Chapter 262 - Let's talk (2)

"How about we eat some of this tasty food before it goes bad, and then go and walk on the beach? My toes are begging to feel that sand." JoAnna looked at Jeff with puppy eyes.

"I can't say no to that." Seeing her get back to her happy self, made Jeff relax.

They ate and chatted casually when Jeff steeled himself and brought up the topic: "What are your plans... after Sophia starts the lawsuit against that man?"

JoAnna didn't think before responding. "We are all assuming that he will be detained. And at that point I can go back to Seattle and resume my work. I don't have any plans beyond that." Her hand with chopsticks stopped midway. Now that he brought it up, she realized… that means that she will go back, and he will stay in Los Angeles. He has work here and can't come back with her. They will separate! She was consumed with panic and uneasiness, afraid to lift her head and see his expression.

'What if he does not care if I leave?' Her chest constricted at that thought.

Jeff was hurt hearing her casually talk about going back to Seattle. He finally managed to be with her, he is no willing to let her go. Not without a fight.

"There are good hospitals here, where you can continue your residency..." Jeff spoke slowly while observing her reaction carefully. "...and you can stay with me. Or we can get a different place. I will let you redecorate, if you wish."

She was relieved that he thought about her staying with him. She wanted to be with him as well. But the idea of them moving in together scared her. That is a big step. "I need to think about it."

Jeff knew that it's not an easy decision for JoAnna, to leave Seattle, friends and family and come to a new place, start over. But even with that knowledge, he was displeased. Why does she need to think? Doesn't she love him? She just needs to stay by his side, and he will take care of everything. She will not suffer any grievances, he will protect her and provide for her, and make all her wishes come true.

But he can't push it. If she said she needs time to think, then she needs time to think. He took a deep breath and reminded himself to be patient.

No matter how good was Jeff in keeping a calm demeanor, JoAnna saw that he is not happy with her response. She decided to explain her thoughts, she needed him to know that she is not rejecting him. "Moving from Franciscan Medical Center could be a good thing for me, considering that I have bad experiences there. For continuing my residency here, I would need to find a hospital that has what I need, and then they need to accept me."

"I can take care of that." Jeff said right away.

Part of her was happy that he wants to help, and other part was upset that he is meddling in something that should be taken care of by her. "I know you can... but this is my career. I want to be successful because I'm good, and not because of my relationship with you. I hope that you can respect that." JoAnna looked at him intently, waiting for a response. Only when he nodded, she relaxed. Then she thought for some time and frowned. "Unfortunately, my recommendation letter should be written by Gregory Light. Considering current circumstances, I don't see that happening."

Jeff took her hand and squeezed it gently, showing his support.

JoAnna was touched that he only showed support and didn't push to provide solutions. That told her that he listened and understood her intention. She smiled. "Not having recommendation letter from him is not a deal breaker. I will figure out something... Other part is living together... I don't want to be away from you. But living with you is a big step. I never even had a roommate. It sounds intimidating. I need some time to think about it. OK?"

"Take next few days as a trial." He was hopeful that she will stay with him.

JoAnna agreed, "I can do that."

After lunch, they headed to the beach. Jeff rolled up his pants, and they walked on the warm sand dipping their feet in the ocean while holding hands. In other hand they held their shoes, so they don't get wet and full of sand.

They didn't walk much when one man in black suit jogged over to them. "Boss... sorry to interrupt..." Jeff turned to the man and waited for him to continue. "We got one photographer, but one escaped."

JoAnna looked at Jeff for explanation, but he was still looking at the man who brought the news. Jeff's expression was cold, JoAnna found it to be intimidating.

Jeff spoke to the bodyguard, "Find out how he found out where to come, and what they got."

"Yes, boss. Here..." He handed the digital camera to Jeff and jogged back from where he came from.

Jeff looked at the existing photos on camera while JoAnna reluctantly peeked from the side. Camera had photos of two of them in the restaurant, in an intimate setting. Last few shots were two of them on the beach, holding hands.

Jeff turned off the camera and held it in the same hand that held his shoes. With his free hand, he embraced JoAnna. "We need to get away from here."

He led her toward the car without further explanation.

JoAnna could guess that someone took photos of the secretly, and that his bodyguards caught the photographer. One of two it seems. But no matter how much she looked around she could not see any security. 'Where did they come from? How many of them are around?' She felt uneasy. Another thing she noticed is that Jeff was concerned, angry that this happened, but not surprised. She concluded that it's not the first time that photographers stalked him and took secret photos.