Page 25 of Burned By the Broken Doctor

That’s stupid Liam, I berate myself and step on the accelerator, speeding toward the hospital. Right now, I need work to help me clear my mind.

My rounds feel like an obstacle course today. Every face I pass seems to hold a hidden smirk, a knowing glint in their eyes. Even Mrs. Hernandez, the head nurse, greets me with a smile that stretches from ear to ear, a stark contrast to her usual no-nonsense demeanor. I plaster on a smile of my own, tight and forced, and hurry past, my gaze glued to the charts in my hands.

Focus. That's what I need. Focus on the patients, their ailments, their concerns. I meticulously review their charts, triple-checking medications and treatment plans. A few patients, oblivious to the drama unfolding outside their rooms, engage in small talk. I answer their questions with forced cheer, the weight of the situation growing heavier with each passing minute.

Back in the hallway, a low murmur catches my attention. A cluster of patients and staff stand huddled together, their voices hushed yet animated. I pretend not to notice, keeping my head down and my pace steady. But the sound of laughter, a little louder than the rest, pierces the strained silence.

My office feels like my only refuge, and as soon as I get inside, I slam the door shut and sink into my chair, letting out a defeated sigh. Being examined, scrutinized—that's what it feels like.

When my door creaks open about an hour later, it’s my dad’s face that peeks in, a wide grin plastered across it.

That wide smile means trouble… “Not you, too,” I groan, burying my face in my hands.

He steps inside, his smile widening even further. “Just a few forms for you to sign, son.” I can hear the amusement in his tone.

I pick up the forms and start signing them. As I scribble on the last one, he clears his throat.

“And, uh, anything you want to talk about before you head off?”

I scoff. “There's nothing to talk about.”

“Okay.” He takes the form and heads toward the door.

Truth be told, I thought I’d be glad if he said nothing about the situation, but now, seeing him pretend to be unaware while the poorly concealed curiosity dances in his eyes, is worse.

“Dad,” I start, then stop. How could I explain the tangled mess in a few short sentences?

He must sense my hesitation. “Yes, Liam?”

“Just…” I cut him off, the frustration spilling over. “Don't pretend you don't know.”

My dad's face breaks into a massive smile. “Alright, alright, you got me.” He chuckles. “Word travels fast in this town, even faster in the hospital. So, tell me, what's going on between you and Emma Cole?”

I open my mouth to deny it, to explain the whole misunderstanding, but he raises his hand.

“You don’t have to tell me. I understand you both want to keep this a secret, but it’s out now.”

I watch him launch into his own excited narration before I can get a word in.

“The woman at the grocery store spilled the beans.” He grins, his eyes twinkling. “Said she saw you two having a lover's tiff the other night, and she said it started off with you kissing her right in the middle of Main Street! About time, son! I knew there was something there.”

Confusion clouds my face. “What if I tell you that it’s not real?”

He steps toward me, oblivious to my confusion. “Don't be shy, Liam,” he murmurs, clapping me on the shoulder, the force nearly knocking me off my chair. “You've always been a bit slow on the uptake when it comes to these things, but I'm glad you finally came around. Emma's a good girl, comes from decent folks. You two will make a great couple.”

He beams at me. He’s excited, I can see it in his eyes. There’s a twinkle in them that I haven’t seen since I was a kid and he was with us. He’s happy with this news, truly happy in a way I haven’t seen him in years.

The thought of his crushing disappointment when he learns the truth is a heavy weight in my stomach. “Dad, wait,” I stammer, trying to get a word in.

He chuckles again, a light whistle escaping his lips. “Don't worry, son,” he says, patting my back. “I’ll keep this under wraps for now,” he finishes, winking at me. “Let you two figure things out on your own. But seriously, son, good job. Took you long enough!”

He claps me on the shoulder one last time before heading for the door. “See you at home for dinner!” he throws over his shoulder, completely oblivious to the mix of emotions swirling inside me.

I’m not looking forward to ripping that joy I see in his eyes away from him anytime soon.

8

EMMA

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