Page 44 of Sinful in Scrubs

“A part of me wants to say no and go home to wallow in my misery alone,” she confessed. “But another part of me really doesn’t want to be alone. And I think that part is winning. So yes, I’ll take you up on your offer of the corner of your couch and a warm blanket. But I think I’ll pass on the cocktail. Alcohol and high emotions are not a good mix for me.” She paused and looked down at the floor for a bit before meeting my eyes again.

“Do you think maybe Jason will let me play his video game with him?”

I smiled at her question. “I think Jason would let you do almost anything. You really impressed him the first time he met you.”

I looked down at myself, still in my scrubs and white doctor’s coat. “I need to change. Why don’t you stay here and rest? I’ll come back for you when it’s time to leave.”

As I stood, Emma grabbed my wrist. “Don’t take too long, okay?”

I nodded and practically ran down the hall so I wouldn’t be away from her for more than a few minutes.

She was rigid and professional as we left the hospital together, but she melted as soon as we were alone. She leaned against me in the back of the cab on the ride home. As she quietly curled up on the couch in my living room, she looked like she belonged there. Jason was more than happy to keep her entertained and her thoughts off her disastrous afternoon.

21

EMMA

“Dr. Emma!” Jason yelled with delight as I followed Marcus through the front door.

“Hi, Jason,” I said. His joy lightened my mood considerably, but I was still deep in a funk, brought on by doubt and accusations from Kevin.

“Are you staying for dinner?”

“Yes, she is our guest for the evening,” Marcus said. “She had a rough day, so be nice to her, kiddo.”

“Do you want to watch me play my video game?” he asked, as if that was the nicest thing he could think of.

“That doesn’t sound like a bad idea, but you know what would be better?” I asked.

Jason nodded his head enthusiastically, eyes wide, waiting with anticipation for me to tell him what could be better than watching him play his video game.

“Could I play with you?”

“I have another controller! We can set it up for a second player.” He bounded away and disappeared into the living room where his game was set up.

“I think you just made his entire week,” Marcus said as he took my things to place on a hook.

“I could use some unadulterated enthusiasm right about now,” I confessed. “Are you sure it’s okay?”

“I think it’s great,” Marcus said.

“You won’t need me to help make dinner or anything?”

He shook his head. “Lily and I can handle dinner. I invited you here so you could rest and regain your composure after today’s ordeal.”

I let out a weary sigh. “Ordeal it was,” I agreed.

“Dr. Emma! Dr. Emma!” Jason called from the other room.

“What am I getting myself into?” I asked wearily, casting a side glance toward the living room where Jason excitedly waited for me.

“Not a clue,” Marcus admitted.

“If you don’t play video games with your kids?—”

He shook his head. “Not my parenting style.”

I braced myself and headed into the living room. Jason had Mario Kart on the screen, the character selection waiting for me.

---