Page 9 of Lost and Found

“Yesterday. I went and saw our parents first. I’ll see Janelle later this week.” Jonas walks over to my kitchen island and places a bag on it. “I hope it's okay I showed up like this.”

“Of course. I’m really glad to see you. You want something to eat or drink?”

Jonas chuckles. “I can take care of myself while you get some clothes on.”

I look down, having forgotten I was only in my towel. “Shit, sorry. I forgot.”

“It’s okay. I caught you off guard. Go finish. I can fend for myself for a bit.” I nod and rush back to my room. Once I’m dressed, I head back out to my kitchen. I hear the sounds of a game coming from my TV hung over my fireplace. With my open concept living area, I can see the TV from pretty much anywhere in the house. “I ordered us some pizza and wings. I also snagged a beer from the fridge, but it tastes weird.”

I had beer in my fridge? Opening the fridge, I notice the beer in the very back. When did I buy that? I think to myself. I grab a can of soda and head over to my oversized leather sofa. “It probably tastes weird because it’s out of date. I don’t even know when I bought that.”

Jonas’ head falls back in laughter. “Typical Jonah,” he says, with a shake of his head. “So, tell me. What’s new with you?”

“You know, just the usual.” I then go on to tell him about Ella and our difficulties, which reminds me I should probably call her and check-in. I’m definitely not winning any boyfriend of the year awards. After that, we discuss some of my more tedious and tricky patients then the conversation turns to Paige.

When I’m done, Jonas lets out a low whistle. “Well, sounds like you have a girlfriend and it ain’t this Ella chick, who by the way, sounds horrible! You’re married to your job which isn’t a bad thing, but it’s going to get lonely at some point.”

I scoff. “This coming from the ultimate bachelor for life. You can’t lecture me about being married to my job when you invented that term.”

“You’re right, but things change. That’s why I’m here to visit all of you. I told mom and dad yesterday. I’m retiring from the military at the end of my term. I met someone, Leaona, and I asked her to marry me.”

I’m pretty sure my jaw hits the floor with this news. My bachelor for life brother is getting married. How did that happen? “You’re serious?”

He waves his hand dismissively. “Enough about me. Let’s talk about the patient, Paige.”

“You can’t drop a bomb like you’re getting married on me, then try to change the subject to one of my patients.” Does he really think that’s going to work?

Jonas sighs. “Look, remember dad used to always say when you know, you know. Well, I met Leaona and I just knew. Now, Paige.”

Our dad has always said that when it comes to marriage, or just relationships in general. He always said you’d know when the right person came into your life. “There’s nothing to discuss, Jonas. Besides patient confidentiality and all that.”

Jonas rolls his eyes. “I’m not asking about her damn medical history or diagnosis.”

“Okay, I don’t want to talk about it.”

He chuckles. “Why?”

“Because it’s a mess or it’s going to end up being a mess.” I scrub my hands over my face.

“Because she’s married?” Jonas asks.

“Yeah, that and the fact she doesn’t even remember that she was married. Right now, she doesn’t know anything.”

“But you’re attracted to her,” He doesn’t ask it, he states it and I have no reason to deny it because it’s true.

“Yes, she’s beautiful. She’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen,”as I admit that truth out loud, her face flashes through my mind. All the brief moments I had seen her with her son in the children’s clinic and now the moments from the hospital.

“Damn, that’s pretty heavy considering how many women are in the world, but if you like her…” Jonas trails off.

I shake my head. “It doesn’t matter. She’s married.”

“Shewasmarried. She’s not now.” I know Jonas is right on the technicality of it, but it still feels wrong.

“She’s my patient.” I look him dead in the eye.

Jonas shrugs. “Leaona was kind of my patient. “

“Kind of your patient?” I ask, my eyebrows raising with the question.

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