If At First

Part 4 - Chapter 3

"Right. -So I may take Miss Tabitha's vitals?"

They both complied, but I thought at the last second Haven moved again in what seemed like a motion to connect with me, and then thinking better of it at the last second, retreated, raking his fingers through his hair. I had to be imagining it, but a tiny voice in my head didn't quite want him to walk away.

Dr. Bennett pulled a blood pressure cuff out of a small black bag and wrapped it around my arm. The door through which Haven and Doug disappeared was left slightly open and though I couldn't see either of them, the hushed conversation was crystal clear.

"...you know she's got friends, what if they're hot too!" Doug's voice whispered animatedly.

"Sadly for you, I have a serious problem taking advantage of the general idea that I'm completely stupid. Also, I'm not actually stupid."

"What the hell are you talking about?"

"Doug, you're blinded by every woman you spend more than 30 seconds with, but that doesn't mean she's not up to something." Haven's low, even voice was a mixture of boredom and annoyance but annoyance was increasingly winning out.

Dr. Bennett, who had been listening as well, caught my eye and loudly cleared his throat in hopes that Haven and Doug would hear him. They did not.

"You cannot honestly expect me to sit here all weekend and not have a little fun." Doug continued.

"I can, actually." Haven said, "And I'll pretend not to notice that you don't consider me fun."

"We're in Vegas, this has literally fallen into our laps, and you're going to ignore it? You are such a disappointment." Doug sulked.

"Doug, do you have any idea how many ways I've seen women make sure they 'fell into my lap'?"

"Yesssss. I know."

"I'll grant you this one's a bit elaborate, but I'm not about to fall prey to every girl with a pretty face whose mother sent her to manipulate me."

"I don't suppose it's occurred to you that maybe she's not interested in you?" Doug asked.

"It has not. Though I won't deny your unquestionably appealing personality. I've been through this too many times, Doug. I can't anymore. You feel free..." Haven sounded as though he were becoming quickly exasperated with Doug's attempts, and thankfully at that moment Dr. Bennett cleared his throat again rather more loudly this time, and stood.

"Mr. Casey," He called, "I'm finished."

Though I had heard it a few times now, the name Haven Casey revolved in my head over and over. Haven Casey, Haven Casey...why did that sound familiar?

Doug flung the door open immediately and Haven followed leisurely behind. "Miss Tabitha looks to be in perfect health, Mr. Casey." Dr. Bennett said. "And the bruise on her forehead will clear up in a week or so."

"Thanks Jake," Haven said, and shook his hand. Dr. Bennett threw me a quick, apologetic look, said a polite goodbye, and stepped back into the elevator.

My temper, after hearing the allegations just thrown at me, had now taken full reign. Perhaps Mr. Casey's ego needed to be brought to earth.

"I should go," I said without making eye contact, "My friends will be wondering where I am. Thank you for... for keeping me from bruising any more skin." I truly was grateful not to be lying on the floor of an elevator... and that no one was stealing my kidneys. But I wasn't about to open myself up to any further censure, and feeling far from pleased with the current situation, I had an overwhelming need to bolt.