Page 17 of White Raven
Sarah swallowed, nodding. “I understand. Thank you.”
“Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you find yourself concerned for him. I can be discreet. He’s a good person. He’s—he’s not like his father.”
Sarah’s brows lowered. Suddenly the strange vibe she was batting away when it came to this woman didn’t seem so misplaced. “Did you know Conrad?”
Dr. Ambrose swallowed hard. “I didn’t know him personally, no. Gretchen was—she and I were very close in high school. We lost touch when I was in college. I know what Conrad did to her. I should have gotten her help. We’re past that point now. The least I can do is look out for this man. He’s been brave enough. He doesn’t need to take on the world without someone to catch him if he stumbles.”
Somehow, Sarah got the feeling that her intentions, however admirable, went a bit deeper than her acquaintance with Gretchen. She sensed some attraction there. Her mind immediately went to Wren, who seemed disinterested in pursuing anything with Brent right now, but what the doctor said couldn’t be argued with. She understood it just the same.
“I’ll talk to him, doc. Thank you for letting me know. Odd as it sounds, we—we used to date. I know how stubborn he is. We’ll keep a close eye on him. You have my word.”
It was almost insulting how Dr. Ambrose looked her up and down after that, but Sarah decided not to let it get to her. Had she not had Athan, it might have even bothered her, but she honestly felt nothing. It wasn’t like the press hadn’t had the same bullshit opinion as she probably did right now regarding their compatibility. None of that mattered now, anyway.
“I appreciate it. Good luck to you. Thanks for lending an ear.” Her smile seemed genuine, and Sarah returned it. Maybe she was just reading too much into the whole thing. Maybe she was grasping at anything other than John Allan’s uninvited presence in her mind. She wasn’t sure. Dr. Ambrose disappeared down the hall and Sarah returned to Brent’s room. They helped with his bags, and the nurse brought a wheelchair to the door.
“Must we?” Brent frowned, eyeing the chair.
“I’m sorry, Mr. Stratford. You know the drill.” The nurse smiled sweetly at him.
“I didn’t do it,” Sarah grinned, catching Athan’s stare. He mirrored her grin and shook his head. Brent huffed a laugh and turned himself to sit in the wheelchair, forfeiting.
“They’ve been good to me. I won’t leave on bad terms. Thanks, Miss Browning.” The nurse blushed and turned him out. She accompanied them in the elevator, only letting him out when they’d reached the pick-up circle outside the entrance to the hospital.
“Take care of yourself, sir.” She patted him on the shoulder, and turned back, taking the wheelchair with her. When Brent faced them again, she and Athan were both staring at him. His smile faded.
“What?”
“Every female employee in this hospital is sweet on you, Brent.” Sarah’s snicker was teasing as she took the briefcase out of his hand.
“Jealous?” Brent boldly asked, earning a bellowing laugh from Athan, who spun his keys as he turned away to go get the car. Sarah rolled her eyes. “What was that about?” Brent asked, pointing a thumb in Athan’s direction.
“Karma dislikes me.”
He huffed a laugh. “You know most of them are probably only being nice because they think I’m coming into a ton of inheritance.”
“That doesn’t bother you?” Sarah asked, sitting on a bench close by to wait for Athan. Brent lowered himself down beside her.
“I should think you’d know I’m used to that kind of shit by now, Sarah.”
They stared forward, an awkward silence ensuing. “Has Wren reached out to you?”
He didn’t answer for a moment, and when she looked over his jaw feathered. “No.”
“Are you okay?” It seemed stupid to ask. About as stupid as asking Wren, which she had firmly decided not to do on Christmas morning. “I know the obvious…I just—feel like I should check in.”
“Dr. Ambrose tell you to do that?”
Sarah cut her eyes at him. “What if she did?”
“I’m not seeing a shrink. I’m fine, Sarah. I’ve got a lot to keep my mind occupied right now. I can take care of myself.”
“Like what?”
He grew quiet again, staring down at a wad of chewing gum on the sidewalk. “Mom’s funeral.”
In all the chaos, Sarah admittedly forgot about Patricia. A shudder of deep shame shot through her. She hung her head. “I’m so sorry, Brent. I—”
“You don’t have to do that, Sarah. I’m hardly the only one going through shit right now. Your plate’s been full since before I met you.”
