AllFreeNovel
Share Us
San Antonio. Erin’s in San Antonio. The words echo in my mind as I try to come up with a response.
It’s been so long since I’ve seen her, and now her mother is asking me about her. It’s not surprising she’s out of touch and not coming home, though. That girl wanted nothing more than to leave this town and never look back.
And I’m glad she did exactly that. At least one of us is living our dream.
“I had no idea she was in San Antonio,” I say finally. “But I’m sure she’s doing great. Erin was always a hard worker. Tough, too.”
Dr. Toomey nods but doesn’t look convinced. “I hope so. I just worry about her, you know? She’s my only daughter.”
“I understand,” I say, though I’m not sure I really do. My own relationship with my parents has always been strained, but they value me like gold. I’m the only kin they have, except for cousins and such.
“Anyway, it was good to see you. Have a good day, Josh.”
“You, too.” I tip my hat, and she meanders down one of the hardware store’s dusty aisles.
Maddie returns with the wheelbarrow, interrupting my thoughts. “Here you go, Josh. Are you sure you don’t need any help with anything else?”
I shake my head, holding up a hand to stop her. “No, no. I think I’m good. Thank you, though.”
She nods, giving me a small smile. “All right, then. You know where to find me if you change your mind.”
I hurry up and pay, eager to get out of there. As I push the wheelbarrow down the street, my interaction with Dr. Toomey sits heavy on my mind.
She said that Erin might be pushing herself too hard. That sounds right on point for her, though. The girl was always such a high achiever.
I smile at the memory of her, bonfire light flashing across her face as we danced in that clearing all those years ago. And then the kiss…
I remember the taste of her like it was yesterday.
Does she ever think of me?
Probably not. I was a real jerk to her, and no doubt she’s better off in San Antonio.
Still, she haunts my memory, a ghost that flickers past every once in a while. I’m probably nothing to her now, but for me, she’ll always represent what could have been.
If only I had been smart enough, motivated enough, and brave enough, I could have left town just like her. Instead, I’m here.
So, no, Dr. Toomey. Your daughter and I haven’t spoken. She’s leagues above me.
And she always will be.
CHAPTER 6
ERIN
Leaving my patient’s room, I check the time on the hall clock. It’s two hours since my shift at the hospital ended, but I’m nowhere near close to being done. There are still patients I can check in on, even if I’m not officially their doctor at the moment.
Plus, I need to check in with the nurse about Mr. Lopez’s MRI results… and then I really should see what the cafeteria’s specials are this week so I know whether to bring lunch on Thursday or not.
And there’s more I could do. I could stay in this hospital until I die if I wanted.
And why shouldn’t I? There’s nothing to go home to. No one waiting for me there.
The memory of Dan’s betrayal flashes through me again, and while it still hurts, it’s not as sharp. All of his things are gone from the apartment, and I’m considering moving to a new part of town. Not only to start fresh but also so that I’ll be closer to work.
I hurry down the hall as I return to my mental to-do list. I can’t shake the feeling that I’m forgetting something.
At the nurse’s station, a piercing headache hits out of nowhere. I wince, grabbing onto the countertop for support. The nurses give me concerned looks, but I wave them off.
