Page 46 of Doctor One Night

“I might have mentioned a few cases he would want to take a look at. Maybe I steered a couple of people his way. What’s the big deal?”

“You’re a surgeon,” Shep says, lowering his chin so he can look at me over his glasses. I don’t like when he does this, it seems like he’s addressing a minor that’s been naughty and needs a talking to. “You just seem obsessed with this lately, that’s all. Wondering what the deal is.”

Fucker. Why is he pushing me so much? “Yeah, we can help each other around here, right?”

“Why the interest in HL? Fess up, enough with the song and dance.”

There’s no need to beat around the bush. It’s not like some dark secret, anyway. I can be such a weirdo sometimes.

“My mom called me about a month and a half ago about a lump she found under her breast. It turns out she has Hodgkin's lymphoma. So I’ve been reading up on it. When a patient comes through, I’ve been sending them to him. Sooner they catch it and come up with a treatment plan, the better the outcome.”

Shep seems to take in what I’ve just shared and thinks about it for a moment. “Is she okay?”

“Yeah, for now,” I say after blowing out a sigh, “She’s been on my ass about it since she found it. I might not have thought twice about it, but through my reading and research, I’ve found out there is a rare strain that is defying conventional treatment.”

“It wouldn’t hurt to talk to Dibbins, you know, instead of sending him a bunch of random cases. Like, really talk to him, I mean. Maybe he can take a look at your mom’s case and help her—help you.”

Sigh, “Yeah, I could do that.” I still haven’t called my mom’s doctor like I promised. Fuck. Here is the universe again butting its nose in my fate. “I suppose I should talk to Dibbins today.”

“I think you should,” Shep concedes with a nod. “Hey, the gala was pretty sweet, huh? Where did you disappear to?” I was almost happy for the change in topic until I it was this one.

Dammit, I don’t want to go into this, especially since rumors are already flying.

“I’m so glad you were enjoying it. I was working. Bench had me schmoozing a few billionaires. I was able to secure a sponsor for the pacemaker study I’ve been working on, so we are going to human trials.”

I purposefully leave out Frankie’s name because I don’t want to hear his horseshit about her. I’m sure he is bringing it up to see what I will divulge.

“Your sponsor? Did you close the deal?”

I nod. Shep’s smile is genuine as he takes the few steps to reach across my desk and shake my hand as I accept the gesture.

“Congratulations, Hunter. That’s a big deal! Way to go! You must have given one hell of a good pitch.”

Jill buzzes in, saving me from the awkwardness of having to “aw, shucks” my way through that. “Dr. Parrish, Mrs. Oppenstar is on line one. She insists on speaking to you about a fungus on her toe she thinks is related to surgery.”

I roll my eyes and Shep stands. “On that note, I’m outta here.”

SEVENTEEN

Frankie

Frankie's House

8:48 am

I’m pouring my first cup of mediocre coffee, trying to wrap my head around everything that happened this weekend, still reeling over the fact that Hunter left without a word and I haven't heard from him since.

I don’t have to be at the hospital until 11:30 for my meeting. So I have time to ease into my day, thank goodness, because I need it.

My phone, charging on the stone countertop, buzzes loudly. I reach for it, wondering if it's him. Before I look, though, I already know it’s not him. It has to be Carly. She always checks in about this time if she isn't working.

Good morning, sunshine! How about I bring coffee and bagels? We need to catch up about the gala!

I sigh, the tight knot in my stomach twisting a little more. Carly’s not going to let me off the hook. She’s going to want every detail, and after the way last night ended… I’m not sure I’m ready to talk about it. But this is Carly. She knows me too well, and there’s no way I can avoid this conversation.

Vanilla skinny latte. I have cream cheese for the bagels. Come on.

I'm happy to pour out this weak ass coffee for something a little stronger—and tastier. Her response is immediate.

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