“These. They are Oxy.”
Worried, Dana frowned. “Oxy? You’ve been on those the entire time?”
Nicole put her hands up. “Stop. Please. I know what you’re thinking, but this is what the doctor prescribed after I left the hospital. I only take them when I need them.”
Dana had just heard her say she took them every single day. That wasn’t a good sign, but she kept quiet. Well, not completely. “They can be very addictive. Be careful with those.”
“Yes. They can. But I’m responsible and too smart to get hooked on drugs. Once I get over these injuries, I’ll stop taking them.”
“Of course you are. As a doctor, six weeks is a long time to be on those things. You might want to consult your physician to see what else they can do for pain management.”
Nicole laughed jokingly and responded sarcastically. “I will take your advice into consideration, Dr. Lasso.” When Dana didn’t laugh too, Nicole got serious. “Look. Please don’t worry. I know my body and my pain better than anybody else. I promise. When the time comes, I’ll stop taking them.” There was a soft tap on the door. Nicole was happy for the interruption. She looked up. “Come in.”
Claire peeped her head through the door. “Your meeting is in five minutes.”
Nicole nodded. “Thanks.” She turned back to Dana. “Stop worrying. I have everything under control.” She stood. “I’ve got to get going but should be finished in about an hour. Let’s meet back here say in two? That’ll give me enough time to make a few phone calls and tie up any miscellaneous things I may have missed while I’ve been on leave from work.”
Dana stood too. “Okay. I’ll meet you downstairs at noon.” As she walked toward the door, her concern meter was still on full-tilt. Dana hoped the excitement and newfound energy that Nicole was giving off wasn’t because of those drugs.
Chapter 11
Nicole had been to the Clarks Tower twice in one week. She mumbled to herself, “Why can’t people value other people’s time?” Nicole was already irritated that she had to come back into the office this week for a task someone else should have been able to do, but now the person she was supposed to meet was late.
She stood outside her office pacing back and forth. Periodically, she checked her watch. Where were they? Nicole wasn’t sure if it was her medication or what, but she was anxious. “Claire?” Nicole turned to her assistant who was exhausted from watching her walk in front of her desk. She was glad that her heels weren’t click-clacking. Fortunately, they were casual with soft soles.
“Yes, Mrs. Chatham?”
“Are you sure they said the representative was on their way? If I don’t leave soon, I’m going to be late.”
“Yep.” Claire popped the p in her response.
“Well, I’ll give them ten more minutes, then I’m leaving.”
A slightly accented and deeply male voice responded from behind her. “I apologize for my tardiness, Ms. Chatham. An overseas call took longer than I expected.”
Nicole recognized that voice. She closed her eyes, scrunched up her nose, and mouthed the words—DAMN. However, Nicole smiled when she turned to face him. “Mr. Abboud. What are you doing here?”
“I wanted an up close and personal tour of the American foster care system.”
“I have to admit; I wasn’t expecting to see you again unless it was in the boardroom of the Angel Foundation, not here at our KidCare offices.”
“Rome. Please call me Rome.” He scratched the side of his head with a finger. “I live temporarily on the top floor of this building. I figured it was quite possible that I would run into you again.”
“I didn’t know there were living quarters in this building.”
He continued to flash her a million watt-bulb smile. “Yes, there are.” He glanced around. “Isn’t KidCare and the Angel Foundation the same company?”
“No, they are not, but they share certain resources like these offices.”
“Interesting. Well, I’m still pleasantly surprised that you are my point person.”
Nicole didn’t believe him for a second. She folded her arms across her chest and lifted an eyebrow. “Is that so?”
Of course, he was lying, but Roman would never admit it. If KidCare wanted his financial support, he had made it perfectly clear that they would only get it, if Nicole were available for the ride along and anything else he asked for. That was why his people phoned her boss to ensure that she would be along for this little adventure. “I was told someone from Children and Family Services would meet me.”
“KidCare works closely with that government organization, but I am the representative for the day.”
“Oh. I thought you only charmed men like me out of money. I didn’t know you worked this close to the ground.”
“I don’t charm anyone for donations, Mr. Abboud.”
“Rome. Please call me ROME.”
She ignored him. “In answer to your question, I don’t usually handle the in-person visits, but apparently there was an emergency, and the woman you were supposed to be with today couldn’t be here. I’m stepping in because there was no one else available on such short notice. So, if you’re serious about what we’re doing today—”
“I am.” He stared her down, challenging her doubts.
Nicole quickly ran through all the reasons why she shouldn’t believe him. But then common sense kicked in. Why wouldn’t Mr. Abboud be serious about how his money is going to be used after donating ten-million dollars? She could only take him at his word. Nicole dropped her arms to her side. “We will go to a couple of the
