Page 66 of Burned By the Broken Doctor

Damon gives a polite but distant smile. “Going well, thanks.”

She glances at me, then back at Damon. “Is your sister going to finally show up at the get-together party now that she’s in town?”

Damon’s smile tightens. “I don’t know. I guess we’ll see.”

As we drive back into town, I can’t shake the interaction from my mind. “What was that about?” I ask Damon.

He sighs, keeping his eyes on the road. “Emma’s high school class from Harmony Creek High is having a get-together. She’s always been reluctant to go because those girls love to get at her for not having a partner.”

A blinding anger surges through me at the thought of Emma being subjected to that. “They give her a hard time because she’s single?”

Damon nods. “Yeah, they’ve always been like that. Emma just tries to avoid the drama.”

I grit my teeth, a fierce protective instinct rising within me. “Maybe she shouldn’t avoid it this time. She doesn’t have to go alone.”

Damon glances at me, a knowing smile playing on his lips. “You thinking what I’m thinking?”

I nod, determination settling in my gut. “Yeah. Get me the details of the party. I’m taking her.”

As we drive on, my mind races. This isn’t just about protecting Emma from a few mean girls. It’s about showing her that she doesn’t have to hide herself away from this people. She’s a beautiful, successful woman, and these days, I find myself wanting her to know just how amazing she is. I want to crush her enemies, and if that is a room full of judgmental former classmates, so be it. Emma deserves to be treated with respect and love, and I’m determined to show her just that.

I sit on the edge of my bed, phone in hand, staring at Emma's number. My thumb hovers over the call button for a moment before I finally press it. The phone rings twice before she picks up, her voice bright and cheerful.

“Hey, Liam!”

“Hey, Emma. How's it going?”

“Pretty good. How about you? How did the suit shopping with Damon go?”

I chuckle, recalling the afternoon. “It was…interesting. Damon has some interesting taste. But we found something good.”

“That's great to hear. I can only imagine the two of you in a fashion boutique,” she teases, and I can hear the smile in her voice.

I take a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. “Listen, I was wondering if you’d like to go to a party with me tonight.”

“A party?” she asks, curiosity evident in her tone. “What kind of party?”

“Think of it as a date,” I reply, keeping my tone light. “And a chance to show the townsfolk that we're a couple.”

There's a brief pause before she responds, excitement lacing her words. “Okay, that sounds fun. I'm looking forward to it.”

“Great. I’ll pick you up at seven?”

“Seven it is,” she agrees. We exchange a few more pleasantries before hanging up, and I feel a sense of anticipation building inside me.

Later that evening, I’m in front of the mirror adjusting my tie for the umpteenth time. I’ve chosen a classic black suit, hoping it strikes the right balance between formal and casual. As I head toward the door, my dad intercepts me, a teasing grin on his face.

“Big night, huh?” he asks, leaning against the doorframe.

“Something like that,” I mutter, trying to hide my nerves.

He smirks. “Should I be preparing breakfast for three tomorrow morning?”

I roll my eyes. “I regret ever letting you meet Emma,” I joke back, and we both laugh.

My dad’s expression softens. “Where are you taking her tonight?”

“It’s a high school reunion,” I explain. “Apparently, Emma’s been hesitant to go because some of her old classmates like to give her a hard time about not having a man.”

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