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“For sure. When Lucas first proposed the idea, I must admit I was skeptical. But now I love it, and so do my patients.”
Because he’d mentioned his boss wasn’t a big fan, I had to ask. “Do you believe it’ll grow? This model?”
“I hope so. In fact, I wouldn’t mind doing all my visits as house calls like Lucas does, but Dr. Marshall has insisted I continue office visits too. If you ask me, we need another obstetrician and an additional family doctor in the practice, both of them doing house calls. The demand for it keeps growing.”
“I can see why. It’s convenient to have the doctor come to you.”
“Definitely. How did it go with Lucas today?”
“Great. He’s patient and easy to work with.” And sexy, and incredibly creative with a milkshake.
“When I first met him, I didn’t believe a man that good looking could also have a heart of gold, but he does. He’s completely dedicated to helping people.”
“Yes, he is.”
“You have a significant other?”
If anyone else had asked, it would have felt intrusive, but Meredith had an easy way about her which didn’t feel intrusive. “No. I’m single.”
“Lucas is single too.”
Walked right into that one. “It’s never a wise idea to date someone you work with.”
She crinkled up her button nose. “Good point. I don’t realize the impact of little complications like workplace dating because I’ve known Andy since we were seven. I’d be clueless out there in the dating pool.”
I was in no hurry to get back out there, either. “By the way, I met Stephanie and Chad today.”
She rolled her eyes. “Mr. I’m-disappointed-we’re-having-a-girl-and-won’t-fail-to-mention-it-at-any-turn Chad?”
My laughter bubbled up. “You’ve got it. The checkup was good.”
“Glad to hear it. What do you like to do for fun, Brooke?”
Frolic in the ocean with a handsome stranger and pretend I’m carefree for an evening. “I’m a big foodie and love the beach.”
“My husband has a friend named Tim. Nice guy who works in IT.”
“Who works in IT?” Andy questioned, coming in with Charlotte and Lucas.
“Tim. We should give him a call and set him up with Brooke, so we can all have dinner.” She patted her stomach. “After this guy comes out of course, and I’m able to leave the house again.”
Andy flashed an apologetic smile my direction. “Meredith is bound and determined to couple up everyone she likes in order to have people to vacation with in the future.”
His wife only shrugged. “I’m not ashamed of it. Besides, Tim is nice.”
Lucas scratched his chin. “Is he the guy who loves the outdoors. Camping, fishing, hunting, nature kind of guy.”
Meredith nodded. “Yep, he sure is. You into camping, Brooke?”
Hard pass. “I’m more indoorsy than outdoorsy, to be honest.” Noticing Lucas’ amusement, I added, “But you know, I’m game to try anything once.”
That wiped the grin off his face.
“He’s a big family guy too. Wants to have kids and would probably coach them in every sport,” Lucas interjected.
Although people might assume I couldn’t wait to have my own babies since I delivered them, I wasn’t certain what my future held. Unlike my friend Addy, I wasn’t certain if I wanted a family.
Luckily, I was saved from an awkward response when Charlotte came over. “I’m hungry, Momma.”
“Let’s get you fed, munchkin. Thanks for coming by, Brooke. You’re a serious lifesaver filling in for me. Please reach out with any questions. I mean it. I have nothing but time on my hands, and it would make me feel better to know you’re comfortable. Plus, it’ll give me something to break up the boredom.”
“Appreciate you taking the time.” Not all doctors were as invested in their patients as Meredith. “And I’ll definitely keep in touch and reach out with any questions.”
After Lucas accepted the bag of cookies Meredith insisted he take, we both went outside. He turned to me. “Are we okay?”
I bit the inside of my cheek, determined not to have another emotional outburst. “Yeah. We’re fine.”
He held my gaze for a beat longer than was comfortable before finally sighing. “I like to start early on Saturdays in order to finish early. My first appointment is at seven o’clock tomorrow morning. It’s one of my regular patients, so we can go together or I can pick you up afterward.”
“I don’t mind seeing your patient. I’ll be there tomorrow morning before seven.”
