by Jo Leigh
“Maybe, if you’re still here, you can come skipper with me. It’s been a long time since you’ve done a run. We can all go out to the old lighthouse.” Ronny looked at Wyatt. “You asked about that trip a while ago, and I owe you double now.”
“You don’t owe me anything, buddy. But you might want to take it easy on your daughter. She really is worried about you.”
After a discreet sniff, Cricket kissed Ronny’s cheek and said, “I’d love to go. The minute you’re well enough.”
“Oh, for Christ’s sake...” Ronny stood up again, but he had to balance himself with one hand on the bed.
Cricket didn’t have to say a word. She just wished he didn’t look quite so sad as he sat back down. “Look, full disclosure... I’m going to speak to Ira about getting you a complete physical, top to toe. Okay?”
“You can’t do that without my say-so.”
“Actually, I can say whatever I want to Ira. He’s the one who’s bound by patient confidentiality. At least I’m not going behind your back.”
Wyatt laughed. Probably at Ronny’s annoyed expression.
She and her dad both looked at him, and he shook his head.
“Wait till you have kids,” Ronny said. “Better hope none of them turns out to be a lawyer.”
“Right,” Wyatt said. “Look, I don’t know Cricket that well, but I’m thinking you’re better off getting all this over with.”
“Hmm. I’m not sure how to take that,” she said, glancing back at some noise in the hall. “Do you remember Kit?” Cricket lowered her voice. “She used to work at the fish market and had a crush on you.”
“When?”
“About fifteen years back. I think she might be interested. And she’s still hot as a firecracker. You probably shouldn’t be in such a rush to leave here.”
Ronny snorted. But then his brows went down in thought. When he looked up, it was at Wyatt. “You get that vibe, too?”
Wyatt paused a second, then nodded slowly. “I think you should go for it.”
Ronny smiled, just as Kit herself walked into the room.
“It’s showtime,” she said. “You ready?”
“I guess if you’re going to be my escort, it can’t be all bad.”
Wyatt and Cricket got out of the way, and she could tell he was holding back a grin. “I’ll see you later,” she told her father before she got to the door, then she stopped, pointed at him and said, “Behave.”
Her dad looked at her as if she was his whole world. His smile, when it came, was all Ronny—big and so full of love it hurt. “Why would I start now?”
As they watched Kit roll his wheelchair down the hall to radiology, Wyatt said, “That went well. How about I get that coffee, and meet you in the waiting room?”
“That sounds amazing, but don’t you have to work or something?”
“The bar’s not open yet. Now, give me your drink order, and if you want something to eat, I can do that, too.”
She debated for a minute. “I’d like the biggest hottest caramel latte they have with two extra shots of espresso. I also want a bagel and a schmear, or a cinnamon bun, whichever is more convenient.”
“Got it. If you think of anything else, just call me.”
She raised up on her toes, and he met her in a kiss that really did make things better. Then he backed away, almost running into a gurney that was left in the hall.
“I’ll be quick as I can.”
“Good,” she said. “You’re not what I expected.”
“You’ll have to explain that when I get back. Now go call one of your friends and try to relax.”
Cricket watched him walk swiftly down the corridor until he turned out of sight. Missing him already was probably more about the situation than the man. Although the man was pretty incredible.
Chapter Fourteen
THE WAITING ROOM wasn’t as crowded as it had been earlier, which was a relief. She found a comfortable chair against the farthest wall, making sure to put her purse on the seat next to her for Wyatt.
First thing she did was get Dr. Zachi’s number. Unfortunately, he was out of town for the weekend, but due back later today. She did talk to his nurse, however, whom she vaguely remembered, and was assured the doctor would get back to her promptly.
Despite her worry about Ronny, she found it difficult not to think about work. About Wyatt. About the plants in her apartment. She used her time to call her assistant. Felicity would be worried about her anyway. She had a key to Cricket’s apartment, and once she told her about her father, Felicity was happy to help. She also asked about the case, and Grant, but when Cricket said she’d like to wait until she knew more about what was happening with Ronny to talk, Felicity understood, no problem.
By the time she’d spoken to her neighbor, who agreed to pick up mail or any packages that would collect at the door, then tried Ginny and left a message, Wyatt returned, coffee in a cardboard drink holder, and food in a familiar bag.
She took her caramel latte—not anything she chose on a regular basis—and the first sip was all she’d hoped for and more. The bagel was still warm, and it was nice to see that not only did Wyatt have a big coffee, he’d gotten himself a bagel, as well.
“No news, huh?”
“Nope. But I didn’t expect anything this soon. Also, I tried calling his doctor, who just so happened to be away. His nurse promised to give him my message when he called in. I really don’t want Ronny leaving here without having every test he needs, even if it means admitting him overnight. It won’t be easy getting him to come back.”
Wyatt nodded. “So, you’re going to hang out here I’m guessing.”
“Afraid so. Sorry.”
“No, I think you’re right. It would be tricky to get him admitted, though, unless they have extra beds and his doctor orders it.”
“He’s supposed to be back this afternoon, but I know he’ll call.” She touched his arm. “I’m not asking you to stay, I’m sure you have a busy day. And you’ve been so great. Thank you. In case I haven’t said it. And even if I have.”
Wyatt smiled. “I made a couple of phone calls while I got the coffee. I’ll need to go open the bar at two, but tonight everything’s taken care of. I’ll swing by the dock when Skip’s supposed to be back. Check on supplies and gas, find out if we need to get someone else to take out the next charter.”
“I can do all those things, except take out the boat. Ronny won’t be happy about it, but tough.”
“Wait, do you want to? I don’t mind sticking around here if that would ease his and your mind.”
“Oh, no. I’d be a nervous wreck out there. Not that I couldn’t handle the guests, but worrying about my father? I know he’ll chase me out, but I’ll feel better sticking close, just in case.”
“Yeah, that makes sense. Anyway, we should have a plan in place, though let’s not jump the gun. It might be something as simple as an ear infection and he’ll be good to go in a few days.”
“I hope so.” Cricket sipped her latte. She appreciated his moral support but she didn’t share his optimism. They would’ve known by now if it was an infection.
“Look, I know this is too obvious, but has his doctor ruled out swimmer’s ear? Or in Ronny’s case, surfer’s ear?”
She nodded. “I asked Ronny the other morning.”
“Okay.” Wyatt took a really large bite, and they lapsed into silence while he was busy chewing, which gave her the opportunity to stare at his strong jaw, shadowed by a couple of days of stubble. He looked damn good.
“You sure you didn’t promise your friend Becky you’d watch her kids?”
After he swallowed, Wyatt smiled. “No, but I did call her so she wouldn’t worry that I’m MIA.”
Cricket focused on her breakfast, taking a pretty big bite herself. She hadn’t realized she was this hungry until
she’d started eating. By the time she’d polished off the bagel, she noticed there was something else in the bag. “What’s that?”
“A cinnamon bun.”
“Oh, you got both.” She searched for a delicate way to ask. Oh, the hell with it. “For me?”
Grinning, he passed her the bag.
“We can share,” she said, but he shook his head.
She’d only reached the second swirl when her cell rang, and it was such a surprise to hear that tone. She put the bun on a napkin, and answered. “Mom. Hi. Is everything all right?”
“Yes, of course. Why wouldn’t it be?”
“So, you’re not calling about Ronny?”
There was a pause, but the connection from Paris was excellent, which wasn’t always the case. “No. I wanted to hear about the reunion. What did he do now?”
She filled her mom in on all that had been happening. About Ronny, not her job, not Wyatt, not even much about her old friends.
“Is that why you’re not in Chicago?”
“Well, yes. I’m at the hospital right now. You know him. He wouldn’t get a physical on his own. I’ll be staying until we find out what’s been causing his balance problems. Besides, I have weeks of vacation time accrued.”
Her mother’s silence was filled with unsaid advice, but Cricket knew exactly what it was. That she shouldn’t be using her vacation this way, and that Ronny should be old enough to take care of himself.
“I’m very happy that you’re with him,” Victoria said finally, completely surprising Cricket. “He needs someone there. Someone who can look after him, and not just a wild bunch of young surfers.”
“He knows everyone and they all keep an eye on him, but I’ll spread the word at the fish market that he could use some extra TLC. Anyway, I’m not going to leave without feeling sure that he’s fine.”
“That’s actually a relief.” Her mom sighed. “However, that means you don’t know when you’ll be returning to Chicago.”
“Why? Were you planning to visit?”
“Not anytime soon, but—well, you never know. Anyway, I hope you were able to attend some of the reunion festivities and see your friends.”
“I did.” Cricket glanced at Wyatt. “It’s been great,” she said, unable to hold back a smile. “You know, I don’t even remember mentioning the reunion to you.”
“It’s been a while, but yes. Anyway, I should let you go. I’ll expect to hear from you in the next day or two?”
“Absolutely. Say hi to the judge.”
“I will. And tell your father I’m thinking about him.”
* * *
WYATT PROBABLY SHOULD have left the waiting room while Cricket spoke to her mother, but since he’d ended up holding both coffees and the bag, he stuck around. As a bonus, it gave him another small window into Cricket Shaw, who was turning out to be someone he’d like to get to know better. She’d woken him up to parts of himself that had been dormant for years.
He’d come to care about Adam’s family and his bar crew—which he’d done his best to avoid. Unfortunately, over time, he’d let his guard down. After what happened in Afghanistan, he’d gone into lockdown and had lost the key somewhere between the Helmand Province and Little Creek, Virginia. Caring had caused him more pain and guilt than he ever could have dreamed, but his traitorous mind had worked against him.
Now Cricket had lit a fire that had grown with each encounter. If she’d been a local, he’d have pulled back by now. She was safe and dangerous at the same time, and it would be wise to remember that. All he’d wanted by moving here and buying the bar was to do his duty for the friend and brother who’d died, and nothing else. No other responsibilities, no one who would count on him.
It wasn’t as easy as he’d imagined.
Thinking about them last night in her room, while Cricket was talking about her ill father to her mother bordered on sleazy, but the feel of her body lingered like a potent perfume. Before, his trysts had been brief and physical and not to be repeated. Yet the want for another night with Cricket was stronger than his good sense.
When she put her cell phone down, he handed her coffee to her.
“Thanks,” she said.
The way she smiled at him brought an unexpected tightness in his chest. All he wanted to do was keep looking into her eyes, the amber more vivid in the sunlight coming in through the window. It was easy to picture himself kissing her, right there, in front of everyone, making up for all the kisses they’d missed by being ripped out of bed.
“I wonder what’s taking so long,” she whispered, her coffee-sugar breath wafting over his lips.
They were leaning in so close to each other, he could—
Cricket jerked at the sound of her phone. Smiling as she read a text, she typed a brief reply before meeting Wyatt’s gaze. “That was smart. Dr. Zachi kept things kosher by calling Oakden to get the information. Not that Ronny would cause any trouble but he’d probably use the opportunity to bitch about his confidentiality. I feel better just knowing Ira’s in the loop. He won’t put up with Ronny’s crap for a minute.”
“Poor guy.” Holding on to a grin, Wyatt shook his head. “Ronny doesn’t stand a chance.”
“Poor guy, my foot,” Cricket muttered, her lips beginning to curve.
“Cricket Shaw. I knew it. This was meant to be.”
The woman’s voice was louder than the clomping of the wooden crutches under her arms. Wyatt hadn’t met her but he’d seen her at the fish market. The guy with the hangdog look beside her was Nate, a frequent customer at the bar.
“Mrs. Upton. What happened?”
“You’re a lawyer,” the woman said to Cricket. “I want to hire you.”
“I don’t—”
“I heard you were in town, but now I don’t have to chase you down. How come you haven’t been to see us? You don’t visit old friends anymore?”
“I’ve been busy with the reunion.”
“You think that’s busy? You try running a fish stall in tourist season. And now I got to do it all with a broken leg. That’s why I want to hire you. I’m gonna sue this old goat.”
She bumped into Nate with more than just her shoulder. Queenie wasn’t a small woman. “For six months, he’s been promising to fix the loose floorboard in the kitchen. Six months! And I told him, Nathan, you fix that board or one of these days...well, now it happened. Should have been him on his ass covered in Raisin Bran, but it wasn’t, and now I need a good lawyer to sue the pants off him.”
Cricket let out a laugh. “It doesn’t work that way, but for what it’s worth, I’m pretty sure he’s going to be fixing every last thing on his honey-do list starting today.”
Nate frowned, but he also wasn’t standing near enough to Queenie for her to knock him over.
“How much do you charge?” Queenie asked. “Is it by the hour?”
Looking exhausted, Cricket slumped back in her chair.
Wyatt decided to rescue her. “I can help,” he said.
“You? You’re the enabler that keeps your liquor prices too low. He’s either at your bar, or too drunk to do a damn thing around the house, except rub me the wrong way.”
“That’s what I was referring to. How about he gets banned from the bar until he’s finished with his to-do list?”
“What?” Nate’s nasally voice shot up a few decibels. “You can’t do that. That’s gotta be illegal,” he grumbled, looking at Cricket for help.
“It’s a deal,” Queenie said, ignoring her husband.
“It’s actually not, Mr. Upton. It’s his bar. Wyatt can ban whoever he chooses.”
“Well, I’ll just go somewhere else, that’s all. I hate those damn cooking shows Queenie watches on TV, and she won’t let me turn the channel. How’s a man supposed to live like that?”
Wyatt noticed Kit standing at the door of
the waiting room, and he got Cricket’s attention. They both stood up. “I’ll wait for you to give me the go-ahead, Mrs. Upton. And I’ll let the bar staff know they shouldn’t serve him till you say so. Within reason, of course.”
“You heard that?” The glare she gave Nate turned into a smile for Wyatt.
“Thank you. You’re a good boy.”
Wyatt couldn’t help laughing. “I try.”
“And maybe I don’t have to watch cooking shows every night,” Queenie said with a sideways look at Nate, who eyed her back.
“You take care of yourself, Queenie. And make sure you keep all your doctor appointments,” Cricket said, turning to go.
“What are you doing here, anyway?”
“Ronny fell on the deck this morning.”
“That man is getting clumsy in his old age.”
Nate snorted. “He’s at least ten years younger than you.”
Wyatt took Cricket’s arm. “We’ve got to get going. Good luck, both of you.” He didn’t wait for a reply, just kept moving toward the hallway. Halfway there, he bumped her shoulder. “You ought to think about moving back and hanging a shingle here. You’d have all kinds of business.”
She stopped so fast she startled him. The glare she was giving him was scorching. “That’s not funny.”
He tugged her forward. “It was pretty funny,” he said.
Cricket just sighed.
Chapter Fifteen
WYATT HATED LEAVING Cricket at the hospital, but it was necessary. Sabrina had closed for him two nights in a row, and she deserved her day off. Luckily, she’d been showing Tiffy the ropes. She was a responsible kid and would end up being valuable down the road, but Wyatt wasn’t sure she was ready to handle things by herself. Sabrina thought she could, but he’d have to give it more thought. She wasn’t scheduled until four.
It was just two o’clock when he opened the bar, and it didn’t surprise him at all that no customers were waiting. Monday was notoriously slow, and now that the reunion and the golf tournament were over, he doubted things would pick up until later in the evening.