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He didn’t quiteto be a pleasant conversation

"Is there a probleh she couldn’t think of a single incident in which her ability as a PAlike that" Still he hesitated "Perhaps we could get a cup of coffee after work"

Had he asked her this as little as three weeks ago, she would’ve leapt at the suggestion

"Is tonight convenient?" he o back there" Sally’s voice rang down the hallway

Linnette spun around and saw Cal

His eyes narrowed as he read the physician’s nahtened Chad had kept his voice low in order to talk privately and she’d leaned close so she could hear hi upon them would’ve assumed they were deep in conversation--a confidential, perhaps even intimate, conversation

"No p-problem," Cal said, and with that he wheeled around and walked out the door

Once e to run after hier felt she had any other choice

Thirty-Five

On Valentine’s Day, Grace drove out to visit Olivia rather than head home to an empty house Jack had recently returned froery, and poor Olivia had her hands full Apparently Jack wasn’t a good patient, which came as no surprise to Grace Or Olivia either, Grace assu the doorbell and waited a few minutes before Olivia answered, flustered and unkempt, which was completely unlike her She stared at Grace and her small bouquet of red carnations and seeh day," Grace said sympathetically

"You don’t know the half of it," Oliviaroo defiance

"Ah," Grace said, glancing from one to the other "Did I come at a bad time?"

"No," Olivia insisted

"Yes," Jack countered

"Perhaps I should co at her husband

Jack sighed his capitulation "You ht as well stay"

"Jack Griffin!"

"Sorry, Grace" He rolled his eyes "I just wonder if you kno stubborn your best friend can be"

"Olivia?" Grace feigned shock "Never"

"Et tu, Brute!" Olivia muttered

Grace handed her the flowers and while her friend retreated to the kitchen to find a vase, she sat down across from Jack "A little overprotective, is she?"

He snickered softly "How’d you guess?"

"I know Olivia"

"She’s become my shadow I can’t even take a--use the bathroo to keel over"

"That’s a natural reaction, don’t you think?" Grace asked "She nearly lost you, in case you’ve forgotten"

"She’s suffocating me"

Olivia poked her head around the kitchen door "Are you talking about me behind my back?"

Grace wasn’t about to lie "Of course"

Olivia frowned "Don’t listen to hi doctor’s orders," Jack shouted He turned his attention to Grace again "Tell her to go back to work I need soreed "Let her fuss over you She needs to do that"

Jack regarded her, then slowly shook his head "I suppose you’re right"

"Grace, would you like a cup of tea?" Olivia called

"Please"

"I’ll take coffee," Jack said

"Green tea is better for you"

He started to argue but apparently changed his mind "Whatever you think, dear"

This time Olivia came all the way out of the kitchen She pointed at Grace "What did you say to hi back a smile, Grace said airily, "Oh, just that you love hi that In all headed as Jack Griffin"