18

By the time Saffron arrived in Oceanside at the Tri-City Medical Center, she was already ten minutes late for her lunch date with Tyson. Kendall had decided at the last moment that she needed to go with them, and she was looking so down that Saffron hadn’t wanted to leave her alone. Apparently, Joel hadn’t changed his mind yet about not wanting her along on his trip. Saffron and Halla ended up waiting for Kendall to shower and arrange emergency pregnancy snacks for the drive.

“Not that I really wanted to go with Joel,” Kendall said for the fourth time since they left Temecula. “I mean, it’s not like I want to be crushed by all those fans. Or drive seventeen hours in a car with a chain-smoker. I know that’s not good for the baby. But I hate that he’s wasting all that money.”

“And that he wants to go without you,” Halla said. “That bites. But to be honest, there’s a lot of places I wouldn’t want to take my boyfriend, if I had one.”

“Like where?” Kendall wanted to know.

“To a chick flick, a salad bar, a baby shower, shoe shopping, the hairdresser.”

Kendall wrinkled her nose. “Why not a salad bar?”

Halla grinned. “Because I eat too much. It’s embarrassing.”

Saffron killed the engine and set the parking brake. “Okay, ladies.” She tossed Halla the key to the car. “He’s only got an hour, if that, so I’ll meet you here in the lobby at fifteen after twelve. I’ll text you if there’s a change. Have fun.” She looked meaningfully at Halla and then at Kendall, hoping Halla would get the message to take care of her.

“Actually, I need to use the restroom,” Kendall said.

“Let’s all go in then.” Saffron shot off a text to tell Tyson she was here. She was supposed to meet him in the cafeteria, and she hoped he could still get away.

They took a while to find the bathroom, where Saffron freshened up her makeup and chatted with Halla until Tyson texted that he was on his way. “Now if I can just find the cafeteria,” she said.

“We’ll help you and then take off,” Halla offered.

They wandered down a hall, following some signs, but must have missed the turn to the cafeteria. Several hospital workers passed them, and Saffron was tempted to ask directions, but Halla seemed confident of finding her way. After several more turns took them nowhere, Kendall stopped a woman in white scrubs.

The woman smiled and pointed back the way they’d come. “Just down there by that picture on the wall, take a left. Then go to the second right after that and immediately you’ll see a door on your right. It’s a little tricky.” She peered closer at Kendall. “Don’t I know you? You look familiar.”

Kendall’s eyes widened. “Oh right. I remember you. You look different in white and with your hair back like that. You were dating Tyson Dekker, right? My boyfriend has been working on his parents’ house.”

Saffron stared. It was Jana, and she did look different in her hospital garb. She was still beautiful and slightly exotic with her dark coloring, and Saffron felt washed out in comparison. She swallowed hard, wondering if Jana might somehow guess who she was.

“Oh, right. That’s it. You’re the girl with all the medical questions.” The woman gave them a smile that was genuine enough, but she didn’t look happy.

“So weird to run into you,” Kendall said, the words coming out a little forced. Saffron peeked at Halla, suspecting both she and Kendall had something to do with how they “happened” to run into Jana. No wonder they’d come in with her. She’d question them about it later.

“It’s not that big of a hospital,” Jana said. “I run into people I know all the time.” After an awkward pause, she added, “How’s the work on the Dekker’s house coming along?”

“They finished last night,” Kendall said. “Or at least the part my boyfriend was helping with.”

“That’s good. I bet the Dekkers are excited, especially Mr. Dekker. The poor man has been feeling trapped.” Jana’s eyes wandered over them, as if wanting to ask more, but not sure she should. “Look, I’ll show you to the cafeteria. I have a few moments.”

Saffron had the sense of being on a train that didn’t have any brakes. Was she going to run into Tyson with Jana at her side? She made a “help me” face behind Jana’s back, but Halla shrugged helplessly.

“Here we are,” Jana said as they reached another hallway that looked like all the others. “See where those people are coming in and out? That’s it right there.”

“Thank you,” Saffron said with the others.

“By the way, I love your necklace,” Jana said, indicating the chunky, double-row necklace Saffron had chosen to match her blue top.

“Thanks,” Saffron said. This was the time when she would normally pull out a card and offer to make a similar one. But not this time.

Jana nodded, her smile slipping as she glanced behind them. “Well, take care.” She pivoted on her heel and returned the way she’d come.

“She’s really nice,” Halla said.

Saffron didn’t respond. She was too busy looking to see what had spooked the woman. Down the hall, Tyson was walking quickly toward them, deep in conversation with another doctor.

Saffron glanced at Halla. “I know you two somehow planned running into Jana,” she said. “Thanks for the near heart attack.”

Halla had the decency to look ashamed. “Sorry.”

“It’s good to size up the competition,” Kendall added. “I knew where she worked, more or less, but the rest was fate.”

“Yeah, right.” Saffron bet if Jana hadn’t appeared when she did, they’d still be wandering the hospital corridors.

Tyson saw Saffron and waved. The doctor with him glanced at her, said something to Tyson, and then peeled off, turning down another hallway.

In a few more strides, Tyson was with them. “So, I get the whole gang, eh? Good to see you all.”

“They’re just leaving,” Saffron told him.

“Halla and I are going baby shopping,” Kendall said. “To get an idea of what’s out there and what I might need to buy. I really don’t have a clue yet.”

That called his attention. “You’re taking prenatal vitamins, right?”

“Oh yeah. I read about that. I didn’t do it before I got pregnant though, like you’re supposed to.” She frowned. “I hope the baby will be okay.”

“I’m sure the baby will be fine. It’s not too late for it to benefit.”

Kendall nodded and reached over to squeeze Saffron’s arm. “Have fun.”

Saffron watched Halla and Saffron leave, wishing she could call them back. What had been a simple date for lunch now felt like something secret behind Jana’s back. But he’d mentioned Jana knew about them, so there was nothing to hide.

Saffron straightened her back at the exact moment Tyson leaned over to kiss her. His chin hit her nose painfully.

“Sorry,” he said, his grin looking a bit lopsided. “My reaction time is slow right now. It’s been a long morning, and I need food. One of my little patients developed an infection, and I had to work out surgery for him this afternoon.”

“Oh, no. That’s sad.”

“He’ll be fine. I lined up the best surgeon we’ve got. I’ll be assisting—after I fuel up.”

“By all means, let’s get you fed.” Saffron pushed the awkwardness and her feelings about Jana aside as they hurried to the cafeteria. Tyson filled his tray with protein and plenty of carbs, while Saffron opted for protein and a few veggies.

Tyson downed three mouthfuls before he slowed enough to ask, “How was the drive?”

“Good. Fast. I’m late because of Kendall. She and Joel are fighting.”

“Not good.” Two more bites disappeared.

“I’m really afraid you’re going to choke,” she said.

He laughed. “Just making sure I have time after lunch to kiss you.”

“Oh, yeah? And what makes you think I’m going to kiss you?”

He leaned over the table until their noses practically touched. “Because I can see it in your eyes.”

Saffron glanced around, and although no one seemed to be watching them, she felt reluctant to kiss him here in public—and guilty somehow. “What about Jana? What if . . . isn’t this awkward for you?” Had he kissed Jana here like this? And how recently?

He pulled back and ate another bite, his face thoughtful. “It’s awkward if I think about it, because I don’t want to hurt her. But when I’m with you, I forget about her, if that makes sense. It feels like . . .”

“Like we’re kids again.”

He nodded and continued eating. “This is actually good.” He indicated the broiled chicken. “You going to try yours?”

Saffron cut off a piece and savored it. “It is good.”

After another two minutes, Tyson’s eating slowed. “Ah, that’s better. I should have eaten more for breakfast.”

The conversation wandered to their planned date tomorrow night, which led to a discussion about his dad’s therapy and the story of his cousin, who was forty and still lived in his mom’s basement playing video games all day.

Then Tyson’s phone rang. He sighed, taking it out from his pocket. “Oh, no.”

“What?”

“I have to go. The patient I told you about? He’s getting weaker, and his mother is freaking out. I need to push his surgery up.” He stood. “I’m so sorry. This doesn’t usually happen. They only alert me if they absolutely need to.”

“It’s okay.” Saffron waved his words away. “I’m glad you’re putting your patient first. I guess I see why you eat so fast.”

“Only when I’m working. Just in case.” He leaned down to kiss her cheek. “I’ll make it up to you tomorrow.” His voice was low and sexy, sending shivers down her spine.

“Good. I’ll expect a nice, interruption-free evening.”

He winked. “It’ll be better than that. Remember, your ride will be there at three to pick you up.” With another kiss to her cheek, he grabbed his tray, dumping it on his way out the door.

Saffron toyed with her vegetables, her appetite gone. If she and Tyson continued their relationship, she’d have to get used to the days when he was on call. But after his residency was finished, he should have a lot more say in his schedule. They could also move from this town so he wouldn’t be working with Jana. The anxiety inside her faded away with these practical thoughts, and she was finally hungry enough to eat. By the time she’d finished the rest of her food, the cafeteria was bustling with people.

A tray landed on her table. “Do you mind if I sit here?”

Saffron looked up to see Jana. Her eyes were slightly reddened and the skin around them pinched. The guilt Saffron had felt earlier returned in a rush. “Sure. I’m actually leaving to meet up with my friends.”

“Slow eater, huh?” Jana jabbed her fork into a mound of rice. “Like me. My boyfriend says—” She broke off. “Never mind. Anyway, I still really like your necklace.”

Maybe it was her foster mother’s influence or her guilt at disrupting this woman’s life, but Saffron unfastened the necklace and held it out. “You know what? I’d love you to have it.”

Jana blinked and put her hand up in a stopping motion. “Oh, no. I’m sorry if you thought I was fishing for something. I have a blouse similar to the one you’re wearing, and I can never figure out how to accessorize it. Now that I know, I can buy something similar.”

“Not like this, you can’t.” Saffron set it next to Jana’s plate. “I made it, and I can always make myself another one. Please, I’d like you to have it. You doctors do so much good here, and I know it can be a thankless job, especially for those doing residency.”

Jana’s smile was like the sun coming up after a good storm—quick and surprising. “Well, thank you. That’s really nice of you. But how did you know I’m a resident?”

“Lucky guess.” Saffron stood, gripping her tray. “Have a good day. I’d better go find my friends.” She turned and walked quickly away.

Jana called out something, but she pretended not to hear. What was she doing, ensuring Jana would remember her so well? When Jana finally did see her with Tyson, she might be even more hurt, especially at the fact that Saffron had known who she was all along.

Saffron continued her brisk walk until she’d nearly reached the doors to the hospital, where she sank down on a bench. Why couldn’t Jana be a rude, arrogant doctor with a chip on her shoulder, not someone who might have become a friend?

She was still sitting there twenty minutes later when Halla and Kendall returned. Kendall took an off-white baby outfit from a sack. “Isn’t this cute? I’m pretty sure the baby will be a girl, but a boy could wear this too, don’t you think? With a blue shirt.”

Saffron waited for a flash of pain, a memory of her son, but all that flooded her was happiness for her sister. “Really nice. Looks expensive, though.”

Kendall smirked. “It was. But I still have one of Mom’s credit cards. She hasn’t canceled it yet.”

Saffron frowned. “You sure that’s a good idea? I mean, if you’re trying to do this on your own, we can find another way to get what you need.”

“I don’t want to do it on my own.” Kendall returned the outfit to the bag. “I want Mom in my life, just not controlling it.” She made a face. “But I’m sure she’ll cut me off soon.”

Saffron wondered why their mother hadn’t cut Kendall off already. She sure had been quick to tell Saffron she needed to obey or get out. Maybe Halla was right that she’d changed.

“What happened with Tyson anyway?” Halla asked. “You look a little depressed.”

“Oh, nothing happened. Well, except that he was called back to work.”

Halla hooked her arm through Saffron’s and pulled her to her feet. “I think what she needs is the beach. Let’s go cruising for some hot guys, ladies. I mean, I’ll do the looking since I’m not taken, and you two can help.”

Saffron felt her spirits rise. Later, she’d tell Halla about the necklace and her second encounter with Jana, but for now she’d forget about it and revel in the beautiful day and the fact that Tyson loved her.