“Okay, bye.”I wave at her, then give Dusty a quick wave.“See you later, Buzz.”
I head off, trying to slip back into the clinical mindset, reviewing my patient list, checking in at the nurses’ station, doing the rounds.But the day passes with adrenaline and excitement.
I cross paths with Brant once more during the afternoon round, where we maintain perfect professional distance.
Later that night, I finally make it home.
The front door clicks shut behind me as I step inside, slipping off my shoes with a relieved sigh.I barely get a second to breathe before I hear my dad’s voice float in from the kitchen.
“Nice car,” he says, by way of greeting.
My spine stiffens.
Shit.I knew this was coming.
“Thanks,” I reply casually, setting my bag down.“It’s just a loan.”
He doesn’t respond.When I glance his way, his eyes are narrowed, the corner of his mouth tight.That look… it’s the one that always makes my neck prickle.Suspicion.Or maybe it’s just my guilt projecting itself all over his face.Either way, it swirls uneasily in my stomach.
He sees too much.Always has.
“I’ve got to head in early,” he says, checking his watch.“You’ll have to drive yourself, if that’s okay.”
“Yeah, of course.”I force a smile.
“Please choose something respectable to wear.”
Ouch.
The words hit harder than they should.A quiet little punch to the gut.I thought maybe we were moving past his subtle digs, but here we are again.
“Right,” I murmur.“I’m going to shower.”
I disappear down the hallway before he can say anything else, locking the bathroom door behind me.The hot water runs over my skin, washing away the day.I breathe through it.I won’t let him ruin tonight.
I think about Brant.
About how he’ll look tonight.Maybe in a charcoal suit.Maybe not so collected when he sees me.
Even if Dad’s there, Brant has a way of calming me by just being in the room.And the Kings, including Scarlet, will no doubt light up the place with their energy and warmth.That’s what I’m clinging to tonight, the people who make me feel loved.
I pick out a soft, emerald, shimmery green midi-dress.It’s not too over the top, just party perfect.
Then I curl my hair and add some makeup.When I’m finished, I stare at myself in the mirror for a moment, admiring how pretty I feel before I head to the car.
The hospital’s conference atrium has been completely transformed for the event.Pulse Point clearly doesn’t do anything half assed.Soft jazz plays from near the back from Pulse Point Revival, with a sign and lights glowing from strings of hanging bulbs that crisscross the high ceiling.A few tables are lined with fresh white linen, scattered with tiny floral arrangements and flickering candles.The air smells faintly of champagne, orchids, and something buttery.
I step through the doors, heart thudding as the nerves set in.My heels click softly on the polished floor as I scan the crowd looking for him.
Then I spot Scarlet, and everything inside me settles.
She stands near the refreshments table in a flowing blue dress that fits her like a dream.Her smile widens when she sees me.
“You look amazing,” I say.
She laughs and pulls me into a quick hug.“Look at you, gorgeous as ever.”
Her words warm me from the inside out.
