Free Rescue Me (a quirky romance novel about secrets, forgiveness and falling in love) by Sydney Allan Page A

rang, and she plunged through the crowd and wedged herself between a candystriper pushing a woman in a wheelchair and an elderly man supporting himself with a bent wooden cane. She smiled. "This car seems to be full. I suppose you'll have to catch the next one."
    He laughed and watched her face until the silver doors hid it from his view. Then he walked to the stairwell around the corner. Taking the stairs would be good for him anyway. He needed the exercise.
    When he reached the lobby, he found Hailey casually leaning against a marble pillar, staring out the glass front doors. He stepped up to her, quietly, not wanting to disturb her thoughts. As he moved closer, he watched her expression change from wistful to sorrowful. She blinked several times, and then glanced his way.
    "Now, what would you like to eat?" he asked, ignoring the tears in her eyes. He didn't want to get too close to this woman. His loyalty was to Heidi. Especially now, with the question of her feelings still echoing in his head.
    "How about Thai?"
    He cringed. Not his favorite food. "Sure, I know the perfect little spot. It's not far from here." Then he smiled. Thai food was an odd combination, so like Hailey. Sweet and spicy at the same time. And hot enough to make your eyes water.
    Shaking his head, he forced his thoughts back Heidi, to safer territory. Worrying for a close friend was easy to do. Trying to decipher a mystery like Hailey wasn't only frustrating, it was terrifying.
    His thoughts still on Heidi's treatment, and how she would need his support when she started the toxic chemo, he drove Hailey to the restaurant and picked at his food. He watched her eat, thinking of their mother and wondering if she'd be at Heidi's side throughout the week. With this next course being so powerful, the side effects might easily overwhelm Margaret. His heart went out to her. She looked so weary already.
    And if she wasn't able to handle it and stick by Heidi's side, how would Heidi face it alone?
    "You okay?" Hailey asked, after they'd finished eating and he'd paid the check. She took one last swig of her diet soda and set the glass on the table, then waited patiently for his answer.
    "I'm fine. I have a lot to think about. Work, your sister's treatment, your family."
    "Why do you care so much?" She leaned forward, her gaze traveling slowly over his face until he felt it heat from the intensity.
    "Heidi is a friend."
    "A friend, my ass." She smiled, her expression belying the challenge in her words.
    He stood, not in the mood to explain his relationship with Heidi at the moment. "Shall we? I'd like to find you a hotel room, but if we wait too long, we'll run into the same problem we faced yesterday."
    He glanced down at his watch. Seven o'clock, already? Where had the day gone? It would take at least an hour to drive back to the airport, which would put them in the vicinity at about eight. He shook his head. They'd never find a hotel at that hour with the convention in town. Hailey had been right about one thing; he hadn't planned this well.
    After they stepped outside, Hailey eyed the sky. "It's getting dark. Should we bother? I mean--" she stopped, her face reddening. Then she turned from him and walked quietly to his car. She sat. "I left my things at your place. We'll have to stop there first."
    His heart sunk. For some reason he had the feeling once they reached his condo, they wouldn't leave again. Lifting his cell phone from its cradle mounted to the dashboard, he punched the numbers for his answering service and waited, prepared for more bad news. To his surprise, he had no messages, and an ounce of discomfort lifted.
    "Would you rather stay at the condo tonight?" he offered, peering toward her and wondering why the sparkle he'd seen earlier was gone. Her shoulders sagged as though the weight of the world sat upon them.
    She stared out the window, but he guessed her eyes were sorrow filled. "No, that's okay. I'd like some quiet tonight. Could we find a