“If he was the reason your world was falling apart, what did he do?”
“Though you’ve seen me in sweatpants, I don’t think our fresh, day-old friendship is at that level.”
“Fair enough.” He pursed his lips together.
They arrived at the nurses’ station. He still needed to head in the other direction, but he hadn’t found a way to make himself leave.
Brooke smiled at one of the nurses sitting behind the station’s computer. “Hey, Aubrey.”
Aubrey stopped typing and glanced up. “Oh, Brooke,” her voice oozed with compassion. She quickly pushed out her swivel chair and rounded the station, holding out her arms in a hug to her. “Ian told me what happened.” Brooke stood stiffly as Aubreyhugged her. “Why didn’t you call me? I would’ve come over.” They broke their embrace.
Logan wondered if he should slip away. This clearly was a conversation that wasn’t any of his business, but he’d bet good money, it was about Dr. Moreno.
“I know, but I wanted to be alone.” Brooke flashed a glance over her shoulder and confirmed Logan hadn’t left. “I’m still not ready to talk about it.” Then she leaned in closer and lowered her voice, “Let’s go out this weekend, and I’ll fill you in on the details.”
“Sure.” Aubrey nodded. “Sounds good.”
Brooke motioned toward him. “Aubrey, this is Dr. Schofield. He’s a new surgeon who recently started here.”
“Well,” Aubrey smiled, “hello.”
“Aubrey,” Brooke continued, “is a nurse here and also happens to be my best friend.”
“Really,” Logan held his hand out to Aubrey, “nice to meet you.”
Aubrey shook his hand in return. Then both women stared at him. With the introductions out of the way, Logan realized he was staying way too long.
“I was only called in for the one surgery, so I guess I’d better go.” He shuffled his feet and glanced between the two women. “It was nice seeing you again. I’ll see you around?” His brow lifted.
Brooke flashed Aubrey a glance he couldn’t decipher. A buzz went off indicating a patient had pushed their call button.
Aubrey tapped the button off. “That’s for me. I better go.” She readjusted the stethoscope around her neck. “Some of us are meeting up after work tonight at Robert’s Pizza and Dough. Dr. Schofield, you’re invited too. Please come. It would be a great chance for you to meet some of the other doctors and nurses who work here.”
“You can call me Logan.”
“Okay—Logan. Ian will be there, that’s my fiancé. He works here too as a cardiologist. Please come, the more the merrier,” Aubrey said.
“What about Justin?” Brooke inquired.
Who’s Justin?
Aubrey flipped her hair over her shoulder. “He’ll be there.”
“Then nah, I’m good. Let me know when you can meet up— alone.”
“You’re going to have to learn to do stuff with him there.” Aubrey fiddled with her loosened hair then tucked it behind her ear. “Sorry, that came out way harsh, but I think you have to rip this thing off like a band aid. You won’t be able to avoid Justin. Plus, Logan will be there.” Aubrey peered past Brooke to Logan. “You’ll come, right?”
“He doesn’t want to come,” Brooke interjected.
Logan grinned. “I’m free, and I’d love to come and meet some new people.”
Brooke pinched the sleeve of Aubrey’s scrubs and directed her away from him. They walked a few paces until they were out of ear shot. Logan could only imagine what she was saying. And who was Justin? Was Justin and Dr. Moreno the same person? He didn’t get a good look at his name badge earlier. He watched as they chatted with their heads close together. Finally, Aubrey left, and Brooke slowly dragged her feet back to where Logan stood.
Once in front of him, Brooke rocked back and forth on her heels. “So, I guess I’ll see you tonight?”
He wanted to quiz her about Justin, and if his suspicions were that he was in fact Dr. Moreno. But he knew he had a lot of ground to cover before they were on such familiar terms with one another. Plus, according to Aubrey, this Justin character would be there tonight so he wouldn’t have to wait long to get to the bottom of it.
“I wouldn’t miss it.” Logan grinned.
