Page 93 of The Potter

I kiss the side of her face, tasting salty tears. “Never feel like you’re less for managing the memories. You didn’t let them manage you. You survived, Peach, and the world is a better place for it.”

I pause, swallowing. “I am a better man because of it.”

Halle

Iknew Friday would be a tough day for Vance.

Which is why I made sure I loved him into the wee hours of the morning. I wanted to consume every bit of energy and anxiety he had. What he needed was a clear head and room for focus.

No blackouts.

No tremors.

What happened with Logan needed to be told with grace and humility, not with misery and regret. Though Vance feels both of those emotions, it’s important for Calista to see that Logan’s death was not Vance’s fault. As Logan’s surgeon, Vance did everything he could to save his friend. Unfortunately, Logan suffered a tragic outcome.

Life isn’t always fair.

It wasn’t for Logan, Calista,orVance.

With death, you never move on, but you can move forward and learn to live with the pain and absence of a loved one.

That’s what I hope today will bring Vance and Calista—closure.

Now, though, as I roll over to an empty side of the bed, where Vance should be this morning, I’m not hopeful.

For all the strides he’s made since I’ve been here, I’m afraid reliving the nightmare of the day he lost Logan will set him back. Vance doesn’t deserve that kind of hell. Not now. Not when he’s worked so hard to get back into the operating room—to take back his life.

I can’t let him lose everything he’s built these past weeks, and I certainly can’t let him face Calista without backup. The last time he saw her, she slapped him. That’s not happening today. The only one who can slap Dr. Potter is me—and I prefer slapping his ass, not that pretty face. Dr. Potter has become more to me than just my surgeon.

He’s my friend, one who spends time with me, plays games, and participates in the very trendy exercise routine of naked yoga. But more than being my friend, Vance has become my protector—always making sure I’m safe and cared for when he’s here or away at the office.

And then there’s this little thing called love.

I love Dr. Potter and more than just as a doctor.

I’ve grown to love Vance’s domineering ways, with his rare shows of sarcasm and fun.

Vance is complicated and deep, yet he has a softer, more fun side that hardly anyone gets to see.

But he showed it to me.

He might not use the L-word to describe our relationship, but I can tell he feels something for me. The speeches… the rare shows of vulnerability and openness… Vance has a heart, and it very much likes me.

Does it like me enough to keep me here in Texas with him?

I don’t know.

Do Iwantto stay in Texas?

I didn’t come here with the intention of falling in love and making a new home in Bloomfield. I came here for a surgery to fade the memories that held me back from taking the career I wanted in show business.

Vance gave me the fresh start I asked for.

Am I ready to put those dreams on the back burner because my heart has chosen someone to kick off this new life with?

Maybe.

I don’t know. This isn’t something Vance and I have discussed. We don’t throw around the L-word or mention future plans other than dinner. But he’s had to have thought about it, right? What happens in a few days, when my recovery is over? Does he expect me to pack up my clothes and Oscar and head back to Clyde’s with Remington? Or do I live here now? It’s all so confusing and terribly selfish to even think about, when Vance is going through hell today.

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