BETWEEN HER LAST CONVERSATION with Aaron and with Nick, Izzy didn’t know what to do with herself. She seriously debated getting the address of the ranch from Norma and calling a cab for a ride to Dallas. The only thing that stopped her was what she would do when she got there.
She sat at the breakfast table, sipping on coffee, staring out into the bright light of the morning. She could almost convince herself last night hadn’t happened. But what was the point in that? She might not appreciate Nick’s tactics, but she understood the purpose behind the message.Someone entered the kitchen. She recognized Aaron’s footsteps.
“I’m sorry,” he said as he approached the table. “I was bitchy because I was nervous about my date. I just want you to be able to see, if only to be able to compliment me on my tasteful ensembles.”
“Thanks,” she said. “It’s okay.”
“I don’t think so. You look pouty. And puffy. Were you crying last night?” He sank down next to her and took her hand. “Did I make you cry? Say that I didn’t. I couldn’t stand it if I did. Izzy?”
She managed a smile. “I don’t believe in crying, but if I did, it wasn’t so much about you. I had a fight with Nick, too.”
“Oh, well, that makes sense. You two are circling each other like dogs in heat. Oh, wait. I don’t like that visual at all. You’re circling each other like…” He sighed. “I can’t think of anything, but you know what I mean.”
“I think so, only you’re wrong. Nick isn’t interested in me.”
“Oh, honey, you haven’t seen him looking at you. Trust me, the wanting is so there.”
She wanted to believe him, but didn’t dare risk it. After finally feeling more like herself it was icky to feel vulnerable again. Icky and uncomfortable.
“Maybe,” she said, not really believing him. “So tell me about your date with Steve.”
“You don’t have to ask me twice. It was fabulous. He made me laugh, he was charming. We talked about everything. Our past relationships, what we’re looking for in a man, the future. The time flew by. He’s very good-looking.”
“So are you.”
“Well, thank you. Although, and don’t take this wrong, a compliment from a blind woman isn’t as thrilling as you’d think.”
She grinned. “Really? Color me shocked.”
“Oh, good. Your attitude is back. Okay, let me tell you more. Steve likes his job, but he doesn’t love it. He’s into cooking and wine. We’re both from somewhere else—he’s from L.A.—but we both love Texas. We love the same wines, we both enjoy travel.” He sighed. “It was perfect. I’m so happy and completely terrified.”
“Because you’re afraid it’s not going to work out?”
“Of course. Love isn’t easy. Every time I get burned, it’s that much more difficult to take another chance. But he’s too yummy for me not to try.”
“Because the reward is worth the risk.”
“I just said that.”
“Right. Sorry. I was actually talking about myself.”
“But we already talked about you. It’s my turn.”
True, and Aaron loved taking his turn. Still, his words connected with her on another level. They could be talking about her situation.
She leaned toward him. “Will you take me into Dallas?”
“Of course. Do you want to see your sisters?”
“No. I want to see my doctor and I can’t ask them.”
“Why not? They’d take you.”
“I don’t want to get their hopes up.”
He was silent for a minute. “You want to talk about the surgery.”
“Maybe. I don’t know. Don’t tell anyone. I need to call.” She gave a nervous laugh. “Actually I need you to call. Dialing is a bit of a challenge for me.”
“Do you think he’ll see you today? Ooh, this is very exciting. I feel like a spy. Should I disguise my voice when I call?”
“I don’t think that’s necessary.”
“Let me know if you want me to. I can do a British accent. Hello, this is Nigel Barker and I’m verry, verry handsome.”
“ANYTHING?” the doctor asked.
Izzy stared at the screen in front of her and shook her head. “It’s all blurry. At first I kept thinking if I blinked enough, everything would clear.”“Sorry, that’s not going to happen.” Dr. Greenspoon moved in closer, a handheld light/lens thing held up to his own eye. “Look to your left.”
Izzy did as he requested. She’d had her eyes dilated, stared into what felt like the sun, had her eyes numbed, filled with drops, stained and now stared at.