Free Shark Out of Water by DelSheree Gladden

strange. He shook it off and turned back toward the counter to refill his coffee. Samantha was eyeing him curiously when he approached. “I have seen you flirt with many women, Dr. Guy. You must be slipping. That was entirely too somber.”
    “I am glad to know you’re keeping watch,” Guy said.
    Samantha handed him his cup. “She seems like a very nice woman.”
    “And?”
    Shrugging, Samantha said, “Nothing. It was just an observation.”
    Guy was shaking his head as he thanked her and headed toward the elevator. His chat with Charlotte was definitely not common, but for some reason, that did not bother him. He had simply not been in the mood for flirting and casualness.
    Buzzing from his phone reminded him of his harsh words to Vance earlier. He sighed, knowing he had another apology to make. This one would not be so easy. Vance would not let him off without a few stern words. His apology would be accompanied by a formal session, one filled with questions about Patricia. Guy was not sure he would be able to face such a thing yet, but Charlotte’s words echoed in his mind. Plus facile si elle est partagée . The burden was easier if shared.

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter 7
     
     
    Famille
     
    Guy sat in his car for a long time, not sure he was ready to go in. It was an odd feeling. He had dinner with Carmody and her family at least once a week, often several times a week if his schedule allowed. This time felt different for some reason. Too much had happened during the week for it to be a normal visit. Carmody had been texting him nearly as much as Vance and Leo the last few days. If Vance had not decided to keep what had happened from Eli and Leila until they returned from their honeymoon in Fiji¸ he would have had their concern hounding him as well.
    When Guy called Vance to apologize for being such a brute, he had wanted him to come in to talk right away. Guy knew he needed a few days to process everything first. He was meant to meet with Vance in the morning, on his first day off all week. That was part of what made him so anxious, but so was the fact that every time he had run into Charlotte at the hospital cafeteria that week, he became more concerned about her. She always seemed so exhausted when they talked, and he worried she was not feeling well.
    A knock on the passenger’s window startled Guy out of his thoughts. Carmody gestured for him to roll down the window, and Guy complied. “Are you coming in some time tonight? Michael and Lily are starving.”
    “ Oui, I am sorry. I did not mean to make everyone wait.”
    Guy stepped out of his car and walked around to meet Carmody. He was relieved when she did not ask him how he was doing. Instead, she started talking about the new French words Lily was learning and their playgroup, which included some rather opinionated mothers. By the time they reached the front door, the ordinary feeling Guy had been searching for began to make an appearance.
    “Guy! You made it,” Michael said enthusiastically. He clapped Guy on the back and led him toward the kitchen. The smells of blanquette de veau permeating from the kitchen instantly made Guy homesick. Michael was a wonderful chef, and he knew French cuisine well. He also knew veal ragoût was Guy’s favorite.
    “Guy! Guy! Guy! Guy!” Lily squealed as she sped through the hallway and crashed into Guy’s leg. He did not understand how she kept from injuring herself, but she only giggled and grinned as he picked her up and threw her in the air several times. Her petite three-year-old body weighed little and it lifted Guy’s mood to see her so happy.
    “Guy,” Lily said when he finally stopped tossing her up and down, “Daddy made chocolate pie!”
    Clearly thrilled with her announcement and expecting a reaction, Guy was more than happy to give her one. “Chocolate pie?” he exclaimed. “How did you know I love chocolate pie? C’est mon préféré !”
    “ Mon préféré, aussi !” Lily