“I only have half an hour,” he said, setting the tray down.“Then I’m back to surgeries all evening.”
Nina watched him arrange the utensils. He did it quickly, efficiently. Clearly he really was short on time.
“You work at a crazy pace,” she noted, lifting her glass.
“All doctors do,” he smirked, tearing a piece of bread.“Wouldn’t be surprised if they call me in before I finish this, and I won’t eat at all. Usually I shove something down between cases.”
“That’s awful,” she shook her head.“Is it really always like that?”
“Always,” he said simply, cutting into the cutlet.“If you manage to eat between surgeries, you’re lucky. A half-hour nap in the on-call lounge is luxury.”
He wasn’t complaining,just stating facts.
“That’s not how I pictured a doctor’s life,” Nina said softly.
Jasper chuckled without looking up.
“Well, some have lighter schedules and regular lunches. Not me.”
Nina bit her lip and looked away.
“So what’s going on with Frank’s case?” she asked.“I’m surprised you didn’t tell me sooner. Neither you nor Nolan. I felt something was happening, but no one explained anything. And then suddenly I learn about his arrest from the news! How serious is it? And what about my company?”
Jasper pushed his plate aside and looked straight at her.
“We weren’t sure everything would work out,” he said.“I had a personal stake in this, as you know. That he won’t get out anytime soon—that’s guaranteed. As for your company and everything else…” he frowned and took a sip of coffee, leaning back. He glanced up briefly when a young nurse passed by, greeted him, let out a giggle, and kept walking. “…you should talk to Nolan about that.”
His expression soured slightly—clearly remembering the tension between them.
“He suggested celebrating the whole thing together,” Jasper added.“But I’m afraid that celebration would turn into a fistfight if I showed up.”
Nina couldn’t help smiling.
For a moment she actually felt… relaxed. As if a part of her burdens had suddenly dissolved.
“I’m thinking of sending my daughter abroad until everything settles,” she said with a sigh.
“That’s the right move,” Jasper agreed.“The trial may drag on. It’ll be loud, given Frank’s position. She’s better off far away from the mess. I’d do the same.”
Nina smiled sadly. She and Daphne already didn’t see each other enough. And if her daughter moved abroad…
“How’s Lynn?” she asked quietly, looking down.“She still seems upset.”
“She’s fine. This isn’t our first rough patch.” His expression softened.
“Is it hard for her here?” Nina asked in a low voice.“I mean… everyone must know everything now.”
She noticed him tense for a moment.
“She’s strong,” Jasper said.“Gossip won’t break her. And if anyone was wondering, the fact that we’re sitting here having a pleasant lunch will shut them up quickly enough.”
He glanced over his shoulder toward the counter.
“People love rumors,” he smirked.“But they love watching things with their own eyes even more.”
Nina took a sip of water. Her throat tightened unexpectedly. Too much. Too fast.
“Is that why you invited me here?” she asked, turning away.“To show everyone we’re not at war anymore?”
