He asked about the girlfriend. They were already planning prom night. At that, Joey’s mom rolled her eyes and everyone laughed.
Julia took photo after photo. She kept muttering things like “picture gold” and “eat this up.”
Kelly stepped into the group, laying her hand on Brock’s arm. This time the touch felt possessive. “What this guy isn’t telling you is that he scored a 34 on his ACT.” She smiled warmly at the patient. “He’d got big things in his future.”
Brock nodded appreciatively. “That’s impressive.” His arm warmed under Kelly’s hand. He glanced down and she pulled it away, almost as if she’d forgotten about it. But there was a gleam in her eye that told him she knew exactly what she was doing. He felt his face heat and threw a glance at Sheila to see if she’d noticed.
She wasn’t paying him any attention.
“Doc says she’ll write me a letter of recommendation.” Joey glowed. “I want to be an anesthesiologist.” And just like that, his parents’ faces glowed too.
“Sounds like a great plan,” said Brock.
Sheila held up a ball. “Would you like Brock to sign a ball? Or a tee shirt?”
Joey picked the tee shirt, and they went through the motions. Joey’s mom hugged both him and Sheila before they left. She was all smiles. “Thanks so much for stopping in. You made his day.”
Brock shuffled his feet. “He made mine.” It was true. Guys like Joey, good kids who were having fun in life, made him feel good about the world.
They went out to the hallway and Kelly led them past a couple rooms with infants. One was under some kind of blue light, crying. The mom stood by with silent tears running down her face.
“What’s going on in there?” Brock asked.
“Jaundice treatments.” Kelly waved it off like a screaming baby was no big deal. Maybe it wasn’t to her—she probably dealt with a lot of crying children—but the sound grated against his fatherly instincts. He had nieces and nephews and couldn’t stand it when they cried. His sisters-in-law thought it was hilarious how he came apart and insisted on rocking them.
“They’re exposed to the ultraviolet lights for a while each day, and they’re good as new.”
“Oh.” His eyes lingered on the doorway, wondering if they should at least stop in to see the mom.
Kelly pointed at the door four doors down. “Elizabeth will be your last stop on our floor.”
Sheila wheeled the wagon ahead, and Brock followed. They visited for a few minutes with the little girl who’d had her appendix out the day before.
“I thought that was basic surgery?” Brock smiled at the dad.
Dad sank in his seat. “She’d had pains for days, and then they went away. I guess it had burst.” He rubbed his face and then the back of his head. “We could have lost her.”
Kelly patted his hand in comfort. “But you didn’t. Elizabeth will be tearing around the neighborhood on her bike in no time.”
Sheila talked to the girl for a few minutes. Julia got her paper signed. Brock gave an autograph, and Kelly ushered them out the door. “I’m sorry to rush off. I have an appointment in ten minutes.”
“It’s fine.” Sheila smiled and gave her sister a quick hug. “Thanks for being here. Love you.”
Kelly hugged her back. “Love you too.”
Julia held up her hands. “Wait, before we go, I want a picture of Brock and Dr. Weaver.” She motioned between Kelly and Brock. “It’s awesome with your lab coat and his Redrocks gear.” She fisted her hands and squealed in delight. “I can already picture the Insta post.” She scooted the two of them so they were facing and had Kelly put her hand on Brock’s arm again. “You two are so adorable together with your blond hair and blue eyes.” She let out a sigh.
“I’ve got to go.” Sheila headed down the hallway, wagon in tow. Her back was straight and her feet made a staccato rhythm on the gleaming tile.
Brock stared after her for a moment, not sure if he should follow.
Kelly leaned into him. “I’m impressed with your bedside manner, Brock.”
He lifted a shoulder. “Kids make it easy.” No hidden agendas. No motives to question. If they’re hungry, they tell you. If they want a hug, they climb on your lap.
“That they do.” Her lips lifted and she tipped her head. “Would you like to go to dinner with me tomorrow night?”
Brock blinked at the unexpected invitation. He’d been asked out by women before, but that was at the ball field. He’d never been asked out by adoctorbefore. Kelly was pretty, and she’d certainly been nice to everyone today. He could spend some time with her, get to know her better. She certainly wasn’t a fangirl and she wasn’t tripping over his job. Heck, her job was more impressive than his.
