Long Distance Lover

“Did you take a look at her tests results?”

“Yes.” He lowered the X-rays and turned to Ruby.

“And?”

“I don’t like what I see. Doesn’t make sense. I want her to take a bone-density test when she comes in.”

“Bone density? At her age?”

“Exactly.”

“I’ll order the tests. Anything else?”

“Not at the moment.”

“Are you sure?” She planted a hand on her hip.

“Meaning?”

“I saw the look that passed between the two of you the last time she was here.”

“You’re imagining things again,” he singsonged.

“I know what I saw, Hutch.”

“A look?”

“You know what I mean.”

“I don’t need a babysitter. I need an assistant.”

“Don’t make the same mistake.”

“Humph,” he snorted in disgust. “Thought we let that go. Guess not.” He tossed the X-rays on the table and stalked out.

Kelly spent the better part of the morning getting ready for her appointment. She took extra care with her face as her sensitive skin tended to erupt whenever she became overanxious—today was a classic example. She awoke to find the beginnings of a pimple on her chin, beneath her left eye on her cheek and one right between her brows.

She peered into the mirror and applied the medicated ointment to the troubled spots hoping to nip them in the bud before they exploded into full-blown volcanoes before the end of the day. Generally she didn’t use any makeup, but today she added a splash of mahogany lip gloss to her expressive mouth and put on her one pair of earrings.

As usual her hair was pulled into a tight ponytail at the nape of her neck. It was the one way she found to diminish the fullness of her face.

How many times had she looked in the mirror and wished that she had the face of someone else, someone pretty or at least attractive? Sure she’d been out with guys, but she knew they had no interest in her for her looks, but rather what she may be able to do for them with her connections in sports. The relationships were all short-lived. Over the past year, she hadn’t been out on one single date—more from her own choosing rather than a lack of requests. She felt it was better that way. At least she wouldn’t get her hopes up that the guy was actually interested in her and not her name or what she represented. It was a lonely life, more so than she ever let on to anyone. But at least she had the track and running, a time when she felt free, powerful and vibrant. It was there that she shined. She was beautiful, smart. On the track there were no secrets, no shame; only her and the wind.

She looked down at the wrappings around her ankle and lower leg. She would run again. She had to.

“They said this session should last about an hour,” David said, holding open the hospital door for her. “I’ll be back to pick you up then.”

“Thanks.” She walked inside and went to the registration desk. “I have an appointment to see Dr. Hutchinson at eleven.”

“Name?”

“Kelly Maxwell.”

The nurse looked up at Kelly and her eyes widened in recognition, a broad smile exposing the tiny gap in her front teeth. “Ms. Maxwell. Oh my.” She pressed her hand to her chest. “I’m a big fan of yours.”

“Thank you.”

The nurse stretched her hand across the desk and placed it on top of Kelly’s. She lowered her voice. “Dr. Hutchinson is the best in the country,” she said, looking deep into Kelly’s eyes. “He’ll have you back on the track in no time.”

“I hope so.”

“Don’t you worry.” She hit a few keys on the computer, waited a moment and pulled a sheet of paper from the printer. She pushed it across the desk to Kelly. “Just sign your name and you can go in as soon as your name is called.”

Kelly swallowed. She looked for familiar words on the paper. Her heart thumped in her chest. David came up behind her, subtly putting his finger where she needed to sign while he spoke to the nurse.

“I’ve heard great things about this hospital,” he said, putting on the charm. “I don’t remember seeing you the last time we were here. Work here long?”

“It was probably one of my much-needed days off.” She laughed lightly. “I’ve been with the hospital for nearly twenty years.”

“You’re kidding. You must have come straight out of high school.” He leaned on the desk while Kelly signed her name.

The nurse blushed. “If that’s a compliment I’ll take it.”

“It definitely was.”

Kelly put the pen down and slid the document back to the nurse.