Corey walked down the path back to the clinic entrance.
"David?" she was confused when she opened the door and ran into the gaze of one of her friends. "You've already arrived? I thought you would be later," she hurried to wipe the remaining moisture from her cheeks and looked around, "Where is Daniel? Elena said that you two would come."
"He was here. Left about five minutes ago."
"Was here?" Corey felt a chill. She turned around, the inner garden was visible from the corridor, in full view. "How long has he been here?"
David breathed out, "Long enough to draw conclusions," he glanced over at Corey, noting her pale face, "And judging by your reaction - the wrong conclusions."
She averted her gaze, an internal heat touched her cheeks. Corey believed that she did everything right, but at this moment she felt like a traitor. Nothing else connected her and Rick, except for a common child and mutual respect. Daniel was a reasonable man, and if she explained, he would understand. Corey was sure of that.
It's decided then. She'll tidy herself up and make an appointment. Will invite him to her cafe.
"Daniel is returning to England on an overnight flight today. I don't know when he will be in America again."
The romantic picture Corey imagined in her head shattered like glass from being hit by a boulder when she heard the message.
"H-how come? Why to England? But what about-" she almost asked, 'What about me?' Fear began to fill her mind, thoughts ran in a chaotic manner. "Where is he, David?! I need to talk to him," she grabbed the man's hand and looked pleadingly into his eyes.
David smiled, squeezed Corey's cold hand in his warm hands, "I don't know where he is. But I know that when he is sad, he is drawn closer to the water. So, most likely, he went-"
"To the beach!" Corey exclaimed, "I know where he might be! He has a favorite spot on the shore, not far from the fifth pier. Thanks David!" the woman snuggled up to Anderson and hugged him tightly.
David had no choice but to hug her back, "You call him first to know for sure. He drove away in my car."
"Okay," Corey nodded, pulled away, and added more quietly, "Keep Rick company, please. Ashley is upstairs watching cartoons. Tell her I'll call when I'm free," she added on the way to the lobby door. "If Rick is released before I return, he can take her to his place. There is enough food in the refrigerator in the apartment. If…, "Corey stammered from an overabundance of emotion, "Ahaha, I'm sorry. I am overreacting a bit. You will figure it out yourself!"
"We'll figure it out," David grinned, imagining his brother's surprised face when this hurricane woman unexpectedly overtook Daniel, "Take care of him."
"I sure will!" she shouted and with a smile on her face disappeared through the door.
David scratched the back of his head. One half of him was happy, and the other was a little sad. He went out into the street and walked along the path to the center of the garden, where his friend stood.
Rick stared up at the clear sky, the cool breeze played with the regrown strands of hair, the man's hands were in his pockets. It was the perfect image for a melancholic painting or photo.
"I am so kind today that I am ready to provide my shoulder for your tears."
Rick turned his head and wiped his reddened eyes, "You tortured your wife so much that she pushed you out of bed and you hit your head on the floor?"
"What sacrifices you just make for a best friend," David breathed dramatically and spread his arms. "Do you want a hug?"
"Come on," Rick snorted, turned to David, and hugged the man tightly, "The doctor forbade me alcohol for six months, and a couple of glasses of vodka would be welcome now."
"We'll arrange that, I promise," Anderson patted his friend on the back, "Let's head back to the room? Your eyes are watering from the sun."
"Is that how you show tact?" laughed Rick. David's caring words and poker face were a combination. "It's just that my sun is too bright. And," the man raised his hands up and stretched, "I have two of them. And if one of them wants to shine on someone else, I don't mind if that's what she wants."
David smiled, "Thank you. I'm glad you're back."
"I, too. Moreover, in the future I will have an amusing occasion to tease your brother," Rick winked mysteriously but did not specify what occasion he was referring to. "Let's go to the room before my daughter comes up with another adventure."
Now it was David's turn to grin, "Good luck with that parenting thing, daddy. You gonna need it."