“We aren’t talking about me. We’re talking about you.” He polished off the rest of the slice of pizza. “I think being a pediatrician is incredible, and I’ve always been unable to resist a woman who knows how to snack. And I already know that you happen to love two of my favorite foods.”
Brooke rolled her eyes. She appreciated Logan’s weak attempt to lift her mood even if he was completely full of it. Though his method did work, because she hadn’t tried to sneak glances at the other end of the table, not even once. It was the little victories at this point. Plus, she liked talking to Logan. He put her at ease and seemed genuinely interested in her. Justin always acted annoyed when they chatted like he had somewhere else to be, and she constantly found herself trying to prove to him she was a person worth sticking around for. In hindsight, she knew the relationship never had the legs to go the distance, but the feeling of abandonment shook her to her core.
Dr. Hernandez interrupted them when he abruptly stood. “I have to head back.” He smoothly retrieved his wallet from his pocket and tossed some money onto the table. “That should cover what I owe. It was nice meeting you, Dr. Schofield. I’ll see you both again soon.”
“I need to head back to the hospital too.” Dr. Salsburg pushed her chair back. “I’ll walk back with you if you don’t mind.” She also placed money down on the table.
Dr. Hernandez smiled at her. “Great. I’d love the company.”
Brooke swore she saw a spark in Dr. Hernandez’s eyes. No wonder they hadn’t spoken two words to them the entire time.But then again, Brooke had partly forgotten there were other people at the table besides Logan, too.
They left. The other doctors in the middle gathered up their stuff as well. Brooke’s food still hadn’t arrived. Justin and his lady pal were still stationed at the far end with Ian and Aubrey. Geez, she hoped they didn’t try to get them to shuffle on down to their spot to merge their conversations.
“You can go,” she peered around again for the server, “I arrived late, but I’m going to wait for my food. I’m starving, but please don’t let me keep you if you have someone to get home to.”
She partly cringed at her weak attempt to find out if Logan was in fact single. Suddenly, her break up with Justin appeared miles away.
“I don’t have anyone to get home to.” Logan sipped his soda. “And if that was your sneaky way of asking me if I’m single then— I am by the way, single.” He smiled smugly.
She unnecessarily fidgeted with her silverware again. “I—I—wasn’t asking,” Brooke stammered.
He shrugged. “But now you know,” he said matter-of-factly.
“I guess I do.” Heat flushed her cheeks, and she attempted to cool herself off by waving her hand in front of herself.
Why did she feel flustered around Logan? They had only met yesterday, and she was in no position to jump into something new with another guy. Her heart still beat for Justin, didn’t it? She peered over at the other end of the table. Justin wrapped his arm around his new girlfriend’s shoulders then kissed her lovingly on the temple. Ugh, he never kissed her that way.
Her server came by to refill drinks, and Brooke inquired about her food.
The server replied, annoyed, “Look around, this place is slammed with orders. It will come out when it comes out.”
“Okay, well— I guess bring it out in a to-go box,” she instructed the server.
“No.” Logan interjected and waved the idea away. “That won’t be necessary. Bring it out as planned.”
Brooke fiddled with her hair then swept it over one shoulder. “Really?”
She recognized how hopeful it made her feel.
“No, I’ve got all night.” He wiped his face with a napkin then crumpled it up and tossed it on his plate. “I’ll stay until you’re finished eating.”
Deadpan, the server muttered, “What do you want me to do?”
“I guess,” she threw up a hand, “bring it out once it’s ready and forget about making it a to-go.”
“Fine.” The server melted into the crowded beast of the restaurant.
He wagged his eyebrows. “Oh, theylikeyou,” Logan teased.
Brooke punched him in the arm. “Thanks a lot.” She fought a smile. “I might not be able to come back here again until there is a turnover in employees.”
What was she doing? Justin dumped her like ten minutes ago, and now she threw herself at the first guy who flirted with her. Wait, was Logan even flirting? Maybe this wasn’t flirting. Maybe she didn’t even know how to date anymore. Maybe this was the start of a beautiful friendship, she certainly could use a few more friends. Could guys and gals be friends with one another without one of them wanting more? Her head spun more than she wanted.
Logan smirked. “I guess we’ll have to find a new restaurant to frequent.”
She found him annoyingly cute. “We?” She raised an eyebrow.
“You heard me correctly,” he countered.
