Chapter Twenty-Eight
Hailey stood in the doorway as a man in his late forties in a crumpled sports jacket ambled down the hall. His shoulders were slumped, and it looked like he’d never polished his shoes. A tall, young deputy followed after him as they disappeared around the corner.
“I wonder what’s going on,” Hailey said as Shelly approached the room. Hailey stood back and let the nurse walk in.
“How’re you doing, Patty? Are you sore from your physical therapy? Mica said you did great today.”
“I’m very sore. Mica worked me hard.” Patty smiled.
“What’s going on here? I see a couple of cops around.” Hailey glanced down the corridor again.
“There was an accident late last night,” Shelly said as she handed Patty a pain pill.
“What sort of accident?” Hailey asked.
“Susan tripped and fell down the stairs. Kingsley found her in the stairwell when he went downstairs to take his break. He said it was awful.”
“Is she all right?” Patty asked.
“She died. Must’ve broken her neck. Kingsley said she was dead when he found her.”
Patty’s hands flew to her mouth. “Dead! Oh my God. How dreadful.”
“I just spoke to her the day before. I can’t believe it,” Hailey said.
“We’re all shocked by it. Corporate will send a replacement, of course, but it’s always hard to get used to a new person in charge. Well, let me know if you need anything.” Shelly whirled around and left the room.
“She didn’t seem too broken up over it,” Hailey remarked as she watched the nurse go into another room.
“I don’t think she and Susan got along that well. Shelly’s very good friends with Dee, and Dee and Susan didn’t see eye-to-eye on many issues of patient care,” Patty said.
“I know you’ve told me this before, but refresh my memory. Who’s Dee?”
“The DON—director of nursing. She’s a lovely woman whose poor husband was just diagnosed with cancer.”
“Why didn’t Dee like Susan? I thought Susan was real nice, and I loved her accent.”
Darting her eyes around the room, then back at the hallway, Patty said in a low voice, “She didn’t like the way Susan drank on the job.”
“Susan was an alcoholic?” Hailey asked, wide-eyed.
Patty nodded. “I felt so bad for her. I think it was all the stress of running this place. She was constantly pressured by corporate to show increases in earnings, but she also had to provide quality care. It was a hard juggling act. I bet she was drunk when she fell down the stairs. A few months back, she slipped and fell, but she only got bruised up. Poor, poor, Susan.”
“Wow… I didn’t know. When you get out of here, you should write a book.”
“How’s one of my favorite patients doing?” Dr. Daniels asked as he walked into the room.
Patty beamed. She always did when she saw the handsome doctor. Hailey was convinced she had a crush on him and wished she were twenty-five years younger.
“I’m doing great. Mica gave me quite a workout,” Patty said.
“She’s also upset about learning that Susan died in a fall last night. Is that why the cops are here?” Hailey asked.
Dr. Daniels turned to her, a sad smile on his lips. “I’m sure it’s more about Mr. Halpern. He died last night.”
“Gus died? Oh no. You know, he was a brilliant trial attorney before he retired. How sad,” Patty said.
“It is. I didn’t know he used to be a lawyer,” Dr. Daniels replied.
“What was wrong with him?” Hailey asked.
“He had dementia, dear. An old friend and colleague of his came to see him, and then he sat down in the lobby, tears streaming down his face. We got to talking and he told me all about Gus. A brilliant man before the disease.”
“That is sad. Isn’t he like the fifth one to die around here? Don’t you find that more than a coincidence, Doctor?” Hailey said.
Clearing his throat, he popped his head out the door, then turned to look at her. “Actually, I do, and apparently, so do the police. I shouldn’t have said what I did, so please don’t tell anyone you heard about Mr. Halpern from me.”
“Was he your patient?” Hailey asked.
Shaking his head, he said, “Dr. Tyrell’s. Sometimes I’d stop in if I was the only doctor on the floor. It’s a shame. And now we’ve lost Susan. She was a wonderful person. Once in a while, we used to go to Bulldog Pub and have a pint. She told me it reminded her of Ireland.” He stared vacantly at the wall.
“I didn’t know her that well, but she was always nice and cheerful whenever I went in to talk with her,” Hailey said.
He smiled. “I have to finish my rounds. I’m glad to see how well you’re progressing, Patty. Keep it up and I may release you sooner than two months.”
“I can’t wait to get home. It seems that every week or so someone’s dying around here.” Patty grasped her arms and shuddered.
“I know. It must be awful being here. Seven months is more than enough.” Hailey sat at the edge of the bed.
“What are you doing this weekend?” Patty asked.
“Goldie and I are going to a party.”
“I can’t get used to calling him Goldie. Why did he change his name? Garth is so much nicer.”
“It has something to do with the club he’s in. All the guys have road names. It’s just what they do. He told me that his mom and dad were obsessed with Garth Brooks and Bob Dylan, so they named him Garth and his younger brother Dylan.”
“You like him, don’t you?”
“I always liked Goldie.”
“I mean really like him.”
Hailey shrugged. “I guess. I mean, we have a good time.” I’m crazy about him, but I’m scared to think about it.
Patty patted her hand. “If he’s the right guy for you, your heart will tell you. Does Ryan know you two have been dating?”
She grimaced. “No. I’m not sure how he’ll react.” Yes I do. He’s going to be so pissed because he warned me to not get involved with Goldie.
“I would think he’d be happy for you and Garth. After all, he’s known Garth most of his life, and they’re still friends. You should tell him. By keeping it secret, it’ll make him feel like he can’t trust you.”
“I know, you’re right. I’ll tell him.” Someday.
“So where’s the party you’re going to?”
“At Goldie’s clubhouse.”
“Is it a dinner party?”
“Not exactly.”
“What kind of party is it?”
“Uh, you know… just hanging out and stuff. Did you want me to bring you a pizza tomorrow night? I thought we could watch Some Like It Hot. It’s playing on TCM.”
Patty laughed. “I’ve seen that movie so many times, and each time I see it, I laugh my head off. That sounds wonderful.” She yawned.
“Getting sleepy?”
“It’s the pain pills. They knock me out.”
“I’ll take off and let you take a nap. I’m going out with Rory and Claudia for dinner. We’ve missed our girls’ nights out for the last few weeks, but we’re all available tonight, so we’re going for it.”
As Hailey walked through the parking lot, she noticed the cop in the rumpled jacket heading to a dark blue sedan. He glanced at her briefly, then turned away. She wanted to ask him what the hell was going on, but she knew he wouldn’t tell her squat. Maybe she could get some more information from one of the CNAs.
The sedan turned out of the lot as she slipped into her car. Glancing at the digital clock, she pushed down on the accelerator and sped off to the restaurant to meet up with her friends.
Thai Garden House was a newer addition on Saguro Street. Nestled between a wine bar and a boutique specializing in handmade items, the restaurant catered to a more adventuresome palate. Large windows brought in a lot of sunlight while hand-painted silk fans on the walls and brightly colored umbrellas suspended from the ceilings added to the exotic feel of the eatery.
A sleek brushed silver bar lined the side wall, and the lighted glass shelves hosted a colorful array of bottles housing an assortment of alcohol from liqueurs to bourbon. Bronze tables and chairs were filled most of the time, and reservations were recommended in order to avoid an hour or two wait.
Besides the excellent food, the gem of the restaurant was its outdoor dining on the back patio. Replete with bamboo pergola, reflecting pool with fountain and moss-covered rocks, wind chimes, and vibrant plants and flowers, the back area was like an oasis in the desert.
“I just love it here,” Hailey said as she bit into her spring roll.
“It doesn’t feel like we’re in Alina. It’s like we’re on vacation,” Claudia said.
“Exactly, that’s why I love it back here. Speaking of vacations, what’s going on with yours, Rory? I thought you and Troy planned to get away.”
Rory slumped back against the chair’s thick cushion. “I did. You guys know I’ve been planning this damn trip since the beginning of summer. Each time we get ready to go, something comes up with him. I’m beginning to think he doesn’t want to go.”
“Duh, he doesn’t,” Claudia said.
“Why? I would think he’d be dying to get away. Alina can be stifling in the summer. I have the whole seaside trip planned. I’m tempted to go without him. I’ll show him he’s not going to ruin my plans.”
“You should,” Hailey said.
“Do you guys want to go on the trip with me?” Rory asked.
Hailey picked up her passion fruit daiquiri. “I’d love to go, but I can’t leave the flower shop or my aunt alone.”
“I’m going to my cousin’s wedding in Houston, but Hay’s right. You should go alone.”
“I know, but I think I’d be too depressed to be there alone knowing Troy and I were supposed to go. I don’t know. Maybe we can plan a fall trip.” Rory took a bite of her pad thai noodles.
“How’s it going with you and Garth?” Claudia asked.
“Good. He’s actually really sweet.” Hailey dipped her beef satay into a spicy peanut sauce.
“What does that mean? Details.” Claudia snickered.
“Like, he’s always texting or calling me, he waits for me when he goes to visit his grandma, and he’s been making sure I come in and out of my house without a problem. Remember I told you about that creepy guy who’d been watching me?”
“Yeah, I remember. Have you seen him again?” Rory asked.
Hailey shook her head. “Not since Goldie implemented his ‘Safe Hailey’ plan.” She giggled.
“How in the hell can you remember to call Garth ‘Goldie’?” Claudia mixed some hot sauce on her rice.
“At first I didn’t think I’d be able to, but Goldie is so different from the Garth I knew when I left that it isn’t that hard.”
“To me, he’ll always be Garth,” Rory said, a finality to her tone.
“So, have you guys fucked?” Claudia asked.
Hailey laughed. “You’ve always gotten straight to the point. Yes, we have.”
“Oh shit! I knew you’d been lusting after him.” Claudia laughed.
“I can’t believe you slept with an outlaw biker.” Rory wrinkled her nose.
“He’s more than his label, Rory,” Hailey countered.
“Who cares about that anyway? How was he? I’m dying to know. He’s so attractive and well-built.” Claudia placed her elbow on the table and leaned forward.
Scooting her chair in closer to the table, Hailey said in a low voice, “He’s freaking amazing. I’ve never had a man touch me and make me come the way he does. I can’t believe how great he is.”
Claudia clapped her hands softly while giggling, and Rory shook her head. “There’s a reason why he’s a womanizer, Hay. Of course he’s good, but is he loyal? Have some fun with him, but don’t give him your heart. He’s probably doing you and a few other women.”
Claudia reached out and patted Hailey’s hand. “Don’t listen to her. Go for it all the way if that’s what you want.”
“I’m the only one here who’s practical,” Rory said.
“You’re in a pissed mood today because Troy canceled your trip. Hay and Garth are steaming up the sheets and I love it.” Claudia settled back and took a gulp of her peach daiquiri.
“Give me some damn credit. I’m not saying this because I’m disappointed about my trip with Troy. I’m saying this because I care about Hay. I don’t want her to get hurt, and I know Garth’s going to shred her heart if she falls for him.”
Hailey sipped her drink as she watched her two good friends banter back and forth over what she should do about Goldie. It was interesting to hear each one’s advice. The funny thing was they were both saying what she’d been telling herself for weeks. Part of her was over the moon about him like she’d always been, but the other part was scared he’d break her heart. She didn’t even know how he felt about her in a deep sense. They had a great time hanging out, and the sex was beyond fantastic, but if he felt more or wanted more, he never said. And she couldn’t read him. She didn’t want to ask him and be one of those women who made him feel pressure. He’d told her often enough that he hated that, so for the time being, she’d just keep having fun with him and enjoy their sexual times together.
“Earth to Hay.” Claudia’s voice brought her out of her thoughts.
“Sorry,” she said.
“How do you feel about him?” Rory asked.
She lifted one shoulder. “He’s nice, we have fun together, and the sex is the best. I’m having a good time, that’s all.”
“Is it?” Rory’s penetrating gaze made her uncomfortable.
“Yeah. I mean, I somewhat agree with you, Rory. He’s had a lot of women, so there’s always that fear that he’ll grow tired of me. But then, when we’re together, he’s so attentive, so sincere that I think maybe he’s just never found the right woman and that’s why he played the field. I don’t know. Why do I have to decide now? I don’t have to put a label on what we have.”
“You just don’t want to fall for him. You have to be careful, so knowing how you feel helps you to decide if you want to keep seeing him. I’m just trying to be helpful,” Rory said.
“I get it. I guess I don’t really know how I feel about him, but I do know I want to keep seeing him.”
Silence descended on the trio for several seconds, and then Claudia smiled. “Now for the real important stuff. Does he lick your twat like a real man’s supposed to?” A peal of laughter burst out from all three of them.
Dabbing at her eyes with the corner of her napkin, Rory said, “Well… does he?”
Hailey grinned. “You can’t believe what he can do with his tongue.” And for the next twenty minutes, Goldie’s sexual prowess was the focus of their conversation. Of course, she left out a lot of things that were too private, but after she was finished and they moved on to another topic, her nipples ached for his touch. She couldn’t wait to have him back inside her.
If she were being totally honest, she’d have admitted to her friends that, in addition to liking him, there was also an addictive quality to it all. She craved him, she got her fix, and then she always wanted more. Her insatiable appetite was not just for the sex but for the whole confusing mix of physical and emotional feelings. Needing and wanting him had quickly become a huge part of her life.
And she wasn’t sure if that was a good or a bad thing. All she knew was she was in deep.
Real deep.