I'll Be Seeing You (4 page)

Peggy Miller suffered abuse from her husband for years, and then a few years ago, he hit her on the side of the head with a baseball bat. After a year of recovery, her eyesight never returned. We will be assessing her to see if she is permanently blind.

Peggy arrives on time for her seven-thirty appointment and after we go through her history, she begins to ask us some tough questions of her own. She came prepared that's for sure.

"How is it that you opened the institute here, Dr. Davis?" she asks pointedly.

"Well, a little history about myself first, my mother and father are both physicians. Cardiac surgeons, more specifically. My mother specializes in pediatrics. So, I have a lot of medical experience running through my family. I attended Harvard and Johns Hopkins and started my education in cardiology then later took a special interest in optic neuropathy. I rather enjoy fixing sight and with a small inheritance from my grandfather, I put that money to use by financing this institute that not only is a respected surgical center, but an educational institute as well. Here, we assist the visually impaired to learn Braille, life adjustment, among other areas of educating the blind." I stop and look at Jessie.

"Dr. Montgomery here has been my friend since we were children. We attended the same schools, and once I decided to open this institute, I approached him with an offer to run his practice here. The rest is history."

After our consultation and examination, it’s determined that her damage is in fact repairable, and we refer her to the scheduling team to complete the paperwork.

"Okay, I'm going for coffee, Krista. I'll be back for my eleven-thirty," I say heading toward the elevator.

After walking through the doors that lead outside, I run across the street opposite of the café so that I can see her through the window. She looks more beautiful today than ever. Her hair is up in a sexy mess held together with a clip. She’s wearing a pale yellow leather jacket, almost the color of butter. The color looks good on her. She’s reading. or trying to read, but every time someone enters or exits the cafe she stops, and after a few moments, she goes back to her book. She's waiting for me, and that pleases me immensely.

Looking in both directions, I run across the street and open the door, deliberately looking to see her reaction. She lifts her head from her book, and a faint smile reaches her lips. She takes a deep breath, inhaling my scent, just like she did yesterday. What’s intriguing is how she keeps her sensory perception to herself. She’s adapted perfectly to the world around her, and I have a newfound admiration for her.

"Good morning, Dr. Davis. Here is your double espresso with a dollop. Is there anything else I can get for you?" Myra asks, taking the twenty-dollar bill off the counter.

"Yes, I'd like a lemon poppy seed muffin with two plates please," I reply, looking back at Joy who is putting her book away. Sneaking a glance at Conrad, he’s watching me with his head raised.

Walking over to her table, I set my cup and muffin down across from her.

"Good morning, Conrad. I have a treat for you," I say, bending down to pet him. Leaning in, I whisper, "I hope this doesn't prevent you from your girl time again tonight. If it does, then maybe you can come to my place for some male bonding. I have every sports channel known to man. Girls do not know about these because girls have cooties. Well, all except that girl right there, I don't think she has cooties, do you?" I look up into smiling eyes, "Do you know her?" He licks my face, "You do? Well maybe you can put in a good word for me or something." He’s panting as I scratch behind his ears, "You will? Terrific. Well, it was good chatting with you, Conrad," I say patting his head as I stand up.

"Oh! Good morning, Ms. Johnson." I grin at the beautiful smile she has for me. "I didn't see you sitting there. I was visiting with my new friend, Conrad, here."

"Why, good morning, Dr. Davis, I didn't see you either," she giggles. "That's the first time I've ever used that line," she says, laughing now. It's such a beautiful sound.

"Good one," I reply, chuckling and taking a seat across from her.

"I must say you are looking particularly lovely in yellow today. It's a flattering color on you," I compliment, sipping my espresso.

"Thank you. Black looks good on you as well," she says with a saucy grin.

"What? Wait? How did you know?" I stammer, shocked at her accuracy.

"Really? You're wearing black today? It was just a wild guess," she laughs again. I join her shaking my head.

"Your senses are sharp, Joy, but you had me freaked out there a little bit on that one," I declare, reaching for the muffin.

"I have a lemon poppy seed muffin to share with you. Here," I say, scooting the plate in front of her.

"Why, thank you, Dr. Davis." I watch her reach with accurate precision for the plate. She feels for the muffin, breaks a small piece off, and places the morsel between her pink lips.

"So, Doctor," she begins, chewing. "Save any lives today?"

"Well, I guess I did if you were to ask her," I boast, recalling my consultation this morning. "I saw a patient this morning to see if she qualified for surgery and it turned out she does, so I will be doing the surgery in two weeks," I say, watching as she breaks another piece of the muffin.

"That's wonderful, Matthew. I'm happy for her," she says wistfully. Before I can ask her about her own medical history, she changes the subject quickly.

"I’m starting a new story today. It sounds intriguing. It's about a woman who drives through a small town, meets and falls in love with a rancher that’s hiding a secret. It's been written in a series of four books, so it should be a fun project."

Trying to keep my attention on what she’s saying, I sense that she doesn’t want to talk about her medical history right now, so I go with her change of subject. 

"Matthew?"

"Hmmm?" I reply

"You still with me?"

"Yes. Yes, I am. Sorry,” I say, shaking my head, bringing myself back to the present. “Hey, Joy, I was wondering if you would like to have dinner with me on Saturday night." There. I did it. Just like that.

"I… I … I can't," she says as she twists in her chair like she's getting ready to leave but doesn't.  Panic has set in across her face.

"Did I upset you?" I ask sitting up higher in my seat.

"No, I just… I …" she stammers again.

"You what? You don't eat?"

"Of course I eat, silly," she giggles. "It’s just — I don't really date."

"Oh. Well, that does pose a problem then, doesn't it?" I sit back and rub my chin trying to figure out how to get around the 'not dating' thing. "All right, why don't we do this? You buy," I suggest sarcastically and can’t help but join her when she bursts out laughing. She’s twisting her hands, obviously wanting to say something, but she’s preventing herself, either that or she is scared to death.

"Joy?"

"Matthew, I haven't dated anyone since I was nineteen. You of all people know how difficult it is for someone like me. Dining in public is a difficult thing for me. There's nothing like putting my fingers in my mashed potatoes or trying to eat my consommé with a fork," she jokes. My heart is aching for her right now.

"Hey," I say, reaching over to take her hand in mine. She closes her eyes at my touch. "Do you think I would let you falter? Do you think I would ask you out and not be willing to take care of you?" I visualize taking each and every finger, licking off those mashed potatoes for her.

"Um… I…I don't expect you to take care of me, Matthew. I just have this aversion to public humiliation. I had too much of it as a teen," she confesses.

"Is that your only reason?" I ask, watching her closely. Lord, I hope she doesn't start crying. If I saw tears coming out of those eyes, I couldn’t take it. She slowly starts shaking her head.

"What's the real reason?" Looking down, I see Conrad come out from under the table to sit facing her. Reaching down to pet him, I reassure him that his human is all right, and but he growls at me anyway. Joy did say he was fiercely protective. He even protects her when she’s emotional and that pleases me.

"I haven't dated in a long time, Matthew. I've only ever had one boyfriend, and he didn't stick around long enough to get to know me." Her eyes look down as she begins to destroy her nails.

"I don't want to take no for an answer, Joy. Funny that you say you might stick your hands in your potatoes when I have dribbled more gravy down my tie than you could ever imagine.” My heart soars when I hear her tinkling giggle again. “I wish you would trust me," I whisper, placing my hand over hers.

"I do, Matthew. I do trust you," she replies quietly.

"Then say yes. Please?"

Continuing to watch her, it’s obvious she’s uncomfortable.

"Perhaps I should go. I don't like seeing you like this." Frustrated, I make a move to leave.

"No!” she nearly shouts, her hand reaching out to stop me. “Please, don't go, Matthew. I'm sorry. It's just …” She takes a deep breath and calms herself before speaking again. “Okay — when I was a young girl in school, I met a boy." She pauses and nervously licks her bottom lip, pulling it in between her teeth. "He worked at the school and was sighted. He followed me everywhere and became persistent in asking me out. When I finally agreed, that wasn't good enough. He wanted more," she explains, sadness etched on her face.

My heart aches for her as I listen to her relive this period of her life.

"We dated for quite a while, with him telling me he loved me, how he wouldn't leave me, and wanting to take care of me for the rest of my life. He won me over, and I thought I was in love with him. But every time we were alone in a room, he pushed for more." She pauses again, taking another deep breath and slowly releasing it. "I had no mother to guide me through my teen years. No woman figure at all, really, to educate me. He’d get angry at me when I pushed away his advances. His angry persistence frightened me. Anyway, it had been about eight months into our relationship when he tried one last time. That night, his anger reached a new level when he wanted to become physical. He threw me down on my bed and forced himself on me until I screamed. Kelly, my former guide dog, attacked him and pulled him off me. He was so mad and yelled at me saying he had wasted eight months of his life trying to get in my pants and fucking me was all he really wanted to do anyway.”  I inwardly grin when she whispers that word, even though it’s wrong of me. She blushes. I can see the subject is still painful for her when the tears come.

"I'm sorry, Joy," I say, reaching out for her hand. "There are real assholes out there. Please trust me when I say I'm not one of them. My friend, on the other hand, is another matter," I jest, trying to lighten her dark mood.

"What?" she exclaims, sniffing into the back of her hand. "Do you mean Jess? The friend you had lunch with yesterday?" she asks, anxiously.

"Yes. How do you know about him?"

"He has a date with my best friend on Saturday. Do I need to warn her about him? She's been hurt enough, and if you think there's a chance that he might use her, you need to tell me.” I listen to her come to her friend’s defense I can’t help but snicker.

"What is so funny, Matthew?" she asks angrily, sitting back, folding her arms over her chest.

"So, the girl we bumped into is your best friend?" I ask, thinking this is certainly a small world. That, coupled with the fact that Joy could very well be wearing the panties that I held in my hands. That is an intriguing thought for sure.

"Yes. She had plans this weekend in Vancouver, but she canceled to go out with Jessie. If you think there’s a possibility he will just use her for the night and then dump her, you need to tell me."

"Well, I will tell you that Jessie is rather 'randy' if you get my drift, but I also know that he connected with her and does in fact want to get to know her ... mentally, as well as Biblically. Jessie is very … physical," I explain the best way I can.

"Well, Laura is too, so they’ll get along in that regard. If he's out to just to get with her though, I can't not tell her but if you believe he might be in it for more, then I won't say a word," she says, calming down a bit.

"Why don't you wait until they actually go out first? I'm sure we will hear about it, and I’ll let you know where Jess is at on Monday, all right?" I ask, knowing full well I’ll get all the gory details.

"Now, about our date. Let's just go out once and see how it goes. If it turns out that you have fun, then we can do it again. If you don't — then we won't."

“Okay. I guess one date won’t hurt,” she grins.

"All right. I’ll pick you up Saturday at seven. Does that work for you?" I ask before she changes her mind.

"Perfect," she replies.

Already having her phone number, I enter her address into my cell phone, I grin that I’m slowly gathering information on Ms. Johnson. Just as I finish and press save, I jump my phone rings in my hand.

"Dr. Davis," I answer.

"Hey, big brother," my twin sister, Maddie, blurts out. "I'm in your neighborhood, and Krista told me you were at the coffee shop and lo and behold, I see you there.  Not only do I see you but it appears you are sitting with an enchanting young lady."

"Maddie …" I draw out, looking out of the window, frowning at her. I know the minx is up to something, and I don't want her near Joy right now. It is still too new to bring family into the mix. "Don't, Maddie," I warn, but it’s too late — she's already through the door.

"Hello, big brother," my sister says, cheerfully.

Joy sits up straight, causing Conrad to do the same. Maddie frowns in curiosity and then turns to me with a questioning look on her face.

"Joy, I'd like to introduce you to my brat of a sister, Madeline. Maddie, this is Joy Johnson.” Joy lifts her hand in greeting.

"Nice to meet you, Maddie," she says with a smile. "I’d best get going, Dr. Davis," she says politely, gathering her book to pack in her bag.

"No, stay. Please," Maddie pleads, placing her hand on Joy's arm. Joy jerks her arm away, and Conrad jumps up and growls.

"Oh, God. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry," Maddie apologizes emphatically. "I hope I didn't offend you.”  She looks at me and whispers, “Are there rules here, Matthew?"

"Yes. Don't touch without permission. Conrad here is terribly protective of his mistress."

"Maddie, I apologize as well. It was an adverse reaction. I'm not used to being touched when I'm not around my friends. They are the only ones that do, and I wasn't ready. I just wasn't expecting it, and it startled me," Joy explains. I can see a mix of panic and concern on her face.

"Maddie is a physical person, Joy. She touches and hugs everything and everyone. It's who she is. She's more on the hyperactive side of life, if you will." I glance at Maddie as she looks at Joy.

"And right now she's staring at you." I chuckle.

"I know," Joy replies, smiling.

"I'm sorry, I can't help it. You are so beautiful and your eyes … Matthew, how do you quit staring at them?" she asks grinning at me, goading me.

"I can’t," I answer. "Now stop it. You’re making her uncomfortable. Tell me what you want and why you’re here?"

"I'm having a small gathering on Saturday, and I want you to come. I met a nice man at the University bookstore the other day, and I want to invite him. I think he – Brian, would feel more comfortable with other people around."

"Well, I'd love to, but I have plans on Saturday," I explain, looking at Joy, seeing her blush disappear below her collar.

"Excuse me, Maddie, did you say Brian? That wouldn't be Brian Reed, would it?" she asks with a surprised tone.

"Why, yes. Do you know him?" Maddie asks, excitedly. She literally bounces in her seat leaning toward Joy.

"Yes. Very well. He's my best friend's brother. When you said his name and that you met him at the bookstore, I know he works there, so I put two and two together." I watch as she shakes her head and sits back in her seat.

"What is it, Joy?" I ask her.

"Well, your best friend has a date with my best friend, and now your sister has a date with my best friend's brother, and I have somehow wound up having a date with you. I don't know who the common denominator is, you or me," she giggles.

I laugh as well, her sweet sound reaching me at my core. My overly hyperactive sister interjects before I can respond.

"I know! You should all come to my place on Saturday. We can have a barbeque, and with Brian's sister there, he’ll feel more comfortable." Maddie, clearly excited by her brilliant idea, claps her hands enthusiastically.

"Joy? Would you like that? It might ease your earlier concerns," I suggest. Although I would like to spend time alone with her, this setting might be better for her. Having her friends around might make her feel more comfortable as well.

"Sure, if that's what you would like," she says, blushing again.

"Okay, kid, we'll be there. What time?" I ask my sister.

"How about five o’clock?"

"Is that okay with you, Joy?" I ask, making sure that this new time is okay with her.

"Yes, five is fine. Is it all right if I leave Conrad at home? I don't want to make everyone uneasy with him being around. He's a good dog but can be intimidating at times when he feels something may be a threat to me. It means that I will need to depend on you," she says quietly.

A slow grin appears on my face. Not only does it mean she trusts me to take care of her, it also means that I will be touching her all evening, and that’s something I could never pass up.

"I am very okay with that," I answer quietly, hoping Maddie can't hear.

"Good. All right, I need to get home to finish the book I’m working on," Joy says firmly, packing her bag. "Maddie, it was nice meeting you, and I’ll see you Saturday. Oh, would you like me to bring anything? I can bake a mean pie," she says, straightening the straps to her bag.

"Apple?" I ask before my sister says anything, and she blesses me with her bright smile and giggle.

"Especially apple. Do you like Sour Cream Apple Pie?"

"I've never had it, but if it has apples in it, I'm sure I’ll love it."

It's sad that she can bring me, a grown man, to my knees at the mention of pie.

"All right. Sour Cream Apple Pie it is. Maddie, I know Brian is fond of cherry pie. Would you like me to make one of those as well?" Joy asks.

"Really? No, let me, please?” she asks, her eyes wide with excitement.

"You really like him, don't you?" Joy asks, giggling. Maddie nods enthusiastically.

“She can't hear you nod your head, brat." Getting up to give a hand to Joy, Conrad gives me a protective growl.

"Oh, sorry. Yes, I really like him, but please don't say anything to him. I want do this on my own … unless he asks you about me, of course."

When I reach for Joy's arm, Conrad releases a low growl again. He clearly does not want anyone touching her.

"Conrad, you better get used to me, pal," I say directly to him, petting his chest, knowing that’s his soft spot. "You too," I whisper in Joy’s ear and I’m gifted with her brightest blush yet.

"Can I call you later?"

"Yes, I'd like that," she replies, lowering her head. She really is shy in the way of flirting. "I'll talk to you later then. Bye, Maddie. Conrad, home." She gives her command and he guides her to the door.

Realizing that this is the first time I've seen her when she’s not sitting, I take in the full length of her. It looks like she's about five foot seven; that's a nice fit with my tall frame. She walks with confidence and a nice little sway to her hips. She’s also comfortable in her own skin. I like that.

We continue to watch her walk a short distance down the street, and when she crosses, she enters a brownstone. It only takes a few minutes before movement on the third floor catches my eye. Opening the windows, she leans out and takes a deep breath with a huge smile on her face. Then she giggles, covering her lips with her fingertips.

"Oh my god, Matthew," Maddie says, gripping my forearm. "Did you see that? She likes you."

"What makes you say that?" I ask with a knowing grin on my face.

"That, my dear brother, is what a girl does when she is in like with someone. She was just thinking about you. You like her too, don't you?" she asks, butting her little self into my love life again.

"I just met her, but yes, I like her and I plan to get to know her better," I say, looking up to her window again. "Now, I need to get back to the clinic. I have surgery in the morning, and need to review the case file this afternoon." Mentally scolding myself for not remembering it sooner, I make a mental note to tell Joy tonight that I won't be able to meet her for coffee in the morning.

"See you Saturday, kiddo," I say, bending down to kiss her offered cheek.

"See you then, brother," she replies, and then cups my cheeks in the palm of her hands; "I really like her, Matthew." 

I glance up at Joy's window one last time before quickening my pace back to my office.

Walking through the doors of the lobby, I’m so deep in thought that I nearly miss the familiar voice saying in a self-important tone, “My name is Emma Ford.”

I immediately look around the lobby for the face to match the voice. Hurrying to the elevator, I check for her one last time, but don't see her anywhere. When I'm certain she isn't around, I walk up to the security desk to see if she signed the guest sheet.

"Eugene … Emma Ford? What did she want?" I ask, knowing my breathing has quickened and my pulse rate has skyrocketed.

"I told her you weren’t here. She left a message for you,” he says, “She said to tell you that she was here and that she would be back tomorrow."

"I am not available to her, Eugene. Ever. I have surgery tomorrow and don’t want to be disturbed. She is not to get on that elevator, do you understand?"