Page 102 of What If I Knew You

“Yeah.” I reach out and pat Bodhi’s chest with my hand a few times. “It’s the super nice guys who are really good at doing things for other people. The guy who cares more about his girl than he does himself.”

“Yeah.” Layken nods. “Like the guy who carries his girl’s bags when they’re out shopping.”

“Or the one who takes his girl to a bookstore on a date because what could be better than buying her one of the books on her TBR.”

“Oooh yes!” Layken claps her hands as Bodhi cocks his head.

“TBR? What is TBR?”

“To Be Read,” Layken answers. “Every girl has one.”

He looks at me. “Do you have one?”

“Pshhh.” Layken waves her hand dismissively. “Bodhi, my man, she’s got one a mile long. She has TBRs for her TBRs.

“That’s only because this hospital takes up all my free time and I don’t get the time to relax and read. And when I do, it’s your book.”

“Your book?” Bodhi turns to Layken. “You have a book?”

“Shewrotea book,” I tell him. “And it’s badass.”

“Really? You wrote a whole book?”

Layken nods. “It’s almost done. But yes.”

“Wow. That is pretty badass. Congrats. When will I get to read it?”

Layken’s cheeks turn bright pink. “Uh, that’s a great big never.”

“What?” Bodhi smiles. “And why not? Is it one of those spicy kinds of books?”

“Yes. And I do not need my friends judging me for my steamy bedroom scenes thinking the way my characters act is the way I act.”

“Friends, huh?” He rubs his chin between his thumb and forefinger. “So, we’re friends now? Like, officially?”

Layken turns with a smile and we follow along as we start to head out of the oncology department.

I suppose I do need to get back to work.

“Mr. Roche, I was officially your friend the very night I found out about you.” She turns again and points a finger at Bodhi. “But if you do anything to fuck over my best friend, I can guarantee you I will quickly become your worst enemy. Do I make myself clear?”

“Crystal.” He smiles. “I promise I won’t let you down.”

“Good.” She puts her arm around him. “Now, what can you tell me about Griffin Ollenberg?”

___

“I’m reallyglad I got to see you, Bodhi. That was a nice surprise.”

He squeezes my hand in his. “Ditto. I didn’t expect to see you at the door. I knew you were probably busy downstairs so I didn’t want to bother you.”

“It’s kind of a slow day today so bother away. The only patient I had was a kid who dislocated his shoulder playing hockey.”

“Ooh,” Bodhi cringes. “That hurts like a bitch as an adult. I feel bad for the kid.”

“Yeah. I should’ve looked to see if he was still here and asked if I could introduce you. He even told me he wants to be an Anaheim Star one day.”

“Wouldn’t be this kid coming out, would it?”

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