Leaving work.Let’s go talk to Daniel.
16
Utah Valley Hospital had grown over the years into a vast, sandstone-colored complex.Much of the development was new, reflecting the relatively recent influx of wealth and people into the state, and the buildings glittered with blue-green glass and rooflines curved to look like cresting waves.
Tean lucked into a spot on the lower level of the east parking garage, which was labeled—for some reason—EAST PARKING TERRACE.
“Everything okay?”Jem asked as Tean reached for the door.
“Yes.”
“Oh.Great.”
Tean got out of the truck.
“It’s just—” Jem began.
Tean shut the door.
Things like that—things that would have pushed Ammon’s self-destruct button and sent the two of them spinning into a massive argument followed by a weeks-long freeze-out—didn’t work with Jem.
Unfortunately.
Which was why Jem got out of the truck, saying, “—you don’tseemlike you’re okay.”
“Well, I am.”
“That’s great.”
As Tean started for the entrance, Jem caught up to him.Today’s outfit included a vintage hoodie with Mickey Mouse.Tean was fairly sure he’d caught Jem asking Scipio for fashion advice when he’d gotten home.The conversation—if you could call it that—had cut off rather quickly.
“If I had to put a label on it,” Jem said, checking his hair in the rear window of a massive Suburban, “I might even say you’re upset.Or angry.Or pissy.”
“I’m not pissy!”Tean drew a breath.“I’m frustrated with things at work.I’m not angry at you.”
“I know.”
And since Tean had zero idea what to say to that, he kept walking.
“Do you want to have a fight?”Jem said in what Tean suspected was supposed to be a helpful tone of voice.
“What?No.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, I’m sure.I hate fighting with you.”
“But it might make you feel better for a while.”
“It wouldn’t.”
“I think you love fighting with me.Secretly.”
“I’m sorry you think that.”
“Mostly because of how you slammed the door a few seconds ago.”
“I didn’t slam the door—” Tean cut off the rising shout.“What is happening?”