come of course, but she’s been great about chauffeuring.” The topic prompted Siobhan to check her watch. “Matter of fact, I’ll be meeting her at the studio in about an hour so she can take me home.”
“Has your car been repaired yet?”
“No, it was a write off. I’ll have to get it replaced. Eventually.” Why was he pushing her about driving? Driving was the last thing she wanted to do—and think about.
AJ set his mug aside after another sample. “Sooner or later you have to get behind the wheel again. Don’t be afraid of that, OK?”
Siobhan squirmed. “Like I said. Eventually.”
Tearing the corner off a sugar packet, she dumped and swirled, using the stick to dissolve the crystals. If only that gut-tightening fear she faced whenever she thought about navigating an automobile again could be as easily absorbed.
“How are rehearsals going? Any news on the tour front?”
Grateful for the topic shift, Siobhan’s shoulders eased and she settled more comfortably in her chair. “Actually, the girls have been in the studio, singing their hearts out for the past couple of weeks. I’m so proud of them. Liam had a meeting this morning with the tour promoters, so I’m interested to hear how that went.”
“Wow—your brother is meeting with management at the record label?”
AJ’s startled comeback reminded Siobhan of a need to fill him in on basic Sisters history.
“Liam is tied to the group professionally as well as personally.” AJ’s focus pulled at a soft spot in her chest; she admired the smooth glide of his fingertips against the rim of his coffee cup. “Liam works for Zion’s Peak as a producer and recruiter, but lately, Sisters in Spirit has kind of taken over his schedule since he’s taken it upon himself to act as our manager as well.”
“So the meeting you’re talking about—does it involve what to do about you and your role in the group and upcoming performances?”
“You’r
e right on top of it. Yes, and they also need to decide whether or not any videos can be included on the release they’re putting together. As of now, everything comes down to how quickly I can dance again. There’s also a cover shoot in the works, but at this point, my role is uncertain. I don’t know what, if anything, I’ll be able to contribute to the group.”
Immediately his brow furrowed. Siobhan reached out to touch his hand in an automatic gesture of reassurance; when the circuit was completed, the jolt of electricity she received was startling. She definitely carried all the symptoms of crushing on her physician…her ex-physician. Siobhan lifted her hand away and blinked.
“They can’t just replace you, can they?”
Though abhorrent to Siobhan, the idea remained a distinct possibility. What choice would they have? “There are a lot of talented dancers out there.” She fought an urge to gag on those words.
“But a stranger wouldn’t have the kind of chemistry and interplay that you bring. The point of Sisters in Spirit is the four of you. From what I understand, the group is about your friendship and the way you relate to one another, right?”
Siobhan planted an elbow on the table top and rested her chin in her hand, giving him a full-on smile meant to reflect her delight. His body language—the intimate way he leaned in, the way warmth and pleasure lit his eyes—spoke to her and her alone. The recognition fluttered through her senses. Being the object of his focus left her feeling treasured.
“I think I should sign you on as my agent, because that’s exactly what the powers that be need to hear and understand.” Her smile wavered. “That being said, I do understand this is a business. I refuse to become a handicap to the group.”
Silence followed. “What will you do in the meantime?”
Siobhan’s fingers drummed against the curved handle of her cup. She shrugged. The answer to that question was precisely what she was trying to figure out for herself. “Even though I can’t teach right now, running the studio keeps me busy. You should stop by some time. I’d love to show you around.”
“I’d enjoy that.”
“The physical therapist who’s assigned to my case is actually a former dancer. She’s even agreed to conduct our sessions at my studio so we can home in on some very specific, dance-related exercise.”
“Wow—that’s fantastic. Talk about having home field advantage.”
Siobhan nodded readily. “That’s it exactly. The dance academy is where I’m most comfortable, and I’ll need that because I intend to be relentless.”
“Within reason, Siobhan. Pay attention to your body when it tells you to push, but pay equal attention when it sends you the message to ease up and rest.”
“I will.”
He shot her a skeptical look capped by a quirked grin.
Siobhan huffed dramatically. “I will. Thing is, like I’ve said before, this opportunity is about forward motion.”
“I think this is more about destiny. Something that God is piecing together in His own way—and in His own time.”
Siobhan studied him, stunned anew by how clearly he understood her beliefs, her goals and hopes.
“I’d like to see one of your sessions.” AJ went sheepish, transformed at once to the kind of charming boyishness to which Siobhan had always found herself attracted. “I’d enjoy seeing you in action now that you’re working on regaining your mobility.”
“Dr. Cooper, do you always take such care with your patients?”
“I do when they’re you.”
His answer was forthright and direct, his gaze unwavering. Siobhan’s heart thumped, and her eyes went wide. She had intended the question to be playful and flirty. Once AJ’s response reached her ears, Siobhan lost all chain of thought.
AJ continued, again in that quiet, tender tone. “I’m really happy I ran into you today, Siobhan. It was like an answer to prayer, because it’s exactly what I’ve hoped for.”
Siobhan took that in. “Really?”
“Very much so, but I’m the hesitant type. I’m not very polished in the after work and personal life venues. I’m basically an introvert…the classic science nerd.”
“You could’ve fooled me.”
“That’s because you’ve seen me in my natural element, when I’m acting as a doctor and helping to heal. All of this”—he encompassed the coffee shop with a sweeping gesture of his arms—”from seeing you at the store to sharing coffee together right now, caught me by surprise. I wasn’t expecting it, so I had no chance to get nervous and over-think things because of how I feel when—”
AJ stopped talking abruptly and looked down. He began to fidget with Siobhan’s discarded sugar packet and the implications set in. Was he saying what she thought he was saying?
“I have a confession to make.”
Siobhan held her breath when he resumed the conversation, her perceptions going hazy—yet strangely hyper-focused.
“I’ve wanted to do this for a while. I’ve wanted to get to know you better ever since I met you.” He nodded toward her leg. “And now that my role is officially complete…”
The sentence dangled to a conclusion, but a leading pathway came open and stretched into Siobhan’s imagination. She leaned toward him, waiting until his eyes lifted to hers. “Well here’s a confession right back. Me, too.”
****
“I really enjoyed the coffee break, Siobhan. Thank you for joining me.”
“I hope we can do it again soon.” Siobhan cast AJ a sidelong look. He parked his car in front of the entrance of the Douglas Dance Academy. Now that their time together had come to an end, he reverted to being endearingly unsettled.
How should this coffee meeting conclude, exactly?
While she wondered, he extracted a business card from the storage area between their two seats. He grabbed a pen and scribbled. Siobhan recognized it as one of his appointment cards so she couldn’t resist a quip. “I already have one of those.”
“Yeah…but it doesn’t include this.” He handed it over. “That’s my cellphone number.”
AJ waited appearing hopeful and expectant, obviously in want of reciprocation. Siobhan slipped the pen from his fingertips and claimed a card from his stash, more than happy to return the favor.
AJ accepted her offering and tucked it in the visor. “I already have your information on file as part of your patient record. I’ve come to within millimeters of using that to my advantage on more than one occasion, but it just didn’t feel like the way I should approach you. I want things between us to be aboveboard…and right.”
Another wave of admiration swept through her heart, and while she absorbed his words, AJ pulled her into a loose, but warm, embrace across the console that felt heavenly.
Siobhan wrapped her arms around him and closed her eyes, smiling though only God could see her pleasure. She breathed deep of something precious, of something so stirring she felt her soul transform, moving forth, seeking the man who held her.
“I’ll talk to you soon.” He whispered the promise then backed away, stroking her cheek.
“I’m looking forward to it, Coop.”
She punctuated that statement with a quick peck to his check before grabbing her food stuffs, scooting out the door and making fast tracks to the studio door. She didn’t brave a look back, didn’t want to see his reaction at her overt gesture. For the time being, all Siobhan wanted was ride this wave of joy for as long as she could.
When she sailed across the threshold of the DDA and into the lobby, she came immediately upon the unexpected presence of her brother Liam rather than Aileen. Her dreamy glide came to a stop when she took note of the expression on his face.
Liam stood at the window, shoulder propped against the wooden frame in a deceptively casual manner. Arms crossed loosely against his chest, he regarded her in a silence broken only by the ticking of a wall clock, and the questioning expression on his face.
The relaxed posture might have fooled some—but not Siobhan. Liam’s radar wasn’t just up
and blipping, it was sending out all kinds of warning whistles. Green eyes were dark and steely. His mouth was set in a firm line, his features crying out the one blessed and cursed word that had defined their relationship since time began: Protective.
In response, Siobhan did the only thing she could. She stared at him pointedly then rolled her eyes. “Anything interesting going on outside?”
She tossed the quip, dumping her purse and groceries on a chair as she hobbled toward the reception desk and keyed into the computer.
“You tell me, sprite.” He peered outside once again. Siobhan tracked the direction of his gaze as they watched the tail lights of Coop’s vehicle fade from view.
“Spy much?”‘
“When necessary. What’s going on between you and the doctor?”
No classes were taking place at the moment, but early evening sessions would soon begin and the walls would fill with music, chatter, instruction and movement. Siobhan checked bookings for individual lessons—there was a wait list. Next, she made sure upcoming classes for the week were properly staffed and scheduled. All was on point.
Satisfaction swelled as she tapped out of the system. Both physically and personally, she just might make it through this wretched life-wrench.
This opportunity is about forward motion. AJ’s words resounded, and stirred a soft curve to her lips.
“Do I need to repeat myself? You seem quite distracted at the moment.”
“Liam, get over yourself. Where’s Aileen? Why isn’t she badgering me instead of you?”
“You still haven’t answered my question.”
“Oh, for heaven’s sake, we ran into each other at the market and decided to get a cup of coffee. No big deal and none of your business.”
“Ha! The double standard here is simply mind blowing.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Oh, yes she did. But still…
“Then allow me to elaborate. You were allowed to say anything you wanted about me and Aileen. You could question and push and nose around. I, however, am entitled to no such luxury when it comes to my beloved baby sister.”
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