Page 55 of Shattered Melodies

“You know him?” Gemma asked, her voice cutting through my thoughts. “The guy with the kitten?”

I hesitated, not sure how much I wanted to share. My history with Liam was complicated, to say the least. It wasn’t something I talked about, not even with my closest friends. But Gemma was looking at me with those big, curious eyes, and I knew she wouldn’t let it go until I gave her something.

“Yeah,” I said finally, my voice rough. “I know him. Or I did, a long time ago.”

She raised an eyebrow, clearly expecting more. But before she could press the issue, the doctor’s voice called out from the exam room.

“Caleb? We’re ready for you.”

I felt a rush of relief, grateful for the escape. “Thanks, doc. I’ll be right there.”

I turned back to Gemma, giving her a tight smile. “Duty calls. I’ll catch you later, okay?”

She huffed, clearly disappointed. But she waved me off, turning back to her computer with a shrug.

I followed Dr. Martinez into the exam room, my mind still reeling from the encounter with Liam. As soon as the door closed behind us, the doc’s professional demeanor melted into a familiar grin.

“So, Caleb, was Gemma trying to dig up the town gossip again?” he asked, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

I couldn’t help but chuckle. “You know Gemma. She thinks she’s the Woodward and Bernstein of Oakwood Grove.”

Dr. Martinez laughed, shaking his head. “That woman could make a career out of her nosiness. So, what’s got her all fired up this time? Must be something good if you’re using me as an escape route.”

I hesitated, not sure how much I wanted to share. “Oh, you know. Just… an old friend back in town. Nothing exciting.”

The doc raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. “Uh-huh. And I’m the Queen of England. Come on, Caleb. I’ve known you since high school, even if we didn’t run in the same circles back then. Spill.”

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. “It’s Liam,” I admitted. “He’s back.”

Dr. Martinez’s eyes widened. “Liam? As in, the Liam? Well, I’ll be damned. No wonder Gemma’s on the warpath. That’s the juiciest piece of gossip to hit this town since old man Johnson’s prize pig won the state fair.”

I couldn’t help but laugh at the comparison. “Yeah, well, let’s try to keep it under wraps for now, okay? I’m still trying to wrap my head around it myself.”

The doc nodded, his expression softening. “Of course, Caleb. Your secret’s safe with me.” He paused, a thoughtful look crossing his face. “You know, I think I might have just seen him. Guy with a kitten? Didn’t recognize him at the time.”

I nodded, feeling a mix of emotions at the mention of Liam and the kitten. “Yeah, that was him.”

There was a moment of silence between us, the air heavy with unspoken history. Dr. Martinez and I had our own past, a series of hook-ups that never quite developed into anything more. We’d both known why - my heart had always belonged to Liam, even when I tried to convince myself otherwise.

As if reading my thoughts, the doc cleared his throat. “You okay, Caleb? I know seeing him must be… complicated.”

I appreciated his concern. Despite our history, or maybe because of it, we’d managed to forge a solid friendship. “I’m… managing,” I said honestly. “It’s a lot to process.”

He nodded understandingly. “Well, you know I’m here if you need to talk. Or, you know, if you need a distraction,” he added with a wink, his tone light and teasing.

I chuckled, grateful for his attempt to lighten the mood. “Thanks, but I think we both know that ship has sailed. We’re better as friends, remember?”

“True enough,” he agreed with a grin. “Now, what do you say we talk about something less dramatic? Like, oh I don’t know, parasitic infections in cattle?”

I grinned, grateful for the change of subject. “Music to my ears, doc. Actually, that’s kind of why I’m here. I was hoping you could come out to the ranch next week for our routine livestock check. We’ve got some new calves I’d like you to take a look at.”

We spent the next few minutes discussing the details of the visit, the conversation peppered with the doc’s usual mix of bad jokes and genuine enthusiasm for his work. It was a welcome distraction from the emotional whirlwind of the past hour.

As we wrapped up, Dr. Martinez fixed me with a serious look. “You know, Caleb, whatever happens with this Liam situation… you’ve got people in your corner. Don’t forget that, okay?”

I felt a lump form in my throat, touched by his concern. “Thanks, doc. I appreciate that.”

He clapped me on the shoulder. “Anytime, kid. Now, go on and face the music. And by music, I mean Gemma’s interrogation. Good luck with that!”

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