to throw myself into the deep end and hope I remember how to swim.
Death opens your eyes to so many things, and losing Sadie has given me a new perspective on everything. I have done some serious soul-searching this week, and my determination to live has strengthened.
“Almost done.” Dr. Tanner’s hoarse voice snaps me from my thoughts.
The needle part is surprisingly fine; it’s Roman’s strange, aloof behavior toward me that has left me scratching my head. He made some excuse for why he couldn’t take my blood today, but his good comrade and trusted colleague, Dr. Tanner, would do it and not say a word to anyone.
Roman’s weird behavior could be because today is his birthday.
“Okay, all done. I’ll pass on the results to Roman.”
“Thanks, Dr. Tanner.”
As I jump down from the ledge and gather my belongings, Dr. Tanner scoffs. “Please, Dr. Tanner makes me sound so old and responsible.” I chuckle as I slip on Sadie’s necklace, toying with the locket. “Call me Teddy.”
I grip the trinket, feeling my pulse heighten. “You’re Te-Teddy?” I ask, fumbling over my words. The same Teddy who left that message on Roman’s answering machine I want to add, but don’t.
He peers at me with interest, nodding. “Heard of me?”
I need to pull it together because this is my opportunity to gain some intel on Roman.
Gripping the strap of my bag, I smirk. “Maybe.” It’s a cop-out, but it’s the only thing I can say to explain my apparent interest in him. “How do you two know one another again?”
Teddy leans against the wall, shaking his head, smirking. “So typical of Roman to leave out the details. We went to medical school together.”
“Oh, that’s right.” I play along, thinking on my feet. “So you must be good friends then? Go on yearly vacations together? Stuff like that?” I need to know why September first is so important. Why did Roman request that date? And more importantly, what is happening on that day?
Teddy folds his arms, his gray eyes lighting up in humor as he crosses an ankle over the other. “Are you kidding me? Mr. Workaholic hasn’t taken a vacation in years. I’ve tried to persuade him, but I’m sure you know by now, once Roman’s mind is made up, there’s no changing it. It’s one of the many things I respect and admire about him.”
“Oh.” I can feel the disappointment pouring off me.
I need to ask in a roundabout way what he’s organized for Roman. It can’t be a surprise, as Roman knows about it. I’m grasping at straws, and I need to go in hard because this is my only shot.
“Maybe you could surprise him? He works so hard. I hear there is an amazing annual jazz festival in Birmingham, Alabama…the first week of September.”
The moment those words leave my lips, Teddy goes from relaxed to restless in seconds. His easy demeanor disappears as he unfolds his arms and pushes off the wall, standing rigid. “Roman isn’t a jazz fan.”
“I suppose he could always settle for their famous crab cakes then. C’mon, Alabama in September sounds fun. I’d like to do something nice for him. He’s gone out of his way for me, and I’d like to surprise him with something special.”
Teddy nervously runs a hand through his thick brown hair. “I better get going. I have rounds to do.”
He attempts to brush past me, but I quickly sidestep him, blocking his exit. He’s clearly confused as to why I’m standing in his way.
I can’t let this go because it’s the closest I’ve been to uncovering Roman’s secrets. “What’s the hurry?”
Teddy exhales and scratches over his full beard. “I know you’re trying to be nice. Roman told me he’s helping you out, but trust me, just let this go.”
“Let what go?” I press, not giving up. “A friend can’t do something nice for a friend?”
Teddy has every right to push me aside and leave; he owes me nothing, but it’s quite clear that something plagues him. The secret Roman has asked him to keep is one that burdens him. A secret like that is life-changing.
Teddy sighs before stepping in close as if he’s about to divulge something so great he needs to say it in a whisper. “Roman…” I hold my breath. This is it—the mystery is about to be solved. “Roman is—”
But my question is never answered. “Roman is wondering why you’re still here? Aren’t you late for work?” His voice is dripping with sarcasm.