Page 61 of The Senator's Wife

“You don’t have to eat right away. The fruit and granola will keep. I’ll put the yogurt in the refrigerator. At least have your tea. It’s ginger and will settle your stomach.” She handed Sloane the mug. “Would you like me to stay for a little?”

“Actually, I want you to do something for me. Whit took my laptop. I know he thinks I’m working too hard and tiring myself out, but I’d like it back,” Sloane said.

“I’m sorry, but I don’t know where he put it.”

“It’s probably in his office. Can you check?”

“Sure. Remember I need to swing by the care agency this morning. I’ll do it when I get back if that’s okay. But Sloane, you really shouldn’t be working. I thought you were going to take it easy.”

Sloane tried to tamp down her initial irritation. “I know my husband is only trying to protect me by keeping my laptop away, but it can be frustrating. You understand, don’t you?”

“Yes, I do. But Emmy’s also worried about you doing too much. She called me just last night and asked me to make sure you’re taking it easy.”

“I don’t want Emmy worrying about me. What did you say to her?”

“I told her you were following doctor’s orders and getting the rest you need. And I’m sure she’d be glad to hear that your husband took your computer away. And not very happy to hear that you want it back.”

“I know what my limits are, and I’m certainly not going to doanything that will jeopardize my recovery.” Sloane raised the cup to her lips, and then put it down without taking a sip.

“But that’s just it; you keep pushing your limits. There’s no reason why you can’t take time off from your work. With Brianna’s help, I can handle things. It’s not forever. The place isn’t going to come crashing down because you miss a week or two.”

Sloane stared at her, shocked by her impertinence. Who was Athena to assume that she could handle things at the foundation after helping out for only a few weeks? “You have no idea what will or will not come ‘crashing down,’ as you say, because of my absence.”

Athena had the grace to appear sheepish. “Of course you’re right. I didn’t mean it that way. It’s just…I want you to get better, and the only way that’s going to happen is if you rest completely. I’m only here to help.”

Sloane looked at her with suspicion. Why was Athena so anxious to keep Sloane down? Maybe she wanted to help herself to Sloane’s life, but she’d be damned if she was going to let that happen.

“I’ll look for your laptop, but in the meantime, please try to rest so you’ll get well.”

“Get well? I’ve seen where this can lead,” Sloane said, resting her head against the pillow.

“Are you talking about Harold’s wife?”

“What do you know about her?” Sloane asked sharply, sittingup.

“I’ve heard a little about her from Whit. From what he’s told me, she’s a rare case, Sloane. Look at all the others who don’t end up like that.” Athena bit her lip, then continued. “I know that the support group is a good thing, but I really wish Harold hadn’t let you and Whit see what has happened to his wife.”

Sloane bristled at Athena’s familiar reference to Whit. What had happened to “Senator Montgomery”? Had she taken it upon herself, or had Whit invited her to be more intimate? “I’m not really comfortable with my husband discussing such personal things about me with you.”

Athena appeared crestfallen. “I can’t seem to say anything right today. I’m sorry. Really. But, Sloane, I don’t think it’s good for you to focus on what-ifs. Harold’s wife’s case has nothing to do with you.”

“I’d like to be alone for a while,” Sloane said.

“Of course. I’ll go now,” Athena said, rising. “Please try to eat a little granola. I know you’re not hungry, but at least finish your tea—it’s good for you.” She picked up the tray. “When I get back, I’ll look for your laptop, okay?”

Sloane watched her leave the room, seeing her the way her husband might. Athena was stunning—a woman any man would be thrilled to have on his arm. No man was immune to feminine charm and beauty, and he and Athena were spending a lot of time together. And what woman wouldn’t be attracted to Whit, so handsome, charming, and at the top of his game? It hadn’t escaped her notice that he enjoyed the admiration of attractive women, Athena included.

She sat up and took the mug of tea, examining it, then bringing it to her nose to smell. A slightly acrid scent rose from the mug. Athena was always pushing tea and smoothies on her, not satisfied until Sloane had drunk every last drop. And how coincidental that her hallucinations always occurred after Athena had brought her something to drink. Hope swelled in her. It wasn’t the lupus making her hallucinate—it was Athena. She would prove it. These past few weeks the hallucinations had lowered her credibility in Whit’s eyes. She needed to prove that she wasn’t imagining things. But in the meantime, she’d be careful. No more drinking anything Athena brought to her. But she wouldn’t let Athena know that. She would take it to the bathroom and pour it down the drain before Athena returned. From now on, the only things she would drink were beverages in a sealed container that she herself opened or water from the bathroom tap.

Sloane waited a while before calling down to the housekeeper. “Doris,” she said over the intercom. “Has Athena left yet?”

“Yes, about five minutes ago. Can I get you something?”

“Yes. I need you to have some things picked up for me and run an errand. Please come up.”

“Of course, ma’am.”

Sloane made a list instructing her to purchase a small refrigerator and fill it with bottles of spring water and various juices.

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