The tension releases from her shoulders, and her smile becomes less strained. “My God. I don’t know where my mind is today. I forgot my phone when I left for work, and now, I’m offering you a morning cocktail! Maybe I need a vacation. So, all your appointments are going fine?”

Ah, that’s it. She probably thought I was here to deliver some bad news.

“Everything is on track. No problems so far.”

“Good. That’s so good to hear.” She pauses and then places her hand on my shoulder. “I just want to thank you again. You are saving my son, and that is something I will never be able to repay you for.”

The outpouring of thanks unnerves me.

She seems to pick up on my discomfort and lets her hand drop while changing the subject. “Are you here to visit Ben?”

I nod.

“That’s kind of you. He mentioned you came before for a treatment.” She lowers her voice. “He doesn’t like his father or me sitting with him, so it’s good to know he has a friend he’ll let in.”

“My brother pretended he didn’t like anyone with him either. But I never listened to him. Little sisters can do that.”

We share a grin.

“Well, he’s already started, so you’ll find him upstairs. I’m heading back to work. I hope I’ll see you again soon, Holly.” Then, with the quick snick of her heels, she departs, leaving me alone in the kitchen.

And I realize I’m an idiot.

What would I have done if she hadn’t been here to let me in?

If Ben had been alone, I would have been forcing him to stop his treatment in the middle just to come open the front door, and then he’d have had to start up again. I berate myself for the oversight. Usually, I’m better at planning than this.

With nothing left as an excuse to stall, I climb the stairs. In a matter of seconds, I’m going to see Ben. Like a wanderer in the desert, I’m thirsty for him. Taking a pause, I let my craving roll over me. Then, I soldier on, confident the unwanted infatuation will pass with time.

Down the hall, I see light glowing from his treatment room. There’s also some noise, voices shouting. Pausing just outside the door, I try to figure out what movie is playing. Denzel Washington’s voice is distinct, but that guy has made so many movies that I need more clues to narrow it down. It’s not till I hear him complaining about being unable to read his newspaper that I get it.

“Training Day!” I proclaim triumphantly, bouncing into the room without considering if my dramatic entrance is a good choice.

Ben practically jumps out of his seat, the pencil and sketchbook he was holding clattering to the floor. He collapses back after realizing the intruder is a friend. “Holy hell!”

“Close, but you’re missing an L. My name is Hol-ly.” I drag out the L sound to exaggerate the joke while I move to pick up the stuff he dropped.