Page 16 of Burned By the Broken Doctor

Damon chuckles, his voice low and easy. “Ah, Liam. Yeah, he can be a bit of a pain, but he’s not that bad. He’s got a good heart, you know.”

June turns to me, her eyes seeking confirmation. I shrug, avoiding the subject. “I get it. I mean, you and Liam are pals, and you can be just as annoying sometimes,” I jest, trying to steer the conversation away from Liam.

“Well, I hope this makes me less annoying.” Damon chuckles, brandishing a paper bag like a peace offering. “Bagels are served,” he announces with a smirk, attempting to shift the focus to breakfast.

June beams at the bagels, her eyes sparkling with excitement. She turns to me, a mischievous glint in her eye. “See, Emma? Bagels and a ring. What more could a girl want?” she teases, flashing the diamond on her finger.

Damon raises an eyebrow, feigning offense. “Hey, I thought I was getting married for my charming personality, not my bagel-buying skills,” he jokes, setting the table with a hint of mock indignation.

June leans in, planting a kiss on Damon’s cheek. “It’s a package deal, babe. Bagels and charm,” she quips, her love for him evident in her eyes.

Watching them, I can't help but smile at their playful banter. “Well, consider me your wedding fairy godmother. I’m going to make sure your big day is nothing short of magical,” I declare, enthusiasm bubbling in my voice.

June pulls me into a tight hug, her excitement contagious. “I believe you, Em. I can't wait,” she exclaims, her eyes shining with anticipation.

As they share a moment, I feel a pang of longing deep in my chest. It's bittersweet, watching them, knowing I haven't found that kind of love yet. I push aside the thought, forcing a smile as I rise from the table. “You two lovebirds carry on. I’ll be in the living room,” I announce, grabbing a bagel and my beer, eager to escape the intensity of their affection for a moment.

5

LIAM

I look around the Harmony Creek Hospital, impressed by its facilities. I’ve been in town for a week but it’s my first time in the hospital because Dad wanted me to get familiar with people in town before I come in.

There's an unfamiliar buzz in the air as Dad proudly introduces me to the staff and patients sitting around the lounge. He can barely hide the pride in his infectious smile as he gestures toward me, “This is my son, Liam. He's joining us for a while.”

I nod and say hi to as many people as I can. The nurses greet me with warm smiles and enthusiastic handshakes, but it's not long before I notice a subtle change in their demeanor. A few of them hold on to my hand a little longer than necessary, their eyes lingering a moment too long as if trying to convey something more than just a simple welcome.

I’ve got Dad to blame for this, I suspect. Maybe he’s used the week to plant seeds that he shouldn’t have in the heads of these ladies.

“Dr. Miller's son, huh?” A nurse called Grace grabs my hand, her voice carrying a playful tone. “We've heard a lot about you.”

I offer a polite smile, unsure of how to respond. “All good things, I hope.”

She chuckles, a flirtatious glint in her eyes. “Oh, definitely.”

I glance over at Dad, who seems oblivious to the exchange as he moves on to greet another patient. I clear my throat, trying to shift the focus away from the awkward encounter. “So, how's your day been so far?”

The conversation continues, albeit with a subtle undercurrent of flirtation that I find increasingly uncomfortable. It's not that I'm not used to attention from women, but there's something about the way they're looking at me that feels... off.

After what feels like an eternity, Dad finally wraps up his introductions and leads me down the hall to the office I'll be using during my time here. As we walk, he fills me in on some of the hospital's procedures and protocols, his words a comforting reminder of his expertise in this environment.

Once we reach the office, Dad steps aside to let me take a look around. “It's not much, but it'll do for now,” he says, a hint of pride in his voice.

I nod, taking in the simple yet functional space. “It's perfect, Dad. Thanks.”

He smiles, patting me on the shoulder before heading for the door. “Just remember, if you need anything, I'm right down the hall.”

Alone in the office, I sink into the chair behind the desk, feeling a mix of emotions swirling inside me. Pride at following in Dad's footsteps, frustration at the unwanted attention from the nurses, and a lingering sense of uncertainty about what the coming weeks will bring.

But amidst it all, there's a glimmer of hope. Maybe this experience will bring me closer to Dad, help me understand him better.

Just on cue, my phone buzzes insistently on the table, the screen flashing with the unmistakable silhouette of a woman with perfectly coiffed hair and a smile that could sell ice to Eskimos—my mother.

I stare at it for a beat too long, the familiar knot of apprehension tightening in my stomach. This morning's conversation replays in my head—her disapproval thinly veiled beneath a layer of saccharine concern, the frustration simmering just below the surface.

Do I really want to go through this again?

With a sigh, I swipe the screen to answer. “Hi, Mom,” I manage, my voice already tinged with preemptive exhaustion.

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