In Her Shadow by August McLaughlin Read Free Book Online Page B

he took a picture. Who does that? He sped away like a flipping maniac. I’m telling you, Elle. It wasn’t normal.”
    “He took a picture of you?”
    “In my direction, at least.”
    “Wait, why were you at the doctor’s office in the first place?”
    “My birthday wasn’t as...uneventful as I would’ve liked.” She fills Elle in on the clinic surprise party and her panic at her grandparents’ house. “I thought I was just wigged out over the anniversary until I passed out and woke up at Dr. Travers’ office. He sent me in for some tests.”
      “My God, Claire. What do they think it is?”
    “Probably nothing serious. A stomach bug of some sort.”
    “Well you know what I think…”
    “Too many doctors equal too many problems.” She’s heard her say it before—Elle prefers Eastern medicine.
    “Right, present boyfriend exempt, unless he turns out to be an asshole. I’m telling you, yoga and green tea changed my life.”
    Claire smiles. Elle surprised the both of them when she transformed from a Dorito-scarfing chocoholic to Ms. Grassroots Granola after moving to Manhattan. “True, but were you fainting among the fruit trees in your grandparents’ backyard beforehand?”
    “Point taken. But you do have a stressful job. Might not be a bad idea to get some massages or take up tai chi or something. And Claire, this stalker guy... Don’t take this the wrong way, but maybe you’re just super stressed out and overreacting?”
    Stalker guy . Thoughts of the echoing footsteps and the car screeching off send chills over Claire’s skin. She clears her throat. “You’re probably right.”
    But then why can’t she accept it? Was it simply offset by his rudeness? The shock of his behavior? Stress makes sense, she tells herself, longing to agree with Elle’s logic.
    “You still there?” Elle asks.
    “Yeah, sorry. Can I call you later? Hank will be here soon.”
    “Second fiddle to hot doctor man, I get it.”
    “Stop it, you know that’s not true.” On the contrary, she longs to have Elle here in the flesh. Now, especially.
    “I’m kidding. Have fun and feel better. I’m off to the Hamptons for the rest of the weekend, that retreat I told you about. Chat next week?”
    “For sure.”
    “Earth to Dr. Fiksen. Anybody there?” Hank startles her. Straight off a night shift, he wears scrubs and smells of hospital disinfectant. The odor has grown on her; a symbol of their reunions after consecutive night shifts. She kisses him then holds him tightly. Thank God you’re here .
    “Guess you missed me,” he says.
    “I did.” She draws back to look at him. “How are you?”
    “Good now. Brought your favorite.” He holds up a bag from Einstein Bros. Zola jumps eagerly, maybe assuming it holds dog treats. “How’s the Zola-girl doing?”
    “She’s good,” Claire replies. “Gave me a workout this morning. Shall we sit?”
    They move to a park bench and Hank peers into the bag. “We have...pumpernickel, cinnamon raisin, poppy seed and…blueberry.”
    God, she loves blueberry bagels, from Einstein Bros. in particular. Her stomach is equal parts anxiety and eagerness as she selects one. She’s hardly eaten lately; one bagel won’t hurt... Will it?
    Hank hands her a fresh cup of coffee and she takes a bite. Her mouth fills with excitement—like an orgasm in her mouth; it tastes so good! Slow down, she prompts. At the moment she can see herself scarfing down this bagel and several more.
    She feels a flutter in her stomach—maybe nothing. She chews slowly, noting a creamy texture inside. It tastes rich...fattening. The flutter accelerates. “What’s the stuff inside?”
    “Oh, that’s their latest schmear, like whipped cream cheese only better. They mix other stuff in, too...their own special recipe .” He bites into his bagel. Claire hesitates with hers.
    “So you’ll love this one,” Hank says. “Last night a homeless person came in, swearing she was one of the Golden Girls. Remember