“You have pierced ears.” He points to the pearl earrings I’m wearing. I lift my hand to touch one earring, a talisman I wear in honor of my grandmother, who was the strongest person I’d ever known.
“And you’ve polished your nails. So tell me, why did you do that?”
I’m incensed. “It’s none of your business why I do what I do to my body.”
He raises his hands in surrender. “You’re right. It’s not my business, except you’re accusing me of helping women do something you do.”
I gape at him.
“Unless there is a medical or perhaps religious reason for poking holes in your ears or painting your nails,” he says. “It’s been my experience that women get their ears pierced and their nails painted to make them feel beautiful. So, tell me, Miss…”
I’m not going to tell him my name.
After a moment, when I don’t share my name, he asks, “How does it make your clients feel that you’re telling them they shouldn’t worry about outward beauty while you clearly do?”
I hate that he has a point, albeit a small one. Getting ears pierced or nails painted doesn’t require major surgery, risk of death, or thousands of dollars. Women do it to feel pretty, but women who get plastic surgery often hope it will fix the pain they have inside, and it doesn’t.
The elevator dings, and I’ve never been so grateful for it to arrive. The door slides open, and Paige Deveraux exits.
“Hey, Dr. Everling. Dr. Wolfe.”
I like Paige. She’s the building owner’s daughter, making her a good friend to have when there are issues in my condo. I muster a friendly smile. “Hi, Paige, how are you?”
“Oh, I’m alright.” She looks between Dr. Wolfe and me like she’s trying to assess if something is up.
“Ms. Deveraux, any chance you’ve heard about openings in the building?” Dr. Wolfe asks.
Dang, he plans to stay.
Paige smirks. “Things crowded at Theo’s?”
Theo Wolfe…actor… Dr. Wolfe… He must be the brother. But feeling surly, I ask, “Are you Theo’s father?”
He gives me a quick cutting glare, then turns his attention back to Paige. “I don’t want to be in the way of his love fest with Madeline.”
“I’ll let you know if I hear anything.” Paige looks from him to me again. “You know, you said you could use a roommate, and Dr. Wolfe here is looking for a place-”
“No.” Has she lost her mind? To stop any further discussion, I hurry into the elevator car and press the button to my floor.
“It was just an idea,” Paige mutters.
“She doesn’t like me,” Dr. Wolfe says, his blue eyes intense on me.
I want to push the “Close Door” button, but I don’t want to be obvious. Then, realizing that my attitude has already made my feelings obvious, I lean over and poke the button, letting out a sigh of relief when the door closes.