“Look, I’m the last person to get on a colleague’s case, but I need to see that you’re making an effort to reclaim your cognition. If not, the six weeks could be extended.”
Extended! No! “As it turns out, Dr. Cook, I find that I love working on old cars, cake decorating, needlepoint, and collecting first-edition copies of classic novels. I’ll jump back into my rich hobby-filled life immediately.”
“Very good to hear, Luke.”
Luke. He knew my first name. But what was his? I peered over at his desk plate. Carlton. Carlton Cook. Okay. “Thanks, Carlton.”
“I’d also suggest getting out with people to practice social skills, which I hear you’ve been doing.”
I had? “Oh?” What had I done and what had he heard? “You mean it’s all over the hospital that I was bugging Walter for admission to the surgical floors?”
Cook—I mean, Carlton, waved it aside. “That’s just gossip. I meant your little surprise visit at the Allens’ anniversary party.”
How had he—? Whatever. This was Torrey Junction. “I’m getting out now and then.”
“Good. Maybe I’ll see you at the Great Quake Commemoration then. Big festival atmosphere with booths and live musical numbers and inspirational speakers. Should be good for your neurons.”
My neurons. Pah. It’d be bad for my nerves being out in the park with all those people who had no idea what some of us had been through that day.
“Hey, I didn’t know you were the one who came along and helped me in the garage. Thanks, man. I really appreciate it.” I reached a hand across the huge desk to shake his.
Cook took it and smiled. “Sure. You’d do the same for me.”
Actually, I would. Unlike some other doctors.
“Any word on the identity of the culprit?” Happily, Cook changed the topic away from my neurons. “Security footage didn’t get the investigators anywhere.”
I shook my head. “He was wiry. That’s all I could give them.”
Cook shrugged. “Come see me next week and report on your hobby progress. May I also suggest dating as a hobby?” He raised a brow. “The Allens have a pretty daughter, I hear.”
I immediately thought of Sheridan.
“Maybe you should take her to the Quake Commemoration. On a date.”
A date!