Chapter 2
Collin winced as his cheek pinched between the woman’s scrawny fingers.
“You’re such a good boy.” Though her clothes were less than stylish, she somehow appeared dignified as she moved into the room ahead of him and stashed her mop bucket in the corner, her shuffling footsteps echoing on the damp concrete floor, which smelled strongly of pine. With deep brown eyes framed in white hair, pulled back in a bun, she perched on the edge of her bed, her ever-present handbag slung over her shoulder.
Two weeks had passed since his fateful encounter with Olivia, but he tried to put it out of his mind. After all, he had lots of work to do before he’d be ready to see her again. Meanwhile, he still squeezed in his weekly Saturday morning visits with Martha, the one part of his life that didn’t seem to be a chore.
He sat on a metal folding chair facing her. “How’re you feeling today? You’re moving slower than normal, aren’t you?”
“I’m going the same speed as ever. You’re watching faster.” She laughed at her joke. “I was hoping this time you might bring your girlfriend along.”
“Martha, I know what you’re up to. And it’s not going to work.”
Her eyes stretched wide open. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
He didn’t believe her innocent act for a second. Martha might have white hair, but she was sharp as a tack.
“I’m talking about you prying into my love life. I’m not sharing my secrets.”
“But why not? I can tell you’re lonely, or else you wouldn’t be bothering with a doddering old woman like me. It’s not like we run in the same social circles.” She angled her head at the stark room with four twin beds, her home at Sheltering Arms.
“I wish you’d let me find you another place to live.” He picked up their perpetual argument. “My dad has connections at a rent-controlled complex. It’s not great, but it’s better than this.”
As always, when Collin mentioned helping her financially, her chin lifted. “Can’t afford anything on the little bit of Social Security I get, since Jack died—not even one of those rent-controlled places.”
“But I could help you.”
“Not when you’re trying to break out from under your father’s authority. Maybe after you graduate from law school and get a job….”
“This place is so awful. No privacy.”
She swept her arm out. “Here, they let me do custodial work in exchange for a room. Ms. Potter has bent the rules to let me keep living here, and I’m grateful. I don’t have much left in life, but I have my pride. Anyway, it’s not a bad place to live. I meet a lot of interesting people.”
As always, Collin marveled at her positive attitude. She should’ve been doting on her grandchildren and enjoying retirement in her home, along with her husband, but her reality was entirely different. Both her sons were killed overseas in the service before either had married, and her husband had passed away after a long, expensive battle with cancer that depleted their financial resources. Yet Martha never complained.
“Yes, but you don’t belong here. You’re better than the rest of the people here.”
Her eyes narrowed. “Collin Sterling! How dare you look down from your high horse on another human being. You have no right to judge.”
His heart plunged into his stomach. “I’m not judging them like that. I’m talking about how the others aren’t as friendly and caring. Most of them barely speak to you, and no one seems grateful for all you do.”
“They’re afraid to get close to anyone, because they’ve been hurt too many times. You can’t blame them for using whatever armor they can to protect themselves.” She tilted her head. “Actually, they’re not all that different from you.”
He squirmed in his chair. “I hope you’re not angry.”
“I’m not mad. I know you don’t have a mean bone in your entire body.”
Collin took a big breath and shook his head. “I don’t know how you do it, Martha. How can you always see the best in people, even when they don’t deserve it?”
“Are we talking about the other residents here at the shelter, or someone else?”
Me, he thought, staring at the floor.
“I worry about you, Collin.”
“You worry about me? I’m perfectly fine. It’s you who needs help. I still don’t see why you won’t let me help you pay for an apartment.”
“We’ve had this argument a thousand times. I’m trying to help you break free from your father. If his money is supporting me, you’ll always be dependent on him.”
“I’m working now. Tutoring.”
She nodded. “Good. You’ll need that money. And you know what else you need? You need to find the right woman. Right now, you wouldn’t recognize her if she walked up to you and slapped you in the face.”
Collin grinned. They were in familiar territory. “I’ll be on the lookout from now on. If a hot girl walks up to me and slaps me in the face, I’ll know she’s the right one. Either that, or I’ll know she didn’t like me getting fresh with her.”
“Collin!” She punched him with a scrawny fist. “Be serious for a moment. Think about it. Tell me what characteristics you would look for in the perfect woman.”
“I’ve already given this plenty of thought. I know exactly what I’m looking for.”
“Go on,” she said, her dark brown eyes twinkling with anticipation.
He pictured Olivia in his mind. “She’ll be tall and slender, with excellent posture. I like women with brown hair over blonds, and I prefer it long. She’ll be smart, but not only book smart. I want a woman who can argue with me and hold her own. She’ll be generous and kind-hearted—the sort of girl who would take the time to volunteer at a place like this, or a soup kitchen, or a medical clinic.”
Martha’s lips stretched in a broad smile and she clapped her hands together. “You’ve made me a happy woman, Collin. I believe there’s hope for you yet. Now all we need to do is find a woman that meets those qualifications. That shouldn’t be hard in a city the size of New York.”
“Well don’t hold your breath. It’s not happening any time soon.”
She answered with a chuckle, but then pressed her hand to her chest, her mouth stretched in a grimace.
“Martha? Are you okay?”
“I’ve been having a bit of indigestion lately.” She pursed her lips, blowing air out in a long stream. “I think I might stretch out for bit. My feet are a bit swollen, too.”
Concerned for the formerly indefatigable woman, he sprang to his feet and helped her ease back onto the pillow. Though she invited him to stay and chat, she was asleep within seconds. He supposed her age was finally catching up with her. But hopefully, like his Gram, she would live to be almost a hundred.
* * *
A foghorn sounded,and Olivia jumped, bumping the table and sending her study guide skittering to the floor. She reached to her phone in her pocket, jamming the button to silence the alarm, groaning when she realized time had slipped past as she studied in the gross anatomy lab.
Ughh! Now I don’t have time to shower before I meet Charlie and Grace for lunch. She considered canceling, but decided walking in the fresh air would clear the formaldehyde fumes from her clothes and hair. She dashed by her locker to stow her gear and was soon weaving her way along the crowded New York streets toward the restaurant.
Since Emily had cancelled today, Olivia wondered if Collin might be joining them. After all, Collin and Charlie were close friends and now attended the same law school. Unconsciously, her hand rose to tuck away a curly brown lock that had escaped her ponytail.
I’d hate for him to see me with my hair looking so terrible. And I don’t have on any makeup, either. Wait! Why do I care whether Collin sees me looking bad? Maybe that would be a good thing. Seeing me at my worst might discourage him.She was surprised at the way her chest tightened at the thought.
Of course it was a moot point. Charlie knew how Olivia felt about her playboy cousin, and she would never invite him along without warning Olivia about it.
Collin had been on her mind ever since the night they met at the library. Despite her protests, she had to admit it was sweet for him to follow her to the subway station. It was something her overbearing, but lovable brother, would’ve done. The only thing that kept her from acknowledging it was her pride, of which she had a few extra helpings.
Two weeks had passed and, true to his word, Collin hadn’t contacted her or appeared again in any mysterious fashion. The problem was that keeping his promise to not bother her was bothering her more than she cared to admit.
Fifteen minutes later, she pushed through the restaurant door, spotting Charlie as she waved from their usual booth across the room. Olivia bent to snatch a one-armed hug before she sat down, relieved to find Charlie alone.
“Olivia, you stink.” Charlie wrinkled her nose.
“Oh, can you still smell the formaldehyde? Sorry about that.”
“Why do you smell like formaldehyde?”
“Uhmm, you really don’t want to know.” A description of her dissection work in the lab was certain to ruin Charlie’s appetite, though Olivia found it fascinating. “Is it too smelly? Going to spoil your lunch?”
“No. I only noticed when you leaned over me. I can’t smell it now. Or else I’m getting used to it.” Charlie returned to perusing the menu, idly tapping her fingers on the table.
Olivia drummed up a casual voice. “Is Collin coming?” She coughed to cover when her voice cracked.
Charlie’s eyes appeared over the top of her menu, her perfect eyebrows arching high on her forehead.
“Collin? Why would I invite Collin to our lunch?” She tilted her head a tiny bit, as if a different angle would allow her to see inside Olivia’s head. “Actually, Collin told us you two had a little run-in a while back. He said you despise him, so he’s planning to leave you alone.”
“I don’t despise him.” Olivia objected to the strong term. “I just….”
“Loathe him?”
“No.”
“Scorn him?”
“Too strong.”
“Dislike him?”
“I don’t exactly dislike him.” Olivia wavered. The truth was, ever since he kissed her and then declared he’d leave her alone, he’d kept his promise. She should’ve been thrilled to be rid of him, but that kiss had shaken her resolve. Even now, goose bumps raised on her arms when she remembered the encounter. Though she hadn’t seen him in person, he’d been invading her thoughts and dreams. One night she’d been so angry at his appearance she took a swing at him, and woke up with throbbing knuckles from slamming her fist into the headboard.
Charlie slapped the menu on the table and sat back in her chair, crossing her arms. She squinted at Olivia with obvious interest. “A few months ago, I mentioned Collin, and you called him a ‘rich, overindulged cad.’ I think that at least qualifies as disliking him.” Her tone was more curious than condemning.
Olivia concentrated on spreading her napkin in her lap, smoothing out the wrinkles. “It seems like you’ve forgotten what he was like when we first met him, Charlie. He wasn’t simply flirting. He said some pretty offensive things. He even tried to break you and Josh up, when you were engaged. And he bragged about his money all the time.”
“I’m not denying your point, Olivia.” Charlie took a paper napkin and spit out a piece of gum. “He was awful—there’s no doubt about it. But he’s changed since he started hanging around our family. I think he never interacted with a normal family before. It’s like he was craving it.”
“But you have to admit, it’s hard to believe anyone could change that much.”
“Unless the crass, arrogant playboy was a performance, for the benefit of his family and friends.”
“It’s no use arguing with an attorney,” Olivia complained. “I’ll never beat you. You’re too good at it.”
“I’m still a student.”
“Yes, I pity your opponents by the time you hone your skills.”
Her answering smile said she enjoyed the compliment, but she wasn’t deterred. “You admit it’s possible he’s changed?”
“Even if he’s changed, my father doesn’t like him. I wouldn’t do anything to hurt my dad.”
“As independent as you are, I’m surprised you would let your dad make that kind of decision for you.”
‘He’s not. And he would never openly interfere in my life. In fact, we’ve never even talked about Collin.” Olivia took a long drink of water. Her father was awesome, and she didn’t want Charlie to misjudge him. “He’s purposefully kept his nose out of it, but I can still sense his opinion. If I stand back and think about everything objectively, even disregarding Pop’s opinion, I still say he’s not the right guy for me.”
“Who’s not the right guy for you?” Grace swept her way around the table, giving Charlie a hug before squeezing Olivia’s breath away. Taking her chair, she shook an accusing finger at Olivia. “I miss you. You cancelled last Wednesday and Sunday night dinner.”
Standing only five feet two inches, Grace was by far the most outgoing of the four Marshall sisters. Perhaps because she was the oldest sister, Grace remained leader of the pack long after the others outgrew her, instilling and enforcing ‘Marshall Law’ with an iron hand. Despite the fact Olivia and her two younger sisters, Hannah and Claire, towered over Grace, none of them stood long against the force of her will. Even their older brother, Spencer, who happened to be Charlie’s brother-in-law, recognized Grace as the boss. Or maybe he simply realized it was easier to let her have her way.
“I’ve been swamped with studying.”
“You still have to eat. Why can’t you at least do that with us, so we can see you?” Grace gave her a pointed look.
“Maybe she hasn’t been eating at all,” Charlie murmured to Grace, with a sharp nod at Olivia. “She looks thinner to me.”
Grace squinted at Olivia. “You’re right. I think she’s lost weight, and she didn’t have any to spare.”
“Hello. I’m sitting right here. You can stop talking about me in third person.”
“And we’re so glad you decided to grace us with your presence.” Grace grinned. “Seriously though, you have to make time for your family and friends—at least a little. It’s not healthy to study all the time.”
“I’m afraid this is my last lunch date for a while. Didn’t anticipate how little time I’d have to study. I already promised Mom and Pop I’d try to make Sunday night dinners.”
“That’s too bad, Olivia. We’ll really miss you.” Charlie tapped on her phone and slid it into her purse before looking up in apology. “Checking in with the babysitter.”
“You didn’t answer my question,” Grace reminded her. “Who’s not the right guy for you?”
“Collin,” Charlie answered.
“Oh, is this all about that kiss?” asked Grace, causing Olivia to hide her face in her hands. “What’s the big deal? It’s not like you’ve never kissed a guy before.”
“When did Collin kiss you?” Charlie whispered, like it was a dark secret.
“About two weeks ago,” Grace supplied. “She called me all upset because he did it without asking permission. I told her it was no big deal.”
“Was it good?”
Olivia peeked between her fingers to find Charlie grinning at her, menu abandoned on the table in light of more interesting developments.
“Good? Of course not, because it didn’t mean anything.” Olivia put all her assurance into her words, almost convincing herself of the kiss’s deficiencies. “It was purely physical, like every other kiss I’ve ever had.”
“Is that so bad?” Grace lifted her eyebrows. “I mean it’s not like he asked you to sleep with him. It was only a kiss. Like every other kiss.”
“Right, but he didn’t ask if I wanted to kiss him. He just did it.”
“You didn’t kiss him back?” asked Charlie.
“Of course not.” Her cheeks burned and she lifted her menu to hide.
Fingers grabbed the top of the menu and pushed it down to the table. “You did kiss him back, didn’t you?” Grace’s question was merely a statement, establishing that she had the upper hand. “You naughty sister—you didn’t tell me that. In fact, you implied you got really angry about it.”
“I did. I was furious. But I didn’t realize how mad I was until after he left.”
Grace laughed so loud the other diners turned to stare, and Olivia considered hiding under the table.
“Does this mean you like him, after all?” Grace held her gaze until she jerked it away.
“No, no, no—a thousand times no! I’ve been through this over and over again. Collin is not my type. I’ve already admitted he’s good looking, but that’s where the relationship ends. He and I are completely incompatible. I don’t have time to waste dating a guy if the only thing we have in common is physical attraction.”
“New rule? A second ago you admitted every other guy you kissed was only about physical attraction,” Charlie pointed out. “When exactly did everything change?”
Olivia ignored the question. “Plus, Pop doesn’t like him. Grace, you know that.”
“Pop hasn’t been around him enough to know what he thinks. He’d come around if you talked him into it. You’ve got him wrapped around your finger.”
“Me? What about you?” Olivia jumped on the chance to turn the tables. “I seem to remember someone getting Pop to buy her a designer prom dress.”
“For goodness sake, I was seventeen. And the dress came from a resale shop.”
“It still cost twice your spending limit.”
“Forget your father.” Charlie interrupted. “What about the fact Olivia kissed Collin and liked it?”
Thankfully, the waiter approached before Olivia was forced to answer.
“Hmmm.” Charlie flipped her menu over and pointed. “I’ll have the pulled pork tacos with a side of guacamole. What are you getting, Grace?”
“Barbecue nachos, please. What about you, Olivia? Going to take a walk on the wild side?”
“I’ll have the, uhmm, spinach salad with strawberries and candied pecans….”
“Dressing on the side, and a croissant.” Charlie smirked as she chimed in with Grace. “Never fails.”
Grace added. “We know what you order at all three of our lunch restaurants. You’re more reliable than Old Faithful.”
Olivia tried to scowl at their mocking, but she couldn’t keep a straight face.
“We love you, Olivia, just the way you are,” said Charlie. “Even if you never try anything new on the menu. We’ve always got Grace if we need someone fun and adventurous.”
“I used to be fun,” Olivia lamented, heaving a heavy sigh.
Grace gave her a you-got-that-right look. “You’re a little boring in your food choices, but you make up for it in a lot of other ways. At least, you used to.”
Olivia thought about her life since medical school began and wondered if the pressure was changing her. She couldn’t remember doing anything exciting in months. How would she ever find a good husband and start a family? No fun guy would want to date her now that she had to be serious all the time. She’d have to settle for a dull husband. She’d dated several great guys during the past two years, yet she’d rejected any possibility of a permanent relationship, keeping everything on a superficial level. Now, it was too late.
Charlie cocked her head to the side, her forehead wrinkling. “You look upset. You know we’re only teasing, right?”
“I know. I’m not upset.”
“Well, something’s wrong. What is it?” Grace sipped her water,
Olivia noticed her hand had snuck its way to her mouth to have its nails chewed, though there was nothing left for her teeth to grab on any finger. She forced it into her lap. Might as well tell the truth. Already spilled my guts to Collin. “Kind of been assessing my life. Twenty-seven now. Trying to break all my bad habits before it’s too late.”
“All your bad habits? Far as I know, Olivia, you only have one.” Charlie winked, looking pointedly at Olivia’s mouth.
Schmazzle! Chewing my nails again. She crossed her arms tightly, tucking both hands safely away.“Don’t know why I bother trying. Totally hopeless. Can’t even break a bad habit. Ought to give up accomplishing any goal.”
“You’re not hopeless, Olivia. You’re smart and driven. You got into med school, didn’t you?” Charlie gave her head a shake, blinking her eyes fast, as if she were coming out of a dream. “Why are we having this conversation? You’ve always had tons of confidence. Why doubt yourself now?”
“It’s partially because of you guys and Emily.”
“What on earth are you talking about?” Grace was already wearing her wise, big-sister expression. She’d have plenty of advice to give, once she heard the problem.
“What do my sister and I have to do with it?” Charlie’s sister, Emily, was Spencer’s wife and Charlie’s familial connection to the Marshall family.
Olivia took a deep breath. No going back. “You have to promise not to tell anyone, okay?”
Charlie nodded, her eyes wide as if she were expecting a confession of murder. Grace gave a perfunctory nod. Olivia would’ve been guarded, but she knew her sister would keep her word.
“It’s my clock.”
“Your clock?” Charlie scrunched up her nose.
“I’m twenty-seven, and the biological clock is ticking.” As the words started tumbling out, she lost control and blurted everything she’d been thinking for the past few weeks. “Best for my body if I start having kids by the time I’m thirty, but I’ll still be in medical school. After that I have four or five years in a residency. Can’t have kids while I’m doing all that. Don’t even have a boyfriend. Guess I’m never going to have kids. I’m okay with that—all I’ve ever wanted was to be a doctor. But when I see all of you, married and happy with your babies, I start feeling like my life is empty—”
“Whoa, whoa, whoa! Hold on a minute.” Charlie’s head shook from side to side. “First of all, you don’t have to choose between med school and having kids. If I can have a baby during law school, you can have one during medical school.”
“I know, but—”
Grace interjected, “As for not having a boyfriend…you’ve been fighting off guys with a stick since the day you were born. You’re intelligent. Gorgeous. Had plenty of boyfriends. Last time we talked you said you didn’t have time to date during med school. You changed your mind?”
“Don’t know. Afraid all the good ones are taken. Won’t be anyone left for me.”
Is that why I’m suddenly so hung up on Collin? Afraid he’s my only viable option? Can’t be because of that kiss….
“I agree I got the best one. Brad’s awesome at least ninety percent of the time.” Grace grinned.
“No, mine’s the best.” Charlie wagged her eyebrows. “He’s awesome ninety-one percent of the time. Don’t believe me? Ask Josh.”
“That’s okay. Already know what Josh will say.” Olivia chuckled. “I shouldn’t have said anything. Even if the perfect guy asked me out, I don’t have time to date. Between studying and work and the community clinic, I barely have time to eat and sleep.”
“I know. I’m worried about you.” Grace studied her as if she could see some hidden ailment growing inside her.
“Josh says you shouldn’t be working while you’re in medical school. He says your studies are going to suffer.” Charlie stared at her fingers, which were once again drumming a random pattern on the table.
Olivia rubbed her temples, suddenly aware of a throbbing tension headache, made worse by her exhaustion. “They made me drop my nursing job at the hospital, but I still need income of some sort. Then I took a weekend job at Bergman Fifth Avenue. The store has limited hours, and the pay is decent. If my next big exam goes well, I might accept a few extra shifts. I’m already down to three hours every other week at the free clinic, and they’re desperate for help.”
“Maybe Josh and Brad could find another nurse to take your place at the free clinic,” Charlie suggested. “That would free up a little bit of time.”
Olivia felt her chest tighten as she thought of severing those patient relationships, some of which had been ongoing for two years now. “I don’t think I can give that up completely.”
“Then at least let us loan you some money so you could quit your department store job,” said Grace. “Brad and I can afford it, even if Mom and Pop can’t.” Grace’s husband was also a physician and best friends with Charlie’s husband Josh. Though it would be some time before Brad’s school loans were paid off, they were more than comfortable.
Olivia took a deep breath. They’d had this conversation many times in the past. “You know that’s not going to happen.”
“Then, let Josh and I help. It would only be fitting, since he kind of promised to pay for it anyway.”
Olivia pressed her lips together, suppressing a chuckle. Josh had once tried to bargain with her, offering to pay for medical school in exchange for her posing as his fake fiancé. “Of all my friends, you should understand, Charlie. I’m not going to take—”
“Charity,” Charlie finished, holding up her hand. “It wouldn’t be charity if it was an interest-free loan.”
“I applied for a school loan when I quit working at the hospital, but there seems to be some kind of hang up. Next semester I could probably live off my loans, and I won’t have to work.”
Charlie shook her head, her eyebrows twisting in a frown. “I can’t help worrying about you, Olivia. You look so tired.”
“Yes,” Grace agreed. “You have dark circles under your eyes.
“Thanks a lot.” Olivia gave an exaggerated huff. “Maybe I shouldn’t go out in public anymore.”
Charlie rolled her lips in between her teeth, in a vain attempt to keep a straight face.
Grace didn’t even try. “Or maybe you should take my advice, since I’m your older and wiser sister.”
“You’re older, but not necessarily wiser. It’s not that bad working late shifts on the weekends. Low stress. After closing I can work with an ear bud in and listen to lectures while I’m hanging up clothes.”
“Maybe if you weren’t working, you’d have time to date,” suggested Grace as she took an all-too-casual sip of water through her straw. “If Brad and I loaned you some money for school, it’d be like our contribution to your little biological clock problem.”
I shouldn’t have confessed that clock-thing to Grace—she’ll tease me every time she sees me. “Thanks a lot, but no thanks.” She coated her reply with sarcasm to encourage the girls to drop the subject.
“Tick-tock-tick-tock….” Grace wagged her head from side to side in time with her words.
“I mean it, guys. Forget everything I said. Years before I need to start worrying about my clock. I’m not anxious—just a little tired.”
Charlie arched an eyebrow as she cleared her throat. “Eh-hem. You’re chewing your nails again.”
Drat!