I couldn't believe how easy it was to talk to Rebecca, and I have to admit it was such a turn-on to be the object of everyone's attention. Doctors and nurses from the clinic passed by, some saying hello, some just eyeing us with a hint of jealousy. Rebecca leaned in close,
"Hey Eric, I think we're giving them all a lot to talk about around the coffee machines. How does it feel to be the hot new item at the clinic?"
"Are you okay with it, Rebecca? If you're okay, then so am I."
She smiled, real confident and nodded. Finished her cappuccino and tossed her blond hair. God, I wish I were attracted to her. I fantasized what it would be like to be married to Rebecca Granville. Father a noted surgeon, seen in the society pages, on the boards of hospitals... children, vacations in the south of France. It was a life I would never have-- at least not with Rebecca.
"So, what's this about you being married, Eric? Dad said you were free for the picking."
"Is that what he said?"
"That's what he said."
"Well, I... I'm not married... anymore. I -- I just told Tyler O'Brien that to get him cooled off a little. See, he's gay."
"Oh, my God! Really? Boy, there's a scoop the Enquirer would pay a lot for. Famous, heart-throb pro football player is gay. Hmmmm. So, you're not married. Were you once?"
"It's a long story...and my break is over. Saved by the bell, Rebecca," I joked and got up from the table, a little nervous. She ordered me to sit right back down and stop being so mysterious.
"It's a long story, Rebecca -- how about over dinner sometime?"
"Great," she said. "Now get out of here and let me try to figure you out."
My assistant was on the phone when I got back to my office and she handed me a note. I took it, went in, and opened it while I read my messages at the same time-- not even looking inside the envelope till the paper was unfolded and in front of me.
I dropped my phone messages in a flutter on the desk as I read the note:
It was...
It had started again, only this time I got the note.
My hand shook as I punched in his number.
God! ("Pick up the phone, Mark") I thought...
"Hello -- you've reached my machine -- not the real thing -- your loss, but leave me a message and if you're lucky, I'll call you back." BEEEEEEP.
"Mark, uh... call me at the office. It's important."
