No one important, but that wasn’t nice to say. She pressed her lips together and put the card back as she gazed into Galen’s dark chocolate brown eyes. “My college ex. I don’t understand.”
He nodded like their conversation was all business and had nothing to do with him. “I’ll let you get back to work.”
She grabbed his strong arm before he could leave. Then without thinking, she held him tight. “Galen, wait.”
“What?”
Right. She couldn’t just kiss him here. She felt a tremble rush through her but she looked down and saw his massive chest—he could literally paint an S on there and pretend to be the perfect superhero. “I’m looking forward to our date tonight. I have no idea what the flowers are about, but they don’t matter. You and I are new and special…” She had no idea how to finish her sentence.
Galen reached over and gently massaged her shoulder. “Natalie, relax. I’ll pick you up at your apartment at eight, is that okay?”
Good. Her heart stopped racing so frantically. The flowers meant nothing to her. Galen was the man she liked kissing now. She nodded. “Sounds perfect.”
He leaned closer so only she heard him. Her nose detected a woodsy scent as he said, “I’m looking forward to our date too.”
“Bye.” She watched him walk down the hall.
Nothing else stirred at work until the clock hit one. It was time to go. She packed her bag, took the flowers, turned off her computer but saw no sign of Galen in the office. At last she turned off her light and headed out to her car.
The drive to the hospital was uneventful though the traffic was much lighter than her usual five o’clock nightmare. She found a spot, signed in at the front desk and walked to the cancer ward. Two minutes later she saw her smiling but bald mother and her gray-haired father sitting beside her. Natalie walked in with the flowers, minus the note, and put them near her mom’s bed. “Mom, Dad. Hey.”
Her mother immediately outstretched her arms for a hug. “How is everything sweetie?”
Mom seemed stronger than she’d been two days ago. Natalie took a deep breath and hugged her back. “I’m okay.” She then took the seat beside her father while she continued, “Working hard, still exercising, and I figured out a way to pay for your procedures without anyone taking out a loan.”
Her father put his newspaper down with immediate interest. “How?”
How could she describe Galen, or his generous offer? She pressed her lips together and chose the easiest answer. “It’s part of my work benefits.”
Her mother raised the incline on her bed, so she sat up straighter. “That’s exciting and good to know.” Relief in her voice, her mom changed the subject. “So, how is your personal life, sweetie? Any good men you might bring home?”
All her parents ever wanted was her own happiness. Even now when her mother was fighting for her life, she still cared. Natalie tugged her ear and hoped her face wasn’t red. “I don’t know. Maybe. I have a date tonight.”
Her mother laughed. “That sounds promising. Who is he?”
Natalie lowered her lids, sparing a side glance toward her father when she said, “My boss actually, Galen Morgan.”
His grimace said it all.
“Oh sweetie,” her mom said with disappointment, “the House of Morgan is infamous. I don’t want you getting hurt. Couldn’t you go out with someone a little more… normal?”
Neither of them knew anything about Galen, or that she’d worn a wig this past year to work in order to have such a great job. She gazed at them both directly, folded her hands in her lap, and kept her voice steady. “Mom, Dad, I love you both. You taught me to have a good head on my shoulders and not to judge people based on the outward appearances. Just because Galen is rich, you can’t assume he’s bad news for me.”
Her father reached over and patted her hand, exchanging a look with her mom before he turned toward her again. “As long as he’s treating my daughter right.”
Perfect.She bounced out of her seat and hugged her father. “Of course, Daddy. And if anything important happens, I’ll bring him to meet you both.”
Mom reached out and brushed her hair behind her ear. “We’ll wait and see. Just don’t get your heart hurt.”
She took her mother’s hand. Her parents loved one another. One day she wanted to be happy like they were, but for now she had to start with this date. “I should go. Talk to you both later.”
With a wave, she strolled to the door.
Tonight she’d raid her closet. Somewhere she had a green dress that fit like a dream, making her feel feminine, and she was determined to find it.
She heard her mother whisper, “I’m worried about our Natalie.”
Her father’s gruff voice then said, “She’s smart, just like her mom, and she knows if she needs me, I’m always in her corner. Right now, we need you focused on getting well.”
