by Lydia Rose
“I’m sorry, Michelle. I never should have said that. I knew it was hard for you to walk away from me, but it still hurt.”
“It hurt me too, Syd.” Michelle turned the chair and continued down the hallway.
Doctor Patel looked at the x-rays. “The leg is healed. I normally would leave the cast on for another week, but Sydney tells me you’re anxious to get back to work.”
Michelle looked at Sydney who winked at her. “Yes, Doctor. I need to keep my job.”
The cast was removed and Michelle immediately began scratching her entire leg. “Oh, that feels so good. Thank you, Doctor Patel.”
He grinned. “Now let’s see if you can stand on it.”
Michelle slid off the table and stood up. “It’s a little sore, but that’s all.”
“We’ll get you a cane to use for a while.”
As the words left his mouth, Sydney appeared with a cane in her hand. “Someone say they needed a cane?”
Michelle and Doctor Patel laughed. “Michelle, I would say be very careful, but I have a feeling you’re in good hands,” he said looking at Sydney.
“Thanks, Raj for your help with my friend.”
“You’ve helped me many times, Sydney.”
Once in the hall, Sydney suggested. “Do you want to put those jeans on?”
“Please. Lead me to the nearest bathroom.” Michelle followed Sydney down the hallway. She came out smiling with the jeans on and her shorts in her large purse. “Thank you for everything, Syd. I’ll never forget what you did for me.” Michelle began to walk away.
“Where are you going?”
“Home,” she said as she stopped walking.
“How?”
“A cab.”
“I thought we could go to breakfast before I took you home.” Sydney stood there with her hands in her pocket.
“Don’t you have to work?”
“Not until this afternoon.” Sydney shrugged. “So?”
“Are you sure?”
Sydney rolled her eyes and walked past Michelle.
“How are you doing there, gimpy?” Sydney asked as they walked toward the restaurant entrance.
“Gimpy, huh? I’m not limping that much, am I?” Michelle asked looking at her leg.
Sydney smiled. “Not too much. Does it hurt?”
“Just a little.”
“You could take a Nuprin for the pain.”
“Thank you, Doctor. I plan on doing that when we sit down.”
The hostess led them to a booth. “Can we get a glass of water so she can take a pill?”
“Of course,” the hostess said before walking away.
“Doctor, I’m not a child. I can take care of myself.” Michelle tried not to sound ungrateful.
“I’m sorry, Michelle,” Sydney said picking up the menu and buried her face in the pages.
“I’m sorry, Syd. I don’t want you to think you have to take care of me.” Michelle took a deep breath. “I guess it’s the Doctor in you.”
Sydney looked up from the menu. “It’s a bad habit of mine.”
“I know, Syd. You are the born caregiver.” Michelle grinned. “So how are the pancakes here?”
CHAPTER TEN
In the morning, Michelle called Wilma Lowell about an interview at Willow Studios.
“Come in, Michelle,” Wilma said as she walked into the room. “I see you’re getting around better.”
“Yes, thank you.”
The two women sat for a few minutes talking about Michelle’s work and then Wilma Lowell slid over a paper with her offer and benefits. Michelle looked at the paper and tried to hide her disappointment. Unfortunately, Wilma was very good at reading people.
“You’re disappointed?” Wilma asked softly.
“Well, it’s less than what I’m making at Hope.”
“I think you’ll find the working condition more conducive here than at Hope.”
“I’m sure it is. It’s just that I have a growing daughter with a father who isn’t very good about his child support payments and I’m not sure how much support he will give toward her college education.”
“I understand. I truly do. You know this is your starting salary?” Wilma added.
“Can you give me a couple of days to decide? I have to talk to my ex-husband and see where he stands.”
“Does he have another family?” Wilma asked removing her glasses.
“Yes. His wife just gave birth to their son not long ago.”
Wilma stood up. “Please let me know what you decide. We at Willow Studios would welcome you aboard.”
Michelle put out her hand. “Thank you again, Ms. Lowell. I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.”
“Good bye, Michelle.”
“Good bye.”
That evening, Michelle called Ryan. “Hi, Michelle. I know I’m behind with the payments. I’ll get you a check out the end of the month.”
“Thank you, Ryan. I wanted to ask about Grace’s college tuition. Are you going to be able to swing your half?”
Ryan sighed. “I’m not sure I can come up with half the tuition. Maybe part of it, Michelle.”
“I’ll appreciate whatever help you can give her, Ryan.”
“I will, Michelle. How do you like California?”
“I like it, Ryan.”
“You just like being away from your mother,” he said laughing.
“Yeah, that too.” Michelle admitted.
****
The next day, Michelle walked into Hope Film Studios. She went up to Trudy’s office.
“Michelle, you’re back,” she said already out of her chair. “I see you still have a cane.”
“The Doctor insisted that I use this for a week or so, but I’m fine.”
“So are you ready to go back to work?”
“I am.”
“Great. I’ll have Sara meet you so she could show you what needs to be done.”
Michelle spent the day working and her fear of being fired disappeared as the day went on. As she got back to her car at the end of the day, she called Wilma to thank her for the offer, but she was staying where she was.
“If you ever change your mind, please give me a call.
“I will. Thank you so much Ms. Lowell.”
“Call me Wilma or Wil.” She chuckled. “Everyone else does.”
“Thank you, Wilma.”
****
“She didn’t take the job,” Wilma said to her friend.
“Really? What happened?” Sydney asked shocked.
“It came down to money, Syd. Apparently her ex isn’t very good about child support and Michelle’s not sure how much support she’ll get when her daughter goes into college.”
“How much money were you talking?”
“I don’t know for sure, but it’s probably around five thousand or so.” Wilma took a deep breath. “You know the bigger studios pay better. I’m just not in that position to start someone out that high.”
“I understand, Wilma. I appreciate you giving her a shot.”
“You like this woman, don’t you?” Wilma asked with a snicker.
“Uh, yeah I do.”
“Are you two dating?” Wilma continued to ask questions since Sydney was being tight mouthed.
“No. We were involved a long time ago, Wilma. When we were in college.” Sydney’s mind took her back to her junior year in school. A fierce thunderstorm shook the dorm room. “Can I get into your bed with you?” Michelle asked from across the room.
“Are you afraid?” Sydney asked giggling.
“Yeah.”
Sydney lifted her covers. “Come over then.” Sydney had wanted Michelle to get into her bed for a long time, but Michelle never showed any interest in her. Now she worried that somehow, Sydney’s body would betray her thoughts.
“Thanks,” Michelle said as she fitted her back to Sydney’s front.
“Comfortable?”
“Yes. You?”
“I’m good.”
Every time a clap of thunder sounded, Michelle moved her body closer to Sydney. She finally put her arm around Michelle and pulled her close.
“We’re safe here. Don’t worry.” Sydney whispered in her ear.
“I always feel safe when you’re near.” Michelle put her hand over Sydney’s hand and squeezed.
“Do you know how much I care for you, Michelle?” Sydney asked whispering in Michelle’s ear.
“Hopefully as much as I care for you.” Michelle turned so they were facing each other. Her bravery came from the depth of her soul as she touched her lips to Sydney. “I have wanted to do that for so long.”
Sydney kissed her again. “Me too,” she said as their lips came back to each other.
“What about now?” Wilma asked.
“No. We’re just friends.”
“Why?”
“Because she left me in the end and went back to New York and got married.”
“She’s not married now.” Wilma argued.
“That doesn’t mean that she wants me.”
“You have to ask her to find out for sure.” Wilma insisted.
“I don’t want to lose her friendship again, Wil.”
“Okay. I understand.”
“Thank you, Wil. I appreciate you giving her a shot.”
“I left the door open if it doesn’t work out with Hope.”
“You are too sweet. When can we get together for dinner?”
“You’re the one who’s always working.”
“I’m not working Saturday night. Why don’t you and that pretty bride of yours let me take you to dinner?”
“You’re on. I’ll talk to Wendy and give you a call.”
“Sure. Bye, Wil.”
“See you Saturday.”
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Michelle took as many hours at the studio would give her. She knew based on her phone call with Ryan that she would get very little help with the college tuition. By the time she got home at night, Grace was getting ready for bed. The responsibility of grocery shopping had fallen to Grace since her mother worked so many hours.
Grace was pushing the cart down the aisle, when someone called her name. She turned. “Doc, how are you?” She asked wearing a big smile.
“I’m good, Grace. How about you?”
“Good, Doc.”
“Is your mom here?” Sydney asked looking around.
“No. She’s working.” Grace answered sadly.
“This late?” Sydney asked surprised.
“Yeah. Mom is taking all the hours she can get. I know it’s because of me.”
“Your mom just wants to make sure you are well supported.” Sydney shrugged her shoulders. “She’s a good mom.”
“I know she is and that’s why I worry about her working all these long hours.” Grace leaned on the cart. “I think I’m going to tell her that I would rather go to UCLA,” Grace said staring at the ground.
Sydney knew she was just saying this because it would save her mother a lot of money. “I don’t think your mom would buy that story.” She put her hand on Grace’s shoulder. “Have you applied for any scholarships?”
“All that I know about.” Grace answered.
“I know some people on the board at Cal. I’ll see what I can find out about any additional scholarships.”
“Really?”
“Sure.”
Grace became emotional as the tears stung her eyes.
“Oh, honey. It will be alright.” Sydney took Grace into her arms. Her hands went up and down her back softly as she comforted the crying woman. “Your dream will come true. You just have to believe it.”
Grace stepped back and wiped her eyes. “How come we don’t see you anymore? I’ve missed you.”
Sydney cuffed Grace’s shoulder. “I’ve missed you too.”
“So how come you don’t come around?” Grace asked again.
“I haven’t heard from your mom since she had the cast removed.”
“You could call her.”
“Yeah, but we both have been working a lot lately.”
“You’re chicken to call her. Why?” Grace asked moving closer to Sydney. “You like her, right?”
It was Sydney’s turn to stare at the floor. “She’s my friend,” she said with a nod of her head. “Well, she was my friend.”
“Then I think you should ask us to dinner Saturday night,” Grace said with a grin.
“Have you forgotten, I don’t cook?”
“Doc, you’re a surgeon. I’m sure you can manage to get some food on a plate. Even if you have to have it catered.”
“But your mom will probably just want to crash come Saturday.”
“She would have to cook for me.” The glint was evident in Grace’s eyes. “You’ll save her the trouble.”
“What time does she get home in the evening?” Sydney asked giving in finally.
“Usually eight thirty.”
“I’ll call her.”
“Good idea, Doc.” Grace laughed. “Let’s get our shopping done now.”
Sydney unloaded her groceries and sat down and watched the clock on the wall. “This is a dumb idea,” she said to the empty room. “Why are you risking your heart again? She’ll only break it again.”
Eight thirty came and Sydney called Michelle. “Hi, Syd. How are you?”
“I’m good, Michelle. How about you?”
“Exhausted. I’ve been working late most night.” Michelle sighed. “I turned Wilma’s job down.”
“I know. She called me.”
“I couldn’t take it, Sydney. I wanted to, but if was for a lot less money.”
“As long as you’re happy, Michelle.”
“I am,” she said unconvincingly.
“I called to ask if you and Grace would have dinner with me Saturday night.”
“But you don’t cook?”
“I’m a surgeon. I’m sure you and Grace won’t starve.”
“You ordering pizza?” Michelle asked giggling.
“Very funny.”
“I’m only teasing you, Syd. We’d love to have dinner with you. I’d like to see where you live.”
“How’s seven o’clock?”
“Great. Text me your address.”
“I will. See you Saturday, Michelle.”
“Bye.” Michelle hung up the phone and went to Grace’s room. She knocked softly.
“Come in, mom.”
“Guess who invited us to dinner Saturday night?”
“Who?” Grace asked smiling.
“Sydney.”
“Oh, the Doc asked you out on a date?” Grace asked with a raised eyebrow.
“No, silly. She asked both of us to come to dinner.”
“You sure you don’t want to go alone?”
“Grace, stop it. You know I’m not interested in Sydney that way.”
“If you say so, Mom.”
“Yes, I say so.”
CHAPTER TWELVE
Michelle and Grace were following the directions that Sydney had texted to her house. They pulled into the driveway just before seven.
“It’s a nice neighborhood,” Grace said before getting out of the car.
Sydney opened the door before they could ring the bell. “Come on in,” she said when she opened the door.
“Hey, Doc. Great house,” Grace said as she walked through the front door.
“Yes. Very nice.” Michelle added.
“Can I get you something to drink?” Sydney asked as she led her guest to the living room.
“I’ll have a coke,” Grace said.
“Wine for you?” Sydney asked.
“Yes, please.”
Sydney came back with drinks and went back into the kitchen for the appetizers. She laid two plates in front of the women. “Help yourselves.” Sydney motioned toward the plates.
“These are great, Doc. I thought you said you couldn’t cook,” Grace said with a wink.
“I didn’t say I cooked those things,” Sydney said ch
uckling. “Grace, I talked to my friends at Cal Tech. They’re going to see what type of scholarships are available.”
“Thanks, Doc. I appreciate any help you can give me.”
“When did you two talk about this?” Michelle asked suspiciously.
“Uh,” Sydney said without answering.
Grace couldn’t meet her mother’s eyes.
Sydney finally answered. “I met Grace in the grocery store the other day. I offered to see what I could do to help.”
“Is this why we’re here tonight?” Michelle looked at Grace. “This was your idea, wasn’t it?”
“Don’t blame her. I’ve been wanting to ask you both here to dinner.” Sydney smiled at Grace. “Your daughter just pushed me to ask sooner than later.”
Michelle shook her finger at her daughter. “I should have known.”
“Let me go check on dinner. I’ll be right back,” Sydney said leaving the room.
“Why would you do something like that?” Michelle asked looking at her daughter.
“Because you haven’t talked to the Doc since you got your cast off. She thought you didn’t want to see her anymore.”
“You know I’ve been busy at work.” Michelle argued.
“Yes, but that doesn’t give you the excuse to ignore your friends.”
Michelle took a deep breath. “You’re right, Grace. Sydney was so good to us when I got hurt and I was going to just let her drift out of our lives.” She finally admitted.
“She’s great, mom. The Doc offered to check into the scholarships for me and I didn’t even ask her.”
“Do you want to be her friend so she can help you get into Cal Tech?”
“Mom, you know me better than that. I like Sydney and if you’re honest with yourself, you like her too.”
Sydney came back into the room before Michelle could answer. “I think dinner is ready.”
Grace and Michelle laughed.
“Have a seat and I’ll get the food.” Sydney disappeared into the kitchen.
“Why don’t you see if she needs help, mom?” Grace suggested.