Page 5 of From the Moment We Met

Ben leaned close, whispering, “I’m not his type, he prefers petite brunettes.”

“His loss, then. You’re an even better catch,” Lilly grinned. Ben had only recently opened-up about his sexuality after 38 years of hiding in plain sight. Lilly was as determined to find him a perfect match as he was to find her a husband. “I’ve got to change, now scoot.”

Ben placed a hand on her arm. “Thank you, I know this will be a long day for you. I hope it isn’t cutting into any plans.”

Lilly laughed, shaking her head. “My cats will be sorely disappointed, but they’ll forgive me after a can of tuna.”

“One last thing—and I know how you feel about this—the patient is a VIP. She’s getting the largest room.”

Lilly scoffed in disgust. “All patients are VIPs, I don’t see why one deserves preferential treatment. But, if they want to pay the fees for added amenities, that’s their prerogative.”

“Her brother is a famous actor, and the family wants to avoid the fanfare that will accompany his arrival.”

Lilly nodded in agreement. “The last thing the staff needs is a bunch of fans blocking corridors.” She glared pointedly at Ben. “Are you going to give me some privacy?”

Ben smirked. “The same kind Dr. Torres gave you?” He ducked out the door, narrowly missing the t-shirt Lilly volleyed in his direction.

∞∞∞

Lilly changed and walked back to the nurses station. She cast a glance at Sabina who looked ready to faint. “Are you okay? What’s wrong?”

“Do you know who this emergent case is? It’s Janie Edmonton, Jacob Edmonton’s sister. Jacob Edmonton will be in our unit!” She fanned herself as if every mention of his name raised her blood pressure.

“Oh, wonderful,” Lilly muttered, ignoring the squeeze in her stomach at the realization. “Don’t get too excited, he might not even show up.”

“It’s his sister. Holy shit, I wish I’d put on makeup this morning.”

Lilly shot her a stern but loving look. “Sabina, this woman is sick. Our focus has to be on her recovery, not some Hollywood actor.”

Sabina straightened, her smile fading. “Is that why you’re recovering her? Is her case that complicated?”

Lilly’s expression was somber, but her voice maintained a positive tone. “Dr. Torres is an excellent surgeon. Let’s hope it isn’t too difficult when he gets in there.”

She had recovered countless surgical patients, but something about this case felt different. She couldn’t put it into words. The severity coupled with a Hollywood actor creating chaos at the community hospital was more than Lilly bargained for on a Monday afternoon. She only hoped her frayed nerves resulted from an overload of caffeine and not a premonition of the future.

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