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“It was a two-year fellowship. I just moved back.” He pauses. “Congrats on your graduation. I know it’s been a little while now, but congratulations, Dr. Lawrence.”
“Thank you. Are you back at Pennsylvania Hospital or somewhere else?” Please say somewhere else. I can’t bear to see him every day.
“I’m back at Pennsylvania Hospital.” He sees the disappointed look on my face. “I guess that means I’ll be working with you.”
“It means I’ll be workingforyou.” We’re silent for a few moments. I’m not sure what to say. My head is spinning.
“Are you down here with anyone?” I shake my head no. “Have dinner with me tonight?”
I shake my head again. “You know I can’t risk being seen with you.”
“I know an out-of-the-way place. You’d never see anyone you know. Certainly, no one from the hospital would ever be caught dead there.”
I shake my head again. “It’s not a good idea.”
He takes my hand in his. His touch does something to me and he knows it. I see the corners of his mouth rise. I close my eyes and exhale, trying not to give away the sensation currently running through my body. A sensation I haven’t felt in a long time.
“Fine. Let’s just go now. Before I change my mind.” He smiles and continues holding my hand as we walk off the beach.
It most definitely is an out-of-the-way place. An old, dingy, out-of-the-way place. We sit down and order drinks. He looks up at me. “I was surprised to hear that you ended up doing your residency here in Philly. I thought you’d want to get away from Dr. Waters. Not see him every day.”
“I do, but Dr. Powers reminded me that Pennsylvania Hospital is the best. I couldn’t pass up working with her, and my family is here. When I made the decision, Mom was still in a bad place. I didn’t want to leave her. I thought she’d need me around.”
“She’s still not managing the loss of your father? Wow. It’s been a long time.”
“I made that decision over six months ago. She’s in a much better place now. She met someone right around the time my residency started. She’s totally in love now. He’s amazing. He’s completely obsessed with her. They’re very cute together, and definitely very happy. I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if she gets remarried.”
“That’s great. Good for her.” He looks at me knowingly. “It’s weird to see your parent with another person though, isn’t it?”
“It is, but I’m still excited for her. Did your father meet someone?”
“Yes, he got remarried right after I last saw you.”
“Wow, that’s wonderful. Yes, it’s weird, but not bad weird. Just different weird. Jackson brought Mom back to life. I didn’t think she’d ever be okay again. He’s a miracle as far as I’m concerned. I’m so thankful for him.”
“That’s incredible. I’m happy for her. You and your sisters must be thrilled.” I nod. I see him gulp. “Are you seeing anyone?”
“I see my friends and my family.”
“That’s not what I meant.”
“I know it’s not. I don’t want to go there, Brody.”
I look down and then back up at him. I think we need to address this head-on. “Why are you back here in Philly? Why didn’t you go back to California?”
He leans forward and stares right at me, with a fiery look that has me practically gasping for air. He takes my hand and kisses it. “Harley, I won’t lie to you. I came back for you. I can’t get you out of my mind. I tried. God knows I tried. I want you, Harley. I can tell you still want me too. I won’t take no for an answer this time. I’ll do whatever it takes to convince you to be with me.”
Holy shit. This can’t be happening. I close my eyes for a moment to let it sink in.
“Nothing has changed, Brody. If anything, the situation is worse. Not only are you a former professor of mine, but you’re also now one of my supervisors. I won’t become a cliché, Brody.”
He takes my hand in his. “I see it differently. We’re no longer a student and a teacher. We’re co-workers. Co-workers can date.” I shake my head. “Tell me what I can do to change your mind?”
“Nothing. Please. I can’t go through this again.” I whisper, “I don’t think my heart can take it.”
I feel tears welling in my eyes and wipe them. “We need to move on to a different topic or I’m going to leave?”
“Okay.” He holds up his hands. “Guess what? I bought a new beach house. I settled on it today. That’s why I’m here.”
