Chapter 46: Life jacket
Later that night, just as he had promised, Kay came to pick Patricia up, and together they made their way to Roman’s room.
Upon arrival, Kay opened the door and gestured for her to enter. She stepped inside, hearing the door click shut behind her, but her attention was caught by something ahead, keeping her from turning back.
Strangely, there was a dinner setting for two arranged neatly in the room, as if waiting just for her. The warm, intimate atmosphere touched her, and she liked it, liked that he had gone out of his way to set it up. Her gaze shifted and landed on him, standing by the window, staring out at the ocean. His view was far grander than hers, and though it was already dark, it still looked breathtakingly serene.
"I am here," she announced softly, catching his attention.
"Sit," he said, turning to face her. She walked over to the table, and he followed close behind.
They both sat and began eating in silence, the only sounds being those of cutlery against the plates. Patricia couldn’t shake off the awkward tension that lingered between them, but she had nothing to say. She kept her head down, avoiding his gaze, afraid she might regret it if she didn’t.
"You can resume work at the cardiology department after the vacation. Also, Kay will get you a new car to replace the one they stole," he said mid-meal, prompting her hands to freeze. Just like that? He was returning her to where she belonged, casually, with nothing but words? It was unsettling, he was now doing things he would never have done before. Was he trying to make her stay? If that was the plan, then she was sorry, but this tactic wouldn’t work on her.
Resting her hands on her lap, she responded, "I won’t be needing a new car. There are only two weeks left until our agreement ends after the vacation. I would prefer to spend that time alone. Once we are back home, I will introduce you to the investor. I just need you to finalize the deal now." She made sure to underline the point that their deal would soon come to an end. She wasn’t sure why he suddenly wanted her to stay, but something deep inside told her that leaving was the right choice.
A heavy silence settled over them, and the atmosphere grew even more uncomfortable. After a moment, Roman placed his hand on the table and asked quietly, "What if I don’t want to let go?"