*
When Luke called Valerie earlier in the week to tell her he wanted to talk to her about something very important, Valerie almost turned him down. He wanted to do it away from the office to avoid anyone overhearing or starting to speculate. She had no idea what he wanted to talk to her about—he only said it was completely work related. She knew how Alex felt about Luke. He’d most certainly have an issue with her getting together with him outside of the office, but if it was really work related he’d just have to understand.
After having breakfast with him the first time, she was glad she had. Corporate was looking into opening another office in the La Jolla area. They asked Luke if there was anyone he could recommend to manage it, and he said the only one he’d even consider was Valerie. While there were quite a few with more experience than Valerie in the office, he said none had the drive and dedication but most importantly, the stamina she did. There was no one else he could recommend that he truly believed could handle an entire office, nor did he think any of them would want to.
This didn’t mean she would get it for sure. Luke wasn’t the only one being asked for recommendations. But she had to let him know ASAP, because they’d be starting the interview process soon. There would be others considered as well. Valerie told him she’d sleep on it and get back to him. By the next morning, and after mulling it over with her dad and Isabel, she was convinced it would definitely be a good career move. She’d met him again, certain that when she told Alex that she might not be working with Luke anymore he’d be willing to overlook her meeting up with him outside of the office.
She wouldn’t bring it up just yet. They’d be interviewing all the recommended candidates soon. Luke mentioned he could coach her. That would definitely mean more time alone with him, and she didn’t need Alex obsessing about that.
Just the night before, Alex brought up Luke out of nowhere. Obviously, the fact that she saw Luke everyday still bothered him. Like she always did when Alex brought up Luke, she tried to change the subject. But last night Alex probed a little more than usual. She’d make sure any coaching would be done in the office. She didn’t need to add anymore fuel to the fire.
Valerie sat at her desk feeling exhausted. Deciding to call it in early today and head home, she began to pack things up. Luke leaned into her cubicle as she pushed her laptop into her briefcase.
“You out already?”
“Yeah,” She leaned back in her chair. “It’s been a pretty productive, but boring contract-writing day. I’m done.”
Luke was about to say something when her phone rang. She read the caller ID and lifted her finger to gesture Luke to hold on. Her step-mom didn’t call her very often, and when she did, it was usually about her father. “Hi Norma.”
“Valerie, your father collapsed.” She was frantic. “The paramedics are on their way.”
Valerie’s heart nearly gave out, and her hand immediately shot to her mouth. “Oh my God, is he breathing?”
“Yes, but barely,” Valerie heard voices and then heard Norma yell out. “In here! Come quickly!”
A devastating weight pushed against Valerie’s chest. It was happening all over again. Her dad would be in the hospital. She could barely catch her own breath. Her hand shook now. She stood up, fumbling around her desk for her keys. “What hospital are they taking him to?” she cried.
She threw her phone on the desk as soon as she hung up and continued to search for her keys.
“What is it, Valerie?” Luke demanded. “Who’s going to the hospital?”
“My dad,” she sobbed, trying desperately to hold it together. “Where are my damn keys?”
“Probably in your purse, but you can’t drive like this, Val.”
“I have to!” Valerie grabbed her purse and fished for her keys.
After a few of the other people in the office who had heard Valerie insisted she not drive, Luke rushed to grab his own keys. “Let’s go. I’ll take you.”
They both rushed out into the parking lot. It wasn’t until they were halfway there that she realized she’d left her phone on her desk. “Damn it.”
“What?” Luke drove fast, swerving at times.
“I left my phone at the office.”
Luke pulled his off his from his belt holster. “Here, use mine.”
She took it and called her step-mom. “How is he?”
“They just took him in.” Norma sounded as emotional as Valerie felt. “Oh honey,” her voice broke and she sobbed. “They think he may have suffered a stroke.”
“No!” Valerie gasped feeling as if her heart had stopped.
“Get here fast, honey. I’m so scared.” Valerie had never heard her like this.
When she hung up she buried her face in her hands.
“It’s gonna be okay, Val.”
“No.” She didn’t care that she was crying like a baby now. “They think he had a stroke.”
Luke said nothing, just pressed down on the accelerator. Valerie dropped the phone on her lap and cried helplessly into her hands. “Please God, let him be okay,” she repeated over and over.
Luke dropped her off at the entrance to the emergency room. She’d already pulled off her shoes in the car so that she could run as soon as she was out the door. Sprinting through the doors, she searched for Norma and immediately spotted the red-eyed woman.
They rushed to each other and hugged. “His breathing is stable, and they’re putting him in the ICU.”