CHAPTER 20

Brooke settled down onto the bed of the MRI machine. “Is this really necessary, doc? I feel great.”

The doctor placed a staying hand on her shoulder. “Relax, Brooke. This will only take thirty minutes. And yes, this is really necessary. Your peak physical conditioning is an enigma. I need to understand it. The implications of why you are so robust can have a major impact on future space missions. This neuroimaging may help me understand what’s going on inside you. So far, the only thing I’ve discovered is a high level of hemoglobin in your blood. Your body has a very intense regeneration going on. I need to know why. So far, the only thing I can think of is your metabolism has sped up from your long duration in space and hasn’t returned to normal yet.”

“Okay, just don’t scramble my brains with this thing.”

“You’ll be fine. Even though it’s clamped down, try not to move your head. The test will be over before you know it.”

The platform she lay on slid into the machine. Despite knowing there would be no problems, she still couldn’t resist holding her breath every now and then during the process. But as the doctor promised, the scan was over in half an hour. She got up and went into the washroom to put her clothes back on. When she emerged, she waved to the doctor. “Okay, I’m off.”

“Don’t you want to see what your brain looks like?”

“I’ve got a lunch date. I’m sure if there’s any bad news, you’ll track me down. In the meantime, I gotta go.”

She dashed out the door and jumped into her car for the ten minute ride to the bistro where she was to meet up with Robert. He was sitting at one of the outdoor patio tables and got up to greet her when she arrived.

Robert gave her a quick kiss. “I thought you were going to stand me up.”

“Don’t be silly. You know I was at the doc’s.” She took the seat opposite his. “What looks good on the menu?”

Robert sat down as well. “I don’t know. Nobody writes them in English anymore. You picked this place, not me. I figured you would know what’s what. I can’t seem to find a cheeseburger on the list anywhere.”

She laughed. “Really, Robert. You need to widen your taste experiences.” She scanned quickly through the choices. “I think you want that fourth one down.”

Robert lifted the menu close. “Bu-lette-au-gra-tin-crois-sant? Are you kidding me?” He dropped the menu and lifted his hands in surrender. “Fine. I’ll have that. Next time, I pick the place.”

She patted his hand. “Whatever you say. Here comes the waiter. I’m starved.”

They placed their orders and she relaxed back into the chair and glanced around at the pleasant day. The sun was shining, people smiled as they enjoyed their meals, all was right with the world. Still, she frowned as she thought about the unviewed brain scans back at the doctor’s office. She should have taken the time to go over them with the physician.

“Penny for your thoughts.”

She snapped out of her reverie to look at Robert. “What?”

“You looked lost in thought there. I was wondering what’s bothering you.”

She gave him a weak smile. “Oh, it’s just all these tests. The doctor won’t let me be. He has me visiting him practically daily trying to figure out why I’m so healthy. You’d think he’d be glad. Instead of wasting his time studying me, he should be working to help you.” Robert’s jaw dropped; she had gone too far. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it that way.”

He pressed his lips tight together then let out a sigh. “It’s okay. I know what you meant. He’s doing all he can. He says I’ve had a very small amount of bone re-growth. It’s a good sign. I’m hoping I’ll be back to normal soon.”

The waiter returned with their meals, and she was thankful for the break in conversation. “Ooh! It looks good. Time to dig in.”

Robert held up his plate. On it was an open faced croissant bun with a slice of meatloaf garnished with cheese and shredded lettuce. “This is a cheeseburger?”

“Oh, shush. Try it, you might like it.”

“Whatever.” Robert took a bite and gave an approving nod. “Good.”

“See? I told you.” She grabbed her fork and knife and dove into her own meal. Hmm, could use some salt and pepper. She absently reached for the salt shaker and sprinkled some on.

“How’d you do that?”

Brooke stopped shaking, and took the moment to glance at Robert. “Do what?”

“You…the salt shaker jumped into your hand.”

She turned the shaker to look at it, and then returned her stare to Robert. “What are you talking about?”

“I watched it happen. You reached for it, and it seemed to move the inch or two to meet your grasp.”

A moment of panic ran through Brooke. Could Robert be telling the truth? She returned the shaker to the table and extended an open hand toward it. “Nothing. Are you sure?”

Robert stroked his forehead. “I think I’m sure. It was so quick. Now, I’m not certain.”

He dropped his fist down on the table hard. The table wobbled and the shaker fell into Brooke’s hand. “Oh, see? It was just a wobble that caused it. You must have bumped it then and it just looked like the salt jumped into my hand.”

“Yeah…yeah, maybe that’s what happened.” He broke into a grin. “Sorry about that. It must have sounded real stupid.”

“Don’t sweat it. I’ve had plenty of stupid moments in my life. I won’t tell if you don’t.”

“Deal.” Robert looked at the unfinished sandwich on his plate. “And I’ll not tell anybody that this is supposed to be a cheeseburger.”

She laughed. “I thought you said it was good?”

“I lied.”

“Well, when you pick, make sure it’s not some dirty, greasy hole in the wall just because you say they’ve got good burgers. I like a little ambiance with my food.”

“I promise. They’ll even serve you wine with your lunch. As long as you don’t mind drinking it out of a coffee cup.”

“You’re incorrigible.”

They finished eating and she kissed him good-bye before she headed for her car. She hadn’t said anything, but she suspected the lie about the sandwich was not a lie at all, but a subterfuge to hide the fact he couldn’t finish it. He never finished his meals anymore. As she climbed in her car, she stopped to wipe her eyes as the tears came. There’s got to be something that can help—anything.