Page 4 of Dirty Doctor
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I manage to update my mom and Howard, as well as my roommate, Bella. She answers almost immediately that Luke reached out to her and that she hopes I feel better soon. My mom and Howard both text back something similar. It’s as if they’re all comforted by the fact that Luke is my doctor. My mom even went on to convince me that he’ll take good care of me. Snorting in disbelief, I lie back, unsure of what to do next. Just as I’m about to reach for the remote, an incoming email pings my phone.
I’m too stunned to react as my eyes fly over the words from Kellan Smith. He’s rescheduled my interview, stating that he really wants to get an opportunity to know me, based on my portfolio.
I never sent him my portfolio. I had it with me on the way to the…
I groan, looking around the room for the large folio. It’s not here, which means either the paramedics didn’t think to grab it, or…
I’m pressing the call button before I can digest the second possibility. A few seconds later, the older nurse answers on the handheld device.
“Everything okay, Ms. Williams?”
I grind my jaw. “I’d like to speak to my doctor.”
I hear her hesitate before responding. “Dr. Hastings is with another patient, but I will let him know you’re asking for him.”
“Thank you,” I say quickly, throwing the device to the foot of my bed.
A few minutes later, Luke pushes the door open, a bored look on his face.
“Where’s my portfolio?” I ask, trying to keep my hands from shaking. He must notice my distress because his face softens just slightly.
“I sent it over to Mr. Smith’s office, hoping he could look at your work since you missed your interview. I also called him—as your doctor—and let him know that you’d be indisposed for another few days. He’ll return it when he sees you at the rescheduled interview.” He narrows his eyes. “You’re welcome, by the way,” he adds, crossing his arms.
A few things happen at once. Shock mostly, because Luke did something nice for once. Second, anger. The audacity to intervene in my life like that… it’s unthinkable for someone who gave zero shits about me. And third? I’m not quite sure how to describe the deep ache in my chest. At Luke’s words, but also his actions. For taking care of my life when I was unable to. I pull my lower lip between my teeth, feeling my cheeks flush when I think of how he took the time to tie up my loose ends.
“Thank you,” I say quietly.
“Is there anything else?” he asks, holding my chart at his side. “Are you hungry?”
I shake my head.
Scowling, he sets my chart down on the edge of my bed. “I think you should try to eat something. The intravenous fluids will help, but real food will help you heal faster.”
“Sure. Whatever.”
He narrows his eyes, opening his mouth like he’s going to say something. Eyes blazing, they pin me to the bed. This isLuke—my stepbrother. His brown irises scan my face with concern, and I swallow. I hate feeling vulnerable in general, but feeling like this in front of my know-it-all stepbrother? My cheeks heat and I immediately avert my gaze.
I don’t say goodbye when I hear him grunt something before leaving the room.
CHAPTERFOUR
LANGLEY
Finally,I take a quick shower with the help of my nurse, Florine. She’s even older than the last nurse, and she helps remove my catheter and bandage up my IV so it doesn’t get wet. By the time I climb back into my hospital bed feeling fresh and clean, my stomach is growling. Florine notices because she smirks and mumbles something about dinner before shuffling out of the room. I send another text to Bella and my mom, and then I turn the TV on. Just as I’m about to settle in, Florine returns with a paper bag.
“Special delivery,” she croaks, grinning.
I narrow my eyes. “That doesn’t look or smell like hospital food,” I answer suspiciously. The smell of whatever is in that bag fills my mouth with saliva.
“Dr. Hastings had it delivered from”—she squints down at the receipt—“The Salsa Shack?”
“Seriously?” My heartbeat races as I reach my hands out to take the bag from her. “That’s my favorite restaurant. They have thebestfish tacos.”
She hands me the bag and shrugs, taking a step back. “He must really like you.”
I barely hear her as I tear the bag open and begin to devour the fried fish and corn tortilla tacos. Their coleslaw is the best thing I’ve ever tasted.
