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“For who?” Patrick asked.
“For her.”
“Bullshit.” Patrick scoffed. “I don’t know Amanda Garner too well, but based on my superior skill of observation during the handful of interactions I had with her at Sanctuary and the shelter, that woman is a caretaker at heart. Her first instinct was to look after anyone who needs it. Look how relentless she was, looking for the Carson kids when everyone thought she was delusional.”
Including me.
“But she leaned on you, Gene.” Patrick elbowed him. “You’re the one she lets her guard down with and allows to take care of her. If you ask me, you should let her in and allow her to care for you, too. You crazy do-gooders need each other before you kill yourselves.”
Gene didn’t know how to respond to Patrick’s logic. It kind of made sense. But Gene’s logic was to make sure Amanda would be happy in the long run, and he was the guy who patched a person up and sent them on their way or to their next care.
Can I be the guy who stays for the long run?
twenty-seven
Amanda sat still as Dr. Bloom examined the cut on her forehead. It’d been almost two weeks since the accident, and the cut was mostly healed. Even when Dr. Bloom gently touched the surrounding skin, there was barely pain anymore.
“It’s looking good. It doesn’t look like it’s scarring. You may have some discoloration. Apply some scar gel on it, it should clear up in time. You’re young, your skin regenerates fast still,” the good doctor said. “How about pain? Any lingering headaches, more than normal sleepiness?”
“No.” Amanda shook her head. “No more than before the accident.”
“Experiencing any forgetfulness?”
She smiled at Dr. Bloom. She knew he had to ask these questions and answered like a good girl.
“No. Not yet.”
Dr. Bloom chuckled. “That’s good. I don’t think you need that CT scan after all, Amanda. I understand why Dr. Rowland recommended it earlier after the accident. I would’ve done the same. But now you’re feeling well, I say we cancel that order. But promise me you’ll let me know if anything changes. The effects of a head trauma may not manifest themselves right away.”
“I promise, Dr. Bloom.”
“Good.” Dr. Bloom nodded. “Now that we’ve covered the physical, how are you feeling? Last week was quite eventful for you: surviving a car accident, finding missing children, leading to the uncovering of a drug distribution ring. That doesn’t happen every day.”
“No, absolutely not.” Amanda chuckled. Add in falling in love with a handsome doctor who fulfilled her hot doctor-patient fantasy. It was completely wild.
No, something like that doesn’t happen every day. Too bad the doctor can’t see a life with me.
“I’m just glad it’s over, and good things came out of it.” Amanda quickly added when she realized Dr. Bloom waited for her to elaborate.
“A little birdie told me the Carsons gifted you a car to thank you for finding their children,” Dr. Bloom said.
“Who?”
She should’ve known the residents of this town would find out about that.
“Miss Lydia had a follow-up appointment yesterday.” He tried to snuff his smile as he revealed his source.
“I love her, but my god.” Amanda laughed. “Yes, they thanked me with a car, which was unnecessary. They wouldn’t take no for an answer, so we had a deal. A new car is a blessing, but I don’t need the flashy car they were going to give me. I chose a functional one instead, and I asked them to donate the rest of the value to the shelters.”
“Commendable,” Dr. Bloom nodded in approval. “Gene did the same. He asked them to use the money to start a foundation that would help the under-served locals get proper health care.”
“Wow.” Amanda couldn’t find the words to comment on anything concerning Gene. It was tough enough to hear about him from Dr. Bloom when she knew he was in the same building.
“Pete Carsons thought it was a great idea,” Dr. Bloom went on. “That man has his eyes on the mayor’s office someday. With the news all over his business unwittingly being used to distribute drugs, he’ll need whatever he can to fix the image.”
“It wasn’t his fault, though,” Amanda pointed out.
“No, but it’s never good to be connected to a drug cartel in any way. Pete’s smart, though. He knows how to spin the news,” Dr. Bloom said. “The media already labeled him father of the year, who would risk his life to protect his family. He’ll come out golden from all of this. So, enjoy that new car of yours, Amanda. You deserve it, even though I know receiving a reward was never your intention while looking for those kids.”
