Judy Christenberry - The Texan's Suite Romance

She walked over to the windows to stare at the city and bay. It was impressive.

Surprisingly, there was a knock on the connecting door. She spun around and hurried to it.

“Dr. Myerson, come in. Our snack is here.”

He too was already dressed, in a dark suit with a blue shirt. “I was dressing when you knocked on the door. Sorry to keep you waiting,” he said.

There was no smile, but at least he had developed some good manners. “No problem. I ordered a sampler tray to be sure I found something you’d like.”

“Thank you.” He helped himself to a drink and poured a diet soda for her.

She thanked him and sat on the sofa opposite his matching chair. They ate in complete silence. Finally, when Tabitha could stand it no longer, she asked, “Are you nervous about the interview, Dr. Myerson?”

“No.”

“Have you been to San Francisco before?”

“Yes.”

Tabitha sighed. Talk about hard work!

“When were you here?” she persisted, hoping to find some topic to talk about.

“I was here four years ago on my honeymoon.” This time his voice was steely, daring her to continue.

“I see. I didn’t realize how difficult this trip would be for you. We’ll need to leave in about half an hour. If you’ll excuse me, I need to do a little work before we go.”

She stood and moved to the table where she took out her files and thought about calling Mona. This tour was a disaster before his first interview!

Alex knew he’d been difficult. After she moved to the table, he stood and walked to the window, his hands in his pockets.

He needed to get himself under control. His behavior wasn’t going to bring Jenny back. Had he really thought if he didn’t share her death with anyone, it would be easier? If that was true, then he was worse than his patients.

If he kept his cool and did good interviews, more people might buy his book and understand about Jenny. He wanted people to know his wife, to appreciate the kind of person she was.

He didn’t want them to know how devastated he was.

After a quick glance at Miss Tyler, he went to his room. He needed to make sure his mind was organized.

And he needed to stop making Miss Tyler the enemy.

She’d done as Mona promised, made his trip more comfortable. And he hadn’t been very appreciative. For Jenny’s sake, he owed her an apology. But it was difficult. She was extremely attractive and he felt some kind of reaction when they touched. And when he watched her exercising.

So he didn’t want to touch her. But he could be more cooperative. He could use good manners, at least…couldn’t he?

Alex sat on the edge of his bed. He’d hidden away from the world since Jenny died. The only contact he’d had was with his publisher and then Mona, and a few patients he still had.

It wasn’t healthy. He knew that, but he’d shoved aside what he’d learned in his studies, as if none of it applied to him. But he’d been wrong.

One day spent in the real world was an awakening he didn’t welcome. But if he continued on the tour, he had no choice.

He had to come to terms with the reality that Jenny would never come back.

With her makeup applied and her jacket on, Tabitha drew a deep breath, prepared to face the dragon in the next room. Every time he spoke, she saw an imaginary flame come out of his mouth, warning her not to approach him. If he continued to behave in such a manner, she didn’t think his interviews would go well.

When she knocked on the door, Dr. Myerson opened it at once.

“We need to leave now to be sure we get there a little early.” She smiled, even though she expected no smile in return. Turning on her heel, she led the way to the door.

When they reached the elevator, she kept her distance, remembering his remark that he didn’t like to be touched. It still amazed her that he could’ve written that inspired book. She intended to reread it after the tour.

When they got in the taxi, she looked at her notes once more. “The interviewer is Helen Wilson, a life-styles reporter. I’ll give her the questions we worked on and talk to her about the limitations you want her to follow.”

“Thank you. I want to apologize for my behavior, Tabitha. And I hope you’ll call me Alex. It’s…unfriendly to remain so formal.”

Tabitha turned to her companion. He was staring straight ahead, his features devoid of emotion. She wondered if she’d imagined his words. “That will be fine…Alex.”

“I appreciate the patience you’ve shown.”

He was like a ventriloquist, speaking without moving his lips. She blinked several times. Then she said, “Perhaps you’ll tell my sisters that. Though I doubt they’d believe you.”

That response actually made him turn his head to look at her. “Your sisters? The other two of the triplets?”

“Yes. I’m the most impatient of the three of us.”

“I’ve thought about doing a study of multiple births,” he said slowly. “But most people don’t like to be studied.”

Tabitha smiled. “That’s because they’ve been stared at too often. We enjoy each other’s company, but when the three of us appear together, we have to deal with a lot of surprise and questions.”

“Do you resent it?” he asked, showing interest for the first time.

“No, not exactly. We just get tired of feeling like circus freaks.”

“Did your mother dress you alike?”

“When we were little, she did. But when we got old enough to make our own decisions, that ended. Our closet was a free-for-all.” She smiled as she reminisced.

“I was an only child,” he said, frowning.

“I’m sorry. That must’ve been—” She caught herself and took a different approach. “Some people like that, though, because they’re the center of their parents’ attention.”

He didn’t respond.

She didn’t know why he changed back to his silent mode, but she regretted whatever she’d said that offended him. The taxi pulled to a stop and she mentally promised she’d apologize later.

Once they were in the television studio, she met Helen Wilson, an effervescent woman who swept everyone along in her wake.

“I’m so excited to meet Dr. Myerson. His book is so wonderful. It’s like falling in love all over again when I read it.”

“That’s a wonderful way to describe it, Helen,” Tabitha said, feeling better about the interview. “However, Dr. Myerson wants to focus on the applications people can find in his book rather than on the—the personal aspects.”

“Well, of course, he wants his readers to benefit from his wisdom. By the way, did his wife accompany him? I’d love to meet her.”

Tabitha carefully controlled her expression. “No, she didn’t.”

“That’s too bad, but Dr. Myerson will be quite enough for our audience. I’m sure he’s charming.”

Tabitha smiled, not showing her doubts about his charm. “Yes, of course. Shall I introduce you now?”

Mentally crossing her fingers, Tabitha led Helen over to Dr. Myerson. Alex, she reminded herself.

“Alex, allow me to present Helen Wilson, your interviewer. She loved your book.” She hoped her bright smile might induce him to warm up a little.

To her surprise, he took Helen’s hand and smiled at her, as if he were delighted to be there. Tabitha blinked, wondering if she was seeing clearly.

“I’m pleased to meet you, Helen. I love your beautiful city.”

“I know. I feel privileged to live here. Have you visited us before?”

“Yes, but it’s been awhile.”

“We’re glad you came back.” Helen tucked her arm into Alex’s and drew him with her to the set in front of the television cameras.

Tabitha had sucked in a sharp breath when Helen reached out and touched Alex, afraid his reaction would be unfriendly. Instead, one would think he escorted women around the town all the time.