Everett couldn't care less about curiosity and gossip. His concerns were far more immediate.
“Hey, you're not mad at me over this whole mess, are you?” he asked tentatively.
She didn’t reply.
“Jeffrey is always so impulsive and he’s a man who speaks before he thinks like he's never grown up. Don't be mad, okay? He picked on your friend, but I'l make it right.” Dorothy couldn't help but smile at the hasty earnestness in his eyes.
“I never said I'd drag you into this! I know my bestie. She can handle herself.” With a mouth like Karen's, she could run circles around Jeffrey in a verbal showdown.
The moment Everett mentioned he was treating her to dinner, Karen was all in.
Who could say no to a feast of delicacies? And Everett was nothing if not sincere, even arranging a limo to pick her up from the hotel.
Holding a bag of groceries and stepping inside, Karen gave a dry smile, “Just swung by a fruit stand. I couldn't understand a word they were saying so I just grabbed what I could recognize. Can't visit a patient empty-handed, right?” She knew all about proper etiquette! With a sigh, Dorothy laughed, “I could get used to the sudden etiquette of yours.” Karen squinted playfully and strolled over to Everett's hospital bed, “Mr. Lopez, feeling better?” “Yeah,” Everett nodded.
“Good, good. With you looking after Dorothy, I can head back home without worrying. Otherwise, my brother—" Karen caught herself mid-sentence, slamming the brakes on that thought.
“It's fine. I know he's good to Dorothy,” Everett smoothly carried on the conversation.
She gave an awkward laugh, “Don't get it twisted, Mr. Lopez. It's all one-sided. Dorothy never said yes. Her heart's always been with you.” “Karen!” Dorothy couldn't bear it any longer. Fearing Karen might let slip something even more untoward, she quickly cut in, “Everett was thinking of showing you around Swevia Country. Interested?” Karen was about to agree when she hesitated.
“Who's the guide? It's not Jeffrey, is it...?” “It's not him,” Everett assured her with a wry smile. “Don't worry.” “Thank goodness! A little sightseeing before I head back sounds perfect. Thanks, Mr. Lopez. I'll go with it as long as the guide isn't Jeffrey.” Before Everett could respond, his phone rang.
All eyes turned as the caller ID popped up—it was Jeffrey.
Everett answered and could clearly feel Jeffrey was outside, for the whoosh of wind was audible over the line.
“Everett, my folks called and they need me back home. Looks like you've got things under control here so I can give Kevin a hand at the office.” “Sure, I'll arrange the flight,” Everett responded with a grave tone.
Jeffrey took a drag of his cigarette, “You sound weird. What's up? You're not with Dorothy, are you...?” “She brought Karen over for a meal at the hospital.” “Karen's with you?” “Yeah.” “I'm on my way.” With that, Jeffrey hung up.
Everett tried calling back, but Jeffrey, as if anticipating what he was going to say, stubbornly refused to pick up.
Dorothy, noticing Everett's change in demeanor, arched an eyebrow, “What's up?” “Jeffrey's coming over. I've got someone trying to intercept him.” “Why stop him?” Dorothy asked, puzzled.
Everett glanced at Karen, who suddenly got it and quickly waved her hands, “No need! Mr. Lopez, Jeffrey and I just like to ruffle each other's feathers. It's not like we can't even be in the same room! I'm still willing to share a meal with the guy, given his cute face.”
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