She stared at her phone as if that would conjure up a text from him. She missed her son, and usually their texts cheered her up. She rolled her eyes, then put her phone next to her on the bed. Who was she fooling? It would take more than a text, even from her son, to cheer her up. It would take more than a text to heal her fractured heart.
Done feeling sorry for herself and tired of trying to sleep because that definitely wasn’t going to happen, Becky got off the bed. Grabbing her phone, she went to the bathroom. She picked up a brush and stared at herself in the mirror as she made herself more presentable. She looked pale, her eyes red and slightly swollen.
She looked like total shit.
Tossing the brush on the sink, she headed toward the door. Walking into the office, she glanced at her desk, but didn’t really want to do any work. Then again, maybe it would take her mind off things. She wasn’t hungry and honestly didn’t want to run into anyone at the moment. With a sigh, she went to Sloan’s desk, grabbed some files with notes on them, and headed to her desk.
Sitting down, she cleared her mind the best she could and dove into work. Hearing the door open, she glanced that way to see a woman enter followed by Kent.
“Can I help you?” Becky asked from her desk.
“This is Dr. Holloway,” Kent introduced, shutting the door behind them.
“I’m Becky. It’s nice to meet you, Dr. Holloway.” Becky looked the woman over. She had a friendly smile, her dark hair slicked back into a neat ponytail. She was dressed business casual with a leather binder tucked under her arm. “You can have a seat. I’m not sure where Sloan is, but he should be back soon.”
“It’s nice to meet you also, Becky. I’ve heard quite a bit about you.” She walked past the chair Kent pulled out for her by Sloan’s desk and went straight toward Becky. “Please call me Dawn.”
Becky smiled with a nod as Dawn pulled a chair over in front of her desk and sat down. She placed her binder next to her on the floor, then looked at Kent, who was looking straight at her.
“I think we’ve got it from here,” Dawn said, dismissing him.
Kent’s eyes narrowed slightly, but he nodded, then turned and walked out without a word. Okay, as pissy as she was with anyone with a dick at the moment, Becky decided instantly she liked this woman doctor very much.
“That was impressive.” Becky chuckled. “These Warriors don’t like being told what to do, especially by a woman.”
“Can’t be much different than the male doctors I’ve had to deal with,” Dawn replied with a smirk. “He was told by Dr. Buchanan to bring me here, and he did. His job is done.”
Becky’s smile grew a little despite herself. “Yeah, I think we are going to get along just fine.”
“Good, because I’m hoping we can get to know each other without a roomful of men trying to hover.” Dawn’s expression softened. “I’ve talked in depth with Dr. Buchanan as well as your husband about the situation.”
Becky frowned. “You talked to Sloan?”
“That’s news to you, I take it.” Dawn sighed, shaking her head. “Well, I’m glad they’re busy doing whatever they’re doing because I asked repeatedly to talk to you by Zoom first.”
“Really?” Becky was definitely not liking what she was hearing.
“Really.” Dawn nodded, then leaned forward slightly. “Listen, after what I learned, and after having a very thorough background check done on me, I can understand why your husband is very protective. But I also made it clear that my patient is you, Becky. Not him. Not Dr. Buchanan. You.”
Becky blinked, and something in her chest loosened just a little. For the first time since all of this started, she felt like she might finally have a say in what came next.
“I’m sorry about what has happened to you.” Dawn’s smile faded a little. “I’m sure you are sick of hearing that, but what was done to you never should have happened. I know trusting another doctor isn’t easy for you. Especially when that doctor walks in already having spoken to your husband and Dr. Buchanan before ever speaking to you.”
“That’s putting it mildly,” Becky replied, then looked away for a second before forcing her eyes back to Dawn. “No offense.”
“None taken.” Dawn’s voice stayed gentle, but there was strength under it. “You don’t know me yet. You shouldn’t trust me just because they do.”
Becky studied her for a long moment. “That’s actually the first thing you’ve said that makes me want to trust you.”
“Then we’re off to a good start.” Dawn smiled, then studied her for a second. “This is your second pregnancy?”
“Yes.” Becky nodded, then glanced briefly at her phone before setting it aside. “My son Frankie is in college.”
“So, you had him very young.” Dawn said it more like a thought than a question, then sat back in her chair. “How does this pregnancy compare to your first?”
“I’ve been sicker and more run down.” Becky replied, feeling comfortable with her. She had never had a female OB and was kind of regretting that now. “But I’m also a lot older than I was with my first.”
Dawn laughed, nodding. “Yeah, that can definitely play a role in how you feel with this pregnancy.”
