Chapter 2

This particular establishment was under new management, and, after settling a lawsuit out of court pertaining to a life-threatening food allergy fuckup, the executives were anxious to improve things as quickly as was feasible. I had a few days remaining in this position and then I would write up my report and make a presentation.

I believed I could help the hospital move into the twenty-first century, with software tracking, better food safety measures, speed scratch cooking, just for starters. It would also be nice to have a fresh salad and fruit on occasion, instead of the limp offerings typically on display.

I called in to my office to make sure things were going smoothly.

“How’s it hanging, Paula?” My business partner wore many hats. She was our financial manager, research analyst, and receptionist, among other things. We made a great team, the two of us.

“Nothing to worry about. We received a few requests for consultations in the next month or so. Referrals from satisfied clients.”

“Always happy to hear that. I suppose my desk is covered in paperwork?” She took perverse pleasure in stacking piles of tree byproducts near my keyboard.

“Why, yes it is.” I could almost hear the smile in her voice. “Just some legal stuff and invoices needing your approval for payment.” I hated that part of running a company.

“Exciting. How about you, everything good?” Paula and I had worked together for years, and we were almost as close as brother and sister.

“Oh, sure. Bevin’s back in town.” Bevin was Paula’s husband of two years, an engineer by trade. “We’re planning a nice romantic dinner for two.”

“Sounds lovely.” I was pleased for her, even though I was sometimes a little jealous of the happiness she’d found.

“Yes, it is.” She sighed in contentment. I could almost see the hearts floating around her head. It was disgusting.

“Stop it. You’re making me want to hurl.”

“You’re just envious.” Yes.

“Never.”

“Later, hon.”

“Bye.”

Paula was a treasure. One thing she never did was talk about my leg or hound me about doing too much. She knew I enjoyed my work, and that I knew my limits, mostly. She didn’t push. I looked at my watch. It was time to get back to work.

* * * *

It was six-fifteen when my shift ended. Sometimes, at the end of a long day, I was stiff and hurting, but I was used to it. Once I got home, I could soak in a hot bath and the relief was immense. I had developed mild scoliosis because of my shorter leg, which itself was caused by a car accident at sixteen years of age.

The shoe lifts had been a godsend, and the slight curve of my body to the left was less noticeable because of them, along with the exercises I rigorously pursued every morning. My limp was much less pronounced, even nonexistent on a good day. Todaywas a good day. I’d need to schedule a massage soon, though. An hour-long session always worked wonders for my my mind and body.

To complete the charade at the hospital, I took the train to work, leaving my car at the office. I waved goodbye to the greeters at the entrance—they were actually the nicest people there, though still prone to flapping lips—and started to make my way to the station.

I had barely made it halfway up the sidewalk when a car pulled up next to me.

“Need a ride?”

I turned to respond and saw it was the guy from earlier who worked in Orthopedics. He drove a Chevy Escalade.

“No, thanks.” I moved away and continued toward the intersection. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw he followed my progress. I stopped again.

“What do you want, man?”

“It’s just a ride. Nothing nefarious. Give a guy a break, would you?”

“I don’t know you. And the train is a block away. I really don’t need a ride.” I picked up the pace. This time, he didn’t follow. What’s with that guy, anyway?

Half an hour later, I was in my office, reviewing paperwork. Paula had indeed left two neat towering piles on my desk. It took me over an hour to sign off on the invoices, go over a contract for a small assignment, and check my email. After that, I spent a little time making notes about my day and working on my presentation for next week.

Hungry, I decided to go to the Thai place three miles from my condo. The staff there knew me well and put in my order for roast duck with red curry, two basil rolls, and fried tofu the minute I sat down. It was my favorite thing on the menu, though everything was good, in my opinion.