Page 73 of Burned By the Broken Doctor

The day stretches on in a blur of patients, charts, and consultations. But all the while, a tiny part of me keeps waiting for another text, another call, anything that might bridge the physical distance between us.

Throughout the day, I catch myself thinking about her—how she laughed this morning, the way she looked at me, the warmth of her embrace. Every little detail brings a smile to my face. I realize that whatever happens, I’m in too deep to turn back now. This is something I need to figure out, not just for myself, but for Emma too.

24

EMMA

The bell above the boutique door chimes a frantic melody as I burst through the entrance. It’s been a chaotic morning. There was a light shower as soon as I stepped out of Liam’s house, and a ten-minute ordeal later, soaked and frustrated, I hail a cab, only to have it rear-ended by a red-light runner.

The universe, it seems, is conspiring to make me late for June's fitting.

“Emma?” June's voice, laced with a healthy dose of annoyance, cuts through my jumbled thoughts. I spin around, guilt twisting in my gut. She stands at the back of the store, arms crossed and a frown etched on her normally sunny face.

“June! I am so, so sorry,” I stammer, my voice breathless from the mad dash. “Everything went wrong this morning. You wouldn't believe it!” I launch into a frantic explanation, my hands gesturing wildly as I recount the phone, the taxi, and the cosmic conspiracy against my punctuality.

June listens patiently, her frown deepening with each new detail of my misfortune. As I finish, muttering apologies under my breath, she sighs dramatically. “Okay, that does sound like some seriously bad luck,” she concedes, uncrossing her arms but still managing to look a tad peeved.

“I know, right?” I reach out, placing a placating hand on her arm. “Seriously, the universe must be punishing me for something.”

For a moment, she keeps up her sulking façade, then a ghost of a smile finally flickers across her lips. “Alright, alright. I forgive you. Just this once.” she says, her voice softening.

I exhale in relief, giving her a grateful smile. “Thank you. Now, let’s find you the perfect dress.”

“Come on, let's get you a mimosa. You look like you need one.”

Following her deeper into the store, I feel a wave of relief wash over me. The cool air, scented with something floral and vaguely citrusy, is a welcome change from the summer heat outside. The boutique itself is small and intimate, a far cry from the bustling department stores I usually endure for clothes shopping. Here, racks overflowing with ethereal gowns line the walls, casting delicate shadows under the soft lighting.

“So,” June says, leading me toward a plush velvet sofa in the back, “I bet Liam caused this sudden case of rare amnesia regarding our appointment?”

I sink into the sofa with a grateful sigh. “Honestly?” I confess, taking a sip of the ice-cold mimosa June has placed in my hand. “Yeah, you’re right.”

June throws back her head and laughs, a sound that always manages to chase away my worries. “I knew it, Em,” she says, shaking her head but still smiling. “You're usually the most meticulous person I know. Schedules are absolutely your thing.”

“Ugh, don't remind me!” I groan, mock-glaring at her. “This whole morning has been a total disaster.”

She chuckles, then her smile softens. “Seriously, though,” she says, leaning forward, “is everything okay? I mean, with Liam?”

The question hangs in the air, catching me off guard. I hadn't expected June to delve into my personal life, not here, not now. But looking into her concerned eyes, I feel a dam within me break.

“It's…complicated,” I admit, hesitantly. “Things are good, really good. But…” I trail off, unsure how to articulate the jumble of emotions swirling inside me.

“But?” June prompts gently.

“But it feels…different,” I say, choosing my words carefully. “Like we're at this precipice, you know? Like things are about to change drastically, and I'm not sure I'm ready for it.”

June nods, her expression thoughtful. “That makes sense,” she says. “Think about it. You've never done this whole 'relationship' thing before, Emma. It can be scary, even when it's good.”

“Exactly!” I exclaim, relief flooding me at having finally voiced my anxieties. It feels good to say it out loud, to have someone understand.

June reaches out and squeezes my hand. “Listen,” she says, her voice firm but laced with a touch of empathy, “relationships take work. There will be bumps along the road, that's just a fact. But the important thing is to communicate, to be honest with each other. And most importantly,” she adds, a mischievous glint in her eyes, “never lose sight of yourself. You are a strong, independent woman, Emma. Don't let anyone, not even Liam, make you forget that.”

Her words strike a chord deep within me. For the first time all morning, a sense of calm settles over me. June is right. This whole relationship thing is new territory for me, and yes, it’s scary, exhilarating even. But it doesn't have to mean losing myself in the process.

“You're right,” I say sincerely, a small smile playing on my lips. “Thanks, June. I really needed to hear that.”

“Anytime,” she replies, returning my smile.

“Now,” I announce, clapping my hands together, effectively banishing the seriousness of the moment, “it’s time we get ourselves a dress and forget about all this drama! Besides, I have a feeling you're going to need all your strength for the emotional rollercoaster that is wedding dress shopping.”

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