“I think we have some similarities in that area,” Kim said. “I also think you are a lot more socially adept than you give yourself credit for.”
“You get the credit,” Edward said. “You make me feel relaxed, and since we’ve only just met, that’s saying something.”
“The feeling is mutual,” Kim said.
They gripped hands for a moment. Then Kim turned and hurried down into the subway. 2
Saturday,July 16, 1994
Edward double-parked on Beacon Street across from the Boston Common and ran into the foyer of Kim’s building. After ringing her bell, he kept his eye out for a Boston meter maid. He knew of their reputation from sore experience.
“Sorry to have kept you waiting,” Kim said when she appeared. She was dressed in khaki shorts and a simple white T-shirt. Her dark, voluminous hair was pulled back in a pony tail.
“I’m sorry for being late,” Edward said. By mutual consent Edward was dressed in a similar, casual fashion. “I had to run by the lab.”
They both stared at each other for a beat, then burst out laughing.
“We’re too much,” Kim admitted.
“I can’t help it.” Edward chuckled. “I’m always apologizing. Even when it isn’t warranted. It’s ridiculous, but you know something? I wasn’t even aware of it until you pointed it out at dinner last night.”
“I only noticed it because I do it too,” Kim said. “After you dropped me off last night, I thought about it. I think it comes from feeling overly responsible.”
“You’re probably right,” Edward said. “When I was growing up I always thought it was my fault when something went wrong or someone was upset.”
“The similarities are frightening,” Kim mused with a smile.
They climbed into Edward’s Saab and headed north out of town. It was a bright, clear day, and even though it was early morning, the sun already gave adequate hint of its summer strength.
Kim lowered the passenger-side window and jauntily stuck her arm out. “This feels like a mini-vacation,” she said.
“Particularly for me,” Edward said. “I’m ashamed to admit it, but I usually spend just about every day in the lab.”
“Weekends too?” Kim questioned.
“Seven days a week,” Edward admitted. “The usual way I can tell it is a Sunday is when there are fewer people around. I guess I’m just a boring guy!”
“I’d say dedicated,” Kim said. “I’d also say you’re very considerate. The flowers you’ve been sending me daily are glorious, but I’m hardly accustomed to such gallantry. I certainly don’t deserve it.”
“Oh, it’s nothing,” Edward said.
Kim could sense his unease. He pushed his hair off his forehead several times in a row.
“It’s certainly not ‘nothing’ to me,” Kim said. “I want to thank you again.”
“Did you have any trouble getting the keys to the old house?” Edward asked, changing the subject.
Kim shook her head. “Not in the slightest. I went over to the lawyers right after work yesterday.”
They drove north on route 93, then turned east on 128. The traffic was light.
“I certainly enjoyed our dinner last night,” Edward said.
“Me too,” Kim said. “Thank you. But when I thought about it this morning I wanted to apologize for dominating the conversation. I think I talked too much about myself and my family.”
“There you go apologizing again,” Edward said.
Kim struck her thigh in mock punishment. “I’m afraid I’m a hopeless case.” She laughed.
“Besides”-Edward chuckled-“I should be the one apologizing. It was my fault because I bombarded you mercilessly with questions that I’m afraid might have been borderline too personal.”
“I wasn’t offended in the slightest,” Kim said. “I just hope I didn’t scare you when I mentioned those anxiety attacks I used to get when I first went to college.”
“Oh, please!” Edward laughed. “I think we all get them, especially those of us who tend to be compulsive, like doctors. I used to get anxiety attacks in college before every test even though I never had any problems with grades.”
“I think mine were a little worse than run-of-the-mill,” Kim said. “For a short time I even had trouble riding in the car, thinking I might get one while I was cooped up.”