Rebound by Rosemary Rey Page A

know how to talk
to you.” I looked at him. Slipping my foot back in my
heel.
    “ What? Why?”
    “ I don’t know. I can’t
articulate why. I can have conversations with total strangers en
route to work and at work, but with you, I clam up. Even saying
this to you requires an immense amount of courage.”
    He looked at me curiously. “It’s not
just you. I get that a lot. My friends say that I’m a quiet
observer. I think medical school taught me that. You listen and
watch the patient, and think of what they could be suffering from.
Once I have an answer, I tell them. I’m always thinking. You’ll
have to bear with me when we’re together.” He said. I hung onto the
words, ‘when we’re together’, which partially answered my question
of whether we’ll see each other again.
    “ This is it, right there.”
I said, pointing to my place. As always the narrow street was
filled with parked cars. There would be no option for him to ask to
park and come up. I quietly breathed a sigh of relief.
    “ Where’s the best place to
find parking?” He asked.
    “ There isn’t any great
place to park. It’s like this all the time in Charlestown. I’ll get
out here and go in. Thank you so much for bringing me
home.”
    “ Are you sure you don’t
want me to see you in?” He asked, caressing my leg. His fingers
going up my thigh. I put my hand over his and leaned in.
    “ I wouldn’t have time to
give you attention. I’ve got a lot to do before I go to bed. I have
to prep for the week, and I have to get to bed as soon as I’m done
because I must wake up super early.”
    “ Okay.” He looked around,
seemingly still looking for an open spot. “When are you free? I’d
like to see you again. Maybe take you out to dinner?” He looked
deeply into my eyes.
    “ I’m free Saturdays. It’s
my only day off.”
    “ Not Fridays?” He asked
incredulously.
    “ No, I took the evening
off for Chelz’ party. I wouldn’t be able to take another day off
for a while.”
    “ Where is your evening
job? Maybe we can see each other afterwards?” He offered; his tone
hopeful.
    “ I work at The Lighthouse
Inn on the North End. My shift ends at 11 p.m.” He grimaced. It
felt hopeless.
    “ I’m going overseas on
Thursday and won’t return until Sunday. I was hoping to see you
before I leave. I’ll check my schedule and I’ll call to see if
you’re available. Okay?” He looked at me. I must have failed at
appearing hopeful, because he touched my chin and pulled me close
and whispered, “I’ll make sure to see you”. We kissed longingly.
Before we got too consumed by each other, a car behind us honked.
The Range Rover was double parked and was taking up a lot of space
in the narrow two-way street.
    He stopped kissing me. He let out a
huge exhale. He pressed on the window button to lower his window.
He waved the car to pass. Once the car passed, he exited the
vehicle and walked to my side. He opened my door and offered his
hand. Taking his hand, I exited the car, and smoothed out my trench
and dress.
    “ Thank you again for
everything. I hope to see you again.” I reached up and gave him a
quick peck on the lips. I pulled to go, but he held my hand. “Good
night.” I said gently pulling my hand from his grip. I walked to
the small steps and looked for my keys in my clutch. I turned to
see that he was still standing there looking at me, reminding me of
the way he watched me walk away at the club. I unlocked and pushed
the door open, looking back to wave one more time. He waved back
and he walked toward the driver’s side. I closed and locked the
front door, wishing this wasn’t the last time that I’d get to see
him.
    I took off my heels to walk the three
flight of stairs. As I walked up the steps to my top floor studio,
I relived the sensual moments that we spent together today. Even if
we never see each other again, I’m comforted by the experience, and
for that I am grateful to Doctor Dashing.
    When I entered my