Page 30 of Miss Fortune

But today was a rare exception. I didn’t have a car, and I certainly didn’t feel like walking down to the nearest market and carrying groceries back. Nope, I’d lounge instead and have them delivered tomorrow after work. Ugh, which reminded me I was taking the bus tomorrow. Bad timing all the way around between my car repair and my injury.

Although I’d half expected a text message from Caleb today to ask how I was doing, he surprised me by calling instead. “Hello,” I answered.

“Hi. How are you doing?”

Damn, his voice did things to me. Things I shouldn’t be picturing with my boss. “Good. I even managed a shower.” Ope, not something I should have shared with him.

He cleared his throat. “I was wondering— Do you plan on doing something from your list next Saturday?”

“Yeah, probably a hike.” I tried to plan an activity each weekend to get out and see a piece of California. And walking was an important part of my exercise program to keep my heart healthy.

“You shouldn’t go alone.”

My annoyance flared. Although he didn’t know about my medical condition, he’d struck a nerve by suggesting I should limit myself. “Runyon Canyon is a popular place to hike with plenty of people around.”

“How about I go with you?”

Say what, now? “You want to go hiking with me?”

“I enjoy hiking, and since you have two left feet, it’s a good idea for someone to accompany you.”

“You’re not exactly selling this with an insult.”

His chuckle was unexpected. “We’ll plan on Saturday morning.”

“Um, okay.”

Here was hoping it wouldn’t be as awkward as this phone call.

* * *

On Monday morning I donned my most cheerful dress to wear into the office. This one was cobalt blue with red and yellow flowers, and I wore my best red heels with it. The flower behind my ear might be over the top, but I didn’t care. If I was going to be a source of gossip and have my clothes and weight talked about, might as well give them a reason. At least the old man I’d sat beside on the bus had whistled his appreciation.

I smiled as Caleb came out of his office, but per usual he didn’t have much of one to return. Nope. He was back to all business. It was as though Saturday in my apartment hadn’t happened at all.

“I have clients coming in during the lunch hour. What time do you plan to take your break?”

“I have a protein bar today, so I don’t need to take much of a break. I can be available any time.” Since I hadn’t had a chance to get to the store yesterday, I didn’t have a meal to bring with me today. I could always eat in the cafeteria, but the risk of food poisoning meant I seldom ate from a buffet or a sandwich shop. So many simple things had to be considered when you were on the alert for any type of infection.

His jaw clenched. Was he angry? And if so, why? “Can I speak with you in my office?”

“Um, sure.” What had I done?

I preceded him into his office, turning to see him close the door.

“How’s your arm?” he asked.

Holy whiplash, Batman. “It’s good, thanks. Why are you mad?”

“I’m not mad.”

“Your face tells a different story.”

He pinched the bridge of his nose. “This is probably none of my business, but eating just a protein bar for lunch isn’t healthy.”

Why on earth would he care?

“I know what Wendy said about your weight, but you’re not fat. You shouldn’t let what other people say cause you to starve yourself.”