Page 62 of Doctor One Night

“I hate to run again, but I have a patient in ten minutes and want to stop in and check Grace’s chart. Can I text you later?”

“Of course. Please, go. Let’s talk later.”

He gives me a quick nod before heading off down the hall, and I watch him go, my heart still racing. There’s something about seeing him like this, so focused, so dedicated, that makes me admire him even more.

As I turn back to Carly, who’s now watching me with an amused expression, I know I’m not hiding anything from her. She grins as I approach, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

“Oh my freaking hell, Frankie,” she says, barely holding back a laugh. “I’ve never seen you or Hunter, for that matter, with such googly eyes. You’re in trouble, girl.”

I can’t help but laugh, rolling my eyes at her teasing. “You don’t even know the half of it,” I whisper, leaning in closer. “I spent the night at Hunter’s last night.”

Carly’s eyes widen, and she nearly loses it, laughing so hard she has to hold on to the wall for support. “Oh, Frankie, this is too good! You dirty dog!”

I shake my head, unable to keep the smile off my face. “I’ll tell you more later. Gotta run upstairs.”

“Oh, yes you will, Missy,” Carly says, still chuckling. Her expression softens, and she glances toward the ICU doors. “My heart is literally in shreds about Grace—she had a pretty severe heart attack, but they got her stabilized. She’s in the ICU now, resting. She’s a tough old bird. If anyone can pull through this, it’s that little woman in there. But, damn, seeing her like that gets you right in the gut.”

I nod, feeling a mixture of relief and concern. I know how close she and Carly are. “I’m glad she’s okay, now. Thank God it happened here. It sounds like it was touch and go for a bit according to Hunter.”

“Yeah, it was,” Carly agrees, her tone more serious now. “But she’s in excellent hands, and everyone’s pulling for her. Hunter jumped in, once again, like a hero. I’m starting to see him in a new light.”

“Good,” I say, prideful at hearing her say that. “I’ll check in on y’all later.”

Carly nods, then gives me a sly grin. “But first, you better get ready to spill all the details about Hunter. I’m not letting you off the hook, you know, just because we have a personal medical emergency down here.”

I laugh, shaking my head. “Wouldn’t dream of it. I’ve got to meet with Theo first.”

11:59 am

After our meeting wraps up, I gather my things and head out of the hospital. The weight of the day’s events presses on me, but there’s also a sense of accomplishment. I need to get back to my joggers and my home office. I can’t imagine why I would be so exhausted.

The meeting went well, and we’re moving forward with the trial. Still, there’s a lot to do, and I know I’ll need to buckle down and get some work done as soon as I get home.

As I step out into the warm sunlight, I remember I told Bill, er, my dad, that I would reach out later in the week. I pull out my phone and scroll through my recent calls until I find his number. I hit the call button and hold the phone to my ear, listening to the ring as I make my way to the parking garage.

I notice the dread and anxiousness aren’t there when I make the call like they have been in the past. It’s a nice but subtle change.

It takes a few rings, but eventually, he picks up.

“Hello?”

“Hey, it’s me,” I say, trying to keep my tone light. “I was just checking in, seeing how you’re doing.”

“I’m doing good. Feeling pretty good, actually. How is your project going?”

“Busy,” I admit with a small laugh as I slide into the driver’s seat. “We had a big meeting today about the trial I’m working on, so there’s a lot to do. But, you know, it’s good. Just trying to keep up with everything.”

“I bet,” he says, a note of pride in his voice. “You’re a hard worker. Just like your mom.”

The mention of my mom sends a pang through my chest, but I push it aside. Part of me wants to tell him he doesn't have the right to bring her up. But I know he means well and is giving me a compliment, so I leave it at that.

“Yeah, well, I guess I got that from her. Listen, I was thinking. I’ve got a lot of work to do this afternoon, but I’m probably going to need a break later. Do you want to meet for coffee? Maybe around four?”

“Yeah, I’d like that. Coffee sounds wonderful. Where do you want to meet?”

I think for a moment, then suggest the café that’s not too far from my place, making it more convenient for me. “How about the same place as last time? Frothy Monkey. It’s close to where I live, and they’ve got great coffee.”

“Frothy Monkey is perfect,” he agrees, and I can hear the relief in his voice. “I’ll see you there at four.”

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