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Nicky smiles proudly and slaps Mathis on the back. “Knew you’d be the best.”
They exchange a look I’ve seen many times. Everyone in the Bennett family was affected differently when they heard the cancer diagnosis. It set Mathis on the path to becoming a pediatrician.
“Nick’s turn.” Mathis changes the conversation away from him.
“The same old shit. Workouts, drills, watching films. First pre-season game is in a week. I’ll probably play one quarter.”
“I’ll be watching for at least one quarter then.” I smile proudly at him and look at Shaw. “Your turn.”
We turn to him, waiting for the exciting adventures of a high-profile sports agent. He gets to jet set around the country, meeting famous—or soon to be famous—sports stars.
“Working on the power drink endorsement for Nick. We should have that signed soon. I have a few potential clients on the west coast of Florida. Heading to Tampa and St. Petersburg in two weeks.”
“I’ve heard St. Petersburg is beautiful. I’ve never been.” I sigh.
“Come with me.”
His statement shocks me, and I inhale mid-sip. I start to choke, wine spraying everywhere. “W-w-what?” I stutter.
“Jesus, say it, don’t spray it.” Nicky wipes his cheek.
“Sorry,” I apologize, my face burning. “I thought Shaw invited me on his business trip.”
“I did, and it won’t be all business.”
“I can’t.” My mind scrambles, trying to think of believable excuses.
“Why?” Mathis asks. “You have plenty of vacation and hardly ever use it. Nurse Evie told us in a staff meeting last week she’s going to mandate the nurses use their personal time. Your PTO bank is full, and if you don’t use it, you’ll lose it.”
Mathis is a traitor. He totally ruined that excuse.
“Sounds pretty easy to me.” Shaw sits back, raising an eyebrow and waiting.
“There’s no way to get the time off with this short notice,” I throw at him.
“That’s a shame. Would have been nice to have you with me, and I’ve owed you a vacation for ten years. Not sure if the area is considered tropical, but they have gorgeous beaches and terrific nightlife.” His eyes trap mine, testing me.
The memory of me teasin
g him the first time we met plays in my mind. I can’t help but grin at the expression on his face. Little does he know that I still use that with my patients. It helps break the ice and usually gets me a smile.
“It’s done. She’s off Thursday through Monday.” Mathis drops his phone on the table. “Evie approved.”
“Did you text my boss requesting vacation time?” I start to panic. There’s no way I can do this. My heart can’t sustain a weekend with Shaw alone, especially since one compliment in my kitchen led my pathetic imagination to run wild.
“Seriously, Bizzy, what’s the problem? You’ve vacationed with us forever.” Nicky puts a hand on my shoulder.
I don’t look at him for fear he’ll see right through me. I’ve hidden my crush for years, and he can’t discover it now.
“But it’s been all of us together. I’d hate to be a bother. Shaw needs to work.”
“No bother. We’ll have our own rooms if that makes you more comfortable.”
I’m stuck. There’s no way out. It will cause suspicion if I keep refusing.
“I’ll think about it.”
Each man smirks, knowing I’m giving up the argument.
