“Before, I was hungry. Now I’m starving,” said Colin.
““I’m still against what you two were doing,” said Anna.
“What does that have to do with eating?” asked Colin.
Anna blushed.
“Were you asking me to dinner again?” she said.
“No,” he said, and she reddened even more. He laughed and nudged her. “I was about to though. What do you say? I promise not to take you anywhere you’ll have to make moral judgements to be allowed to eat.”
“Hardy har har. Fine, hunger is winning out. Let’s go,” she said.
They left the hospital and walked down the street to where Colin’s car was parked. He opened the door for Anna. She got in and waited while he went to the driver’s side.
“You know, I’m not too proud of what was going on either,” Colin said as he fastened his seat belt and started the car.
“Then why were you doing it?” she asked.
“I really cared about Jocelyn. I wished she wasn’t married. I knew the whole story between her and Will, the real reason they got married, and I knew that they were having trouble,” he said.
Cared. Wished. Knew. Everything in the past tense. Were his feelings for Jocelyn over?
“But why couldn’t you wait until she had ended things with him to start with you?” she asked.
He was quiet for a moment.
“I don’t have an answer for that. I guess I was being selfish. I didn’t want to wait. I thought that if I didn’t make a move when I had the chance, she may decide to stay with him.”
“You mean stay with her husband,” said Anna.
“Yes, her husband.”
Anna shook her head.
“Look, I can tell you don’t like this whole situation. Thank you for helping me to see her,” he said.
“I hope she wakes up and realizes how much Will cares about her and never has anything to do with you again,” said Anna.
Colin nodded. Anna could tell he was refraining from saying what he was thinking, and a part of her wondered what that was. .
“Here we are,” he said. He parallel parked next to a café on Boylston street. They sat near the window and Anna watched as people walked by, some hurrying home from work, others leisurely chatting with friends. .
“You like to people watch?” he asked.
“Sometimes, especially in a new city,” said Anna.
The waitress approached and they gave their drink order.
“That’s probably why you’re such a good photographer,” said Colin once the waitress had left.
“Thanks. You were amazing today,” she said, remembering his easy, comforting way with the families.
“Please, I hardly had anything to do with the whole thing. It was you who was fantastic. Seeing those families in so much pain was heartbreaking,” he said as the waitress brought back their drinks.
Anna nodded, taking a sip of hers.
“That was really difficult to see. I’m glad we could do something for them,” she said.
“How many babies did you end up photographing?” he asked.
“Eighteen,” she said.
He let out a low whistle.
“Eighteen babies who might not make it,” he said.
Anna was quiet, thinking of Jocelyn’s baby who hadn’t even made it that far. How hard must it have been to be carrying that life inside of you, and then have it taken without you wanting it to be?
“So what brought you to Boston?” she asked, changing the subject.
“College. I went to Boston College and then got a job right after, so I stayed. I love it here.”
“Do you miss your family?” she asked.
“A little, but I see them pretty regularly,” he said.
The waitress came back with their drinks; a beer for Colin and a glass of wine for Anna.
“What do you like to do besides architecture?” she asked.
“Well, I don’t really consider architecture one of my hobbies,” he said smiling. “I like sports, football mostly.”
“You mean soccer or American football?”
“Oh, soccer as you Americans call it.”
“Did you play?” she asked.
“All my life. Not as much since I’ve been here, but I still play occasionally.”
“I played growing up,” said Anna.
“You?” Colin looked surprised.
“Why do you say it like that?”
“You don’t seem the sporty type,” he said.
“Really?” she asked. She had always been the tomboy of her friends.
“I suppose you seem more athletic than Jocelyn,” he said.
Anna laughed.
“That’s an understatement. She’s not really into sports,” said Anna.
When their food arrived they lapsed into silence as they ate. Anna found herself gazing out the window, enjoying the bustle of the street. Occasionally she would sneak a look at Colin’s face, concentrating on the sandwich he had ordered. He certainly was so good-looking she could see how he inspired infidelity.
They finished their meals and ordered another drink, then sat back in their chairs to sip them. They laughed at a tiny dog walking by wearing a fedora – seriously – and Anna found herself buzzed and giggling and looking too long into Colin’s eyes. Neither of them mentioned Jocelyn again. Anna was glad, finding it too stressful to be constantly thinking of her friend. She supposed Colin felt the same way.
Another hour passed and they ordered another round. Anna was finding Colin more likeable, although she guessed that the wine had something to do with that.
“So how long will you be in town for?” Colin asked.
Anna set down her glass.
“I don’t know. This week, at least. It depends on Jocelyn’s condition.”
“I want to go with you tomorrow,” he said.
“That’s crazy,” she said.
“Wouldn’t it be more believable if I spent the whole day with you instead of just coming after work?”
“Yes,” Anna said. “But it will be a long day. Won’t you feel awkward being around Will that much?”
He shrugged.
“I already feel pretty guilty. I don’t see how it could get any worse.”
“Okay,” agreed Anna after a moment. She was glad to hear the he was capable of guilt.
“What time should I pick you up in the morning?” he asked.
“Nine?”
“I’ll bring the coffee,” he said.
“Make sure you get enough for her whole family. And a bagel for Will.” She smiled.
“That’s only fair.”
“A bagel for her husband,” she said wryly. She sighed. “I should get going. I’ve been having trouble sleeping, so I want to get to bed early tonight.”
“All right.” He signaled the waitress and handed her his credit card.
“Thanks for dinner,” she said. She looked up at him from underneath her eyelashes and if she could have slapped herself, she would have. Was she seriously flirting with him?
“It really was my pleasure,” he said.
They left the restaurant and Anna realized she was just a ten minute walk from her hotel.
“I can walk,” she said.
“I’ll drive you. You don’t want to get lost in the Park or the Common at night,” he said. Anna looked across the street where the Public Garden and the Common were. During the day they looked so beautiful, but she had a feeling she didn’t want to be near them at night.
“Okay. Thank you.”
They got into Colin’s car again and she felt exhilarated. She loved speeding down the streets of Boston beside this incredibly sexy guy. At her hotel he pulled over and got out, hurrying around to open her door.
“A gentleman,” she said.
“I try,” he said, flashing his boyish smile.
Oh, how she wanted to kiss him.
Stop it, Anna.
“I’ll see you in the morning,” she said.
She went into the hotel and got ready for bed, thinking about her evening. Colin wasn’t as bad as she had imagined. In fact, she really liked him. It was the first time she’d ever shared an interest in a guy; they usually liked polar opposites. Colin wasn’t really Jocelyn’s type, and she was surprised that Jocelyn was his. Then again, Jocelyn was beautiful and smart and nice and funny. She was probably every guy’s type.
“Oh well,” she said aloud. What did it matter? Right now the only thing Anna was concentrating on was Jocelyn getting better.
She climbed into bed, shut off the bedside lamp, and quickly fell asleep.
CHAPTER 22
Anna’s dad called first thing in the morning.
“How’s Jocelyn doing?” he asked.
“Things haven’t changed,” she said. She looked in the mirror and noticed how dark the circles under her eyes were. She sighed, massaging them gently. It had been a tough few days, what did she expect? She closed her eyes for a moment, thinking back to the phone call that Friday night from Will.
“Jocelyn’s been in an accident.”
She opened her eyes again and looked in the mirror. In addition to the circles, her face was pale and tired.
“I’m sorry to hear that, pumpkin. How are you doing? I wish you weren’t up there alone,” he said.
I’m not, she thought.
“I’m hanging in there,” she said.
“Well, good. When do you think you’ll be back? I’m just asking because I found a perfect studio but it may go under agreement with someone else if you don’t come back and take a look and sign the paperwork,” he said.
She’d almost forgotten completely about the studio. How was that even possible? Yes, she was consumed by Jocelyn’s situation, but she had time for eating and being with Colin – why hadn’t she remembered her studio? She needed her best friend to get better so she could go back to being a functioning adult. The doctors seemed confident that Jocelyn’s condition was only temporary, but they said each passing day that she remained unconscious was bad for her recovery.
“I don’t know, Dad. Soon?” she said.
“All right. Just don’t go finding something up there to make you stay,” he said.
She laughed. As if there was anything in this freezing cold city that would make her stay.
Colin brought her a large coffee when he picked her up, which despite her full night sleep, she was grateful for. He also had a bag of bagels and cream cheese in the car.
“Maybe today is the day,” she said to him once they were on their way.
“For what?” he asked. He navigated his car through the Boston traffic, the abundance of which hadn’t yet ceased to amaze Anna.
“That Jocelyn will wake up,” she said.
“That would be something,” said Colin.
“I can’t wait for that day to come. I’ll be so relieved.”
Colin looked at her and smiled.
“I’ll bet.”
“Won’t you be relieved too?” she asked.
“I will, but it will just start a whole new series of problems. I don’t know, maybe you’re right; maybe I should be backing off of Jocelyn rather than sitting alongside her husband at her bedside. I see how Will prays that she’ll wake up and it kills me. I have a feeling that when she does wake up, she’ll realize that she and I made a huge mistake.”
“Is that how you see it? A huge mistake?” asked Anna. She was at once relieved to hear him say that and protective of her friend. Above all she wanted Jocelyn to be happy.
“I wouldn’t say that being with Jocelyn was a mistake, or that having feelings for her was a mistake. But doing it the way we did – like you were saying the other night – that wasn’t right.”
Anna nodded, agreeing.
“So what are you going to do?” she asked.
“I don’t know yet.”
They parked near the hospital and walked over together, Anna carrying the tray of coffee and Colin with the bag of bagels. Anna felt anxiety as the elevator approached Jocelyn’s floor, and she tried not to get hopeful that Jocelyn would be awake this morning.
“Breakfast is here,” she said, walking through the door to Jocelyn’s room.
“Thank god, I am starving.”
Anna looked up, alarmed. She knew that voice.
“Tina, what are you doing here? Marguerite? I didn’t expect you guys,” she said. She set down the coffees and looked at them nervously. Will and the Mendes’ were also in the room, making it suddenly feel small and suffocating.
“We’re here to see Jocelyn! I sent you a text yesterday telling you we were coming,” said Tina. She was looking at Colin now, and with horror Anna realized she was going to have to explain who he was.
“I didn’t get it,” said Anna.
“OMG, look,” said Tina, taking out her phone and starting to show it to Anna. She stopped and giggled. “Oops. I never hit send!”
Marguerite rolled her eyes.
“Jocelyn’s been my best friend since Kindergarten. You really think I wouldn’t come up and see her when she’s in a coma?” she said to Anna.
“Good point,” said Anna.
“And who is this?” asked Tina, her eyes back on Colin, drinking him in.
“I’m Colin,” he said, giving Tina and Marguerite a smile that certainly distracted them from anything else going on.
Anna panicked.
“What do you mean, who is this? You guys have never met Anna’s boyfriend either?” asked Will, looking at Anna suspiciously.
“I told her she couldn’t keep her boyfriend secret forever,” said Tony.
“Tony, how did you know about Anna’s boyfriend?” asked Will.
“I know everything,” Tony said with a wink.
Anna looked at him. Why was he covering for her? Did he know?
“You’ve been hiding this hottie from us? What the hell, Anna?” said Tina.
“Why would she do that?” asked Marguerite doubtfully.
“I wanted to make sure it was serious before I started introducing him to everyone,” said Anna.
“I’m such a catch she was afraid one of you would steal me away,” winked Colin, which brought about laughter from everyone.
“I would have definitely rubbed Colin in Jonathan’s face that night at Cactus Sally’s,” said Marguerite.
“I was tempted to,” said Anna.
“Is that coffee for us?” Will asked, getting up to take a coffee and a bagel.
“Yes/, it is. I’m sorry, I didn’t know you two were here or else we would’ve brought more,” she said.
“See? Your ditziness cost us breakfast now,” Marguerite said to Tina, annoyed.
“Jocelyn looks a little better,” said Anna.
“She does, doesn’t she? I said the same thing,” said Lois.
“That’s my girl. She’ll be walking around this hospital in no time,” said Edgar.
“Her bruising is getting better. It’s not as difficult to look at her,” said Will.
“Ew, I think she’s pretty hard to look at. I mean that in a totally nice way. I don’t want Joccie to be like this,” said Tina.
For the next few hours they drank coffee and talked. To Anna it was almost like a casual brunch, the way everyone was chatting and eating, and avoiding the topic of permanent damage. This was the way Jocelyn would want them to be.
Anna felt Colin’s eyes on her on more than one occasion. When she turned to him, she caught him staring at her. Was it part of his act? Of course it was. What else would it be?
Anna and Colin went to lunch with Tina and Marguerite, which Anna was really disappointed about because she’d been looking forward to another meal alone with him – even though she shouldn’t.
“So you two met at a wedding?” asked Tina.
“That’s right,” said Colin. He put his arm around Anna and squeezed, and she wondered if it was too much.
“And then you hid him from us,” said Marguerite.
“Look ho
w cute he is. Wouldn’t you want to keep him all to yourself?” asked Anna, reaching up and pinching his cheek. He blushed and looked genuinely embarrassed, and her heart leapt. What was that?
“It’s just – how long has it been?” asked Marguerite.
“Six months,” said Colin at the same time that Anna said, “Two months.”
Marguerite raised an eyebrow.
“That doesn’t make any sense,” said Tina.
“No, Tina, it doesn’t,” said Marguerite.
Anna looked at Colin.
“Are you counting from our first kiss?” she asked.
He looked down at her, his face so close to hers it hurt.
“Of course I am, sweetie,” he said.
“Oh, I count it from the day you officially asked me to be your girlfriend,” she said.
“What is this, seventh grade?” asked Marguerite.
“So there were five months where you two were kissing and stuff and not dating?” asked Tina dubiously.
“Four, Tina. Be better at math,” she said.
“Pretty much,” said Anna.
“We were just ‘hooking up’ as you Americans like to call it,” said Colin.
“Jocelyn looked like shit, huh?” said Tina, changing the subject.
“She looks like she was in a pretty brutal car accident,” said Anna.
“Yeah Tina, and you should watch what you say in front of her family. They’re in mourning, for chrissake,” said Marguerite.
“Isn’t mourning when someone dies?” asked Colin.
“Well, she’s pretty much dead,” said Marguerite.
Colin looked at Anna, perplexed. Anna knew the reaction; these were their friends? Anna gave a little shrug.
“It was really nice of you two to come up,” said Colin.
“Thanks,” said Tina, digging into her food.
Colin shook his head and went back to his meal. Very little was said for the rest of the meal.
Colin drove her home that night.
“You’re quieter than usual,” Anna said.
“How do you know how quiet I usually am?” he teased.
“You’re quieter than you have been since I met you,” she said.
“Will’s a really good guy, isn’t he?” asked Colin.
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