Page 35 of Doctor Second Chance

Isabella sits with flair. She has a little steamed milk froth on her upper lip. I motion with my finger and laugh. It feels good to be silly with her.

“So, how is rehab going? You going to bust out of that joint at the end of the week?”

I've been dreading this conversation, but I know I can't keep it from my best friend any longer. I’m a terrible liar, anyway.

"So, Izzy, there's something I need to tell you," I start, my heart racing. "I'm... staying at Shep's house."

Isabella's eyes widen, and she nearly chokes on her coffee. "What? Wait, Dr. Shep? Your ex, Shep?"

"Mmm hmm," I nod.

"Are you serious? Isn't that some kind of ethical no-no?"

"Well, he isn't my doctor. He is just a doctor at the same hospital. I don't think there is any conflict there."

"Hmmm. I'm not so sure I'm convinced. Why the hell are you staying with him?"

I quickly explain about the pipe bursting incident and how Shep got permission from Dr. Hampton for me to stay there while things were fixed. "It was either that or getting shipped off to who knows where for rehab."

Isabella leans in, her voice lowering. "Okay, but blab. What's really going on?"

I bite my lip, hesitating for a moment before confessing, "We slept together last night."

"Holy shit, Elle!" Isabella exclaims, drawing a few glances from nearby tables. She lowers her voice again. "Are you out of your mind?"

"I know, I know," I groan, nervously pulling at my shirt sleeve. "I'm so conflicted. But it was amazing..."

Isabella gives me a sympathetic look. "I bet it was, Elle. But is it safe?"

"Who's thinking about that when you're sitting on a bougie outdoor sofa overlooking an aqua pool on a mild night? No one, that's who."

"And what are you thinking today, in the light, without the romantic ambiance?"

"I'm wondering if it was a mistake. I'm constantly second-guessing myself."

"Are you falling for him again?"

"I don't know. I don't think so. I think it is more that I am getting a second chance for the closure I've wanted from him all these years. I vacillate from one minute to the next about this. Enjoy the sex or run like the wind, and don't look back."

"Look, if you’ll be stuck here, you might as well enjoy the perks of staying with Dr. McDreamy. But try to keep your heart out of it. This likely isn't going anywhere once you leave Birmingham."

I nod, knowing she's right. We chat a bit more about my recovery, and I mention the tenderness in my hand.

"The therapist seemed worried today," I told her. She said to call Dr. Hampton’s nurse if it doesn’t improve.

Isabella smirks, unable to resist one last jab. "Maybe it's from all those bedroom acrobatics with Dr. Hottie."

I roll my eyes but can't help laughing. Despite the complications, a part of me is thrilled to have this unexpected time with Shep.

5:51 pm

I approach Shep's front door, feeling caught between two worlds. Are we at the point where I walk in and announce myself? Or do I knock and wait for someone to escort me in?

My hand hovers over the doorbell, hesitating. Before I can decide, the door swings open, revealing Opie's beaming face.

"Miss Elle!" he exclaims, his eyes lighting up with recognition.

My heart melts a little. "Hi, Opie! Is your daddy home?"

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