AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“See ya, Broadie.”
Walking toward the surgical center, I find Poppy sitting on the other side of the glass at a bistro table in the shade, solely focused on the book before her as she lifts her bottle of lemonade to her pretty red lips. What is she reading? A mystery? A Jane Austen classic perhaps?
How is it possible that in seven or eight years I’ve never noticed her? Am I really so focused on my work that I could’ve missed this enchanting creature? Is she married or living with someone? Is that why she turns men away, or is she merely as committed to keeping her work and dating life separate like I am?
And the biggest question… what is it about this mysterious woman that has me so entranced?
CHAPTERTWO
POPPY
TAP. TAP. TAP.
Knee deep into this angsty romance that I’ve put off way too long, I nearly jump from my chair at the sound. I glance up to see my sweet friend, Katarina, beaming at me and pointing in my direction. As if she’d ever need permission to join me. I nod repetitively with an ear-to-ear grin.
“Hey, stranger. It feels like forever since I’ve seen you,” Kat greets, engulfing me in her warm embrace.
“It has been. It’s funny how we can work under the same roof, yet between our different schedules and the chaotic pace of this place, I go forever without connecting with anyone.”
“You’re right. I seem to only see the people from my department.” Kat reaches over, steals a cherry tomato from the top of my salad, and grins.
“I didn’t think the ER ever let you leave long enough to eat.”
“It’s rare. But there was a brief lull where I could make a break for it. Now, whether I actually get to eat my food once I return is a whole different story.” Kat may be complaining, but I know her well. She loves working in the emergency room.
I’ve known Katarina since she was a teenager. We met when she worked her way through her undergraduate degree as a pharmacy tech at the drug store I managed. At that time, Kat had briefly entertained applying to pharmacy school. I’d coached her on what was required and even donated some of my old flashcards so she could learn the names of the more common drugs. However, having volunteered as a paramedic for several years, Kat ultimately decided to pursue a career as a physician assistant. Her job is a lot more hands-on and appears to be a perfect fit. She seems to thrive on the adrenaline rush of her work as a PA.
“You ever miss the days of working in the drug store?”
“God, Kat. That seems like ages ago.” Taking a sip of my lemonade, I ponder her question. “The hours were better. This twenty-four-hour gig can be draining. Luckily, I don’t have to work as many overnight shifts now that I’ve been here a while. But even working until eleven o’clock can be hard.” I laugh. “I’m not getting any younger.”
Kat pops up from where she’d been sitting on the wrought iron chair beside me. “You’re only thirty-six, Poppy. You make it sound like you’re approaching retirement.”
“I’m thirty-eight, missy. And feeling it.” If I’m this tired all of the time at thirty-eight, I can’t imagine what life in my forties will be like. Then again, it could be that I spend most of my free time with my mother at the nursing home. They’re probably rubbing off on me. I wince.It’s like I’m turning into one ofThe Golden Girls.Maybe I should volunteer with a youth group. Or try a different multivitamin—.
“Hi, Kat.” A delicious, gravelly sound from my periphery interrupts my thoughts, and causes a surprising quiver in my limbs. It’s been decades since a man’s voice has affected me. Pushing a wayward lock of hair behind my ear, I look up to see the attractive surgeon from the cafeteria. Shocking, given I thought this man was too important to inhabit the more common areas of this hospital.
“Oh, hi, Dr. Weston.”
“Sorry to interrupt. I hadn’t seen you or Nick in ages and thought I’d say hello before my next case.”
Kat has such a radiant personality. It doesn’t surprise me that she’d be so familiar with the likes of Dr. Broadie Weston. She probably interacts with him regularly, having to consult him on patients in the ER. Plus, her husband, Nick, is an orthopedic surgeon. I’m sure they run in much different circles than I do. Heck, they probably ‘do lunch’ and whatnot. Lately, I don’t have many friends outside of the fictional ones in my books. I’m lucky to ‘do lunch’ with my mother and her roommate, Agnes, once a week.
“Hi.”
I realize a hush has fallen onto the three of us, and I look up to see the handsome doctor is speaking to me. “Oh. Hi.” My cheeks flush in embarrassment. Had I missed what he’d been saying before that?
“It’s Poppy, right?”
Broadie Weston knows my name? Feeling timid, I lower my gaze only to land on the nametag pinned to my lab coat, and inwardly roll my eyes.Get over yourself, Poppy. You’ve only worked here eight years. I’m sure he knows who you are. I can feel my ears turn red under his stare.Ugh. Why must my fair skin always give me away when I’m feeling self-conscious? “Yes. It’s nice to see you, Dr. Weston.”
He appears to stand a little taller, a sexy smile crossing his dreamy face. There’s a flutter in my lower belly as the deep dimple in his right cheek sends morse code that goes right to my lady bits.Jeez. Is this how he is with everyone? His mere presence is charming and charismatic.
I’m sure this is all a front. Every surgeon I’ve had to deal with here is a pompous asshole. They want everything yesterday as if we should all be mind readers and know exactly what they need before they order—
“Poppy?”
“Oh, I’m sorry.” I clear my throat, mortified my inner ramblings have caused me to be so distracted. “I don’t know where my mind keeps going.”Get it together, Poppy.
