"Okay, fine. On one condition. I get to choose the hospital." Leena studied the man's unusually grave face. She could tell he was trying to hold back his anger, but didn't know why. "Okay, but you have to get yourself checked out." Kevin exhaled sharply and tried to cool down. He was angry, and it wasn't helping. It wasn't the time to play the blame game. He wanted to find out how badly Leena was hurt.
Hand me your phone. I need to make a call." Leena frowned at her own phone. The thugs had broken it in the altercation. She sighed. She'd have to see what she could get off it, and then throw it away.
Kevin shot her a glance, his expression confused. He had no idea why Leena wanted his phone, but he handed it over anyway. Then he turned his eyes back to the road and started focusing on driving.
"Hello, this is Tom. Who's this?" Tom said. He was at the hospital, examining the X-ray clipped to the wall. He took a sip of his coffee after answering.
"Hi Tom. It's me, Leena. Are you at work?" Leena stuck out her tongue, making a cute face. Tom couldn't see it through the phone, but Kevin could. He saw her eyes full of mischief, and wondered what she was playing at.
"Oh hey, Leena. Anything wrong? Nothing serious, I hope." Tom set his coffee mug down and looked away from the X-ray. He wasn't familiar with the number, so he didn't know it was from Leena at first. When he figured out who it was, he put aside his work and gave her his full attention.
"Nope. Do I need a reason to call? I haven't seen you for a fat minute. I miss you, Tom. How are you?" Leena knew how to turn on the innocent charm and turn into a sweet little girl. Her brothers would fall for it every time.
"Cut the crap, Leena. What do you want?" Tom knew Leena well. It was late, and she wouldn't call him if she didn't have a reason. He didn't buy her line about missing him -- he knew it was more than just a friendly call. He knew the deal.
Are you at the hospital? I can meet you there," Leena said with some hesitation. She was hoping not to worry Tom too much.
"Are you hurt?" Tom sounded nervous. He was relaxed, but now he was worried. People didn't come to the hospital unless they were hurt.
"No. Just tell me whether you're there or not," Leena replied in an evasive tone. She wasn't going to tell him what happened just now, or he'd freak out. Everyone would be worried, and that was the last thing she needed.
"Yeah. I just finished a procedure. Come on over. I'll be in my office." Tom once again picked up his cup and took a sip. His face looked weary under the lamp. One of these days, he needed to retire.
"Ah! Have you eaten?" Leena hesitated, debating whether to turn to this busy man for a minor injury.
"I'll eat in a bit. I'm not hungry now." After an operation, Tom had to spend some time just relaxing. It was tiring work, and it took awhile to get his appetite back.
Well, I'll bring your favorite food with me." Leena looked out the window. If she remembered correctly, there was a restaurant close by that served Hunan food. She could buy Tom's favorite there: Griddle-Cooked, Shredded, Spicy, Salted Duck.
"Really? That's really nice of you, Leena. I was just wondering where I should go to dinner." Tom's eyes shone with excitement. His mouth was watering already.
Yeah. Wait for me. See you in a while." Leena quickly hung up the phone without waiting for Tom's reply. This was perfect. Now she didn't need to feel so embarrassed bothering him.
Tom stared at his phone, shaking his head helplessly. He grinned bitterly. Leena, as a married woman, was still so naughty.
"Let's swing by the Hunan Cuisine Restaurant, Kevin," Leena said urgently. She had seen the sign already, so she hung up the phone before Tom could say anything.
"Okay." Kevin didn't need to say much more. He knew Leena's plans, because he heard her on the phone. He cursed himself for being a fool. He forgot all about Tom, the genius of the medical world. If anyone knew how to patch Leena up, it was him.
"We're stopping? Are you hungry then?" Claire was taken aback when they stopped. She was lost in thought, and was suddenly thrust back to reality.
"No. I'm getting Tom some dinner. I won't be long." Leena smiled, grabbed her wallet, and left the car. The wind picked up, and chilled her to the bone. She shivered, and then suddenly felt a warm embrace.
"I'll go with you." Kevin gathered his wife's coat, pulling it tightly to her and fastening it. Then they walked to the restaurant, his arm around her shoulder.
She glanced at the man. He looked cool, but what he did warmed her heart. She felt that even the chilliest weather would be as warm as summer, just as long as she was with him.
They got to the hospital half an hour later. Luckily, the food was still steaming hot despite the cold weather.