Page 58 of Fractured

“Oh, cool your jets,” Mel barks. She looks into the mirror to do one last cursory touch-up of her makeup. She looks stunning. She’s wearing a deep red strapless gown that has a slit going up one leg. She has beautiful diamonds draped around her neck, her striking dark hair falling in soft waves down her back. Strappy black four-inch stilettos adorn her feet. She makes walking in those things look easy. Mine are thankfully not that tall, but I still feel like I’m a newborn foal walking on shaky legs in these heels. The reminder of my recent fall making me even more cautious.

We make our way to the car and settle in for the ride. My purse doesn’t leave much room for anything beyond essentials. My phone, lipstick, and a couple of folded tissues.

As Jake pulls into the science museum parking lot, he drives up to the front and drops us off. I follow Melanie’s lead on entering the venue, as attending galas such as this are not my forte. We check our coats and wait by the door for Jake to arrive before venturing on. The place is abuzz with party-goers. The large space is dimly lit, and elegant white lights are draped everywhere. There are various Christmas trees placed about the space and multiple red and white poinsettias on display.

“You girls ready?” Jake asks, placing an arm around each of us.

We head into the main ballroom and see there are easily several hundred guests in attendance. There are bar height tables scattered around the periphery draped in white linen, some with candles and others with small festive foliage in clear vases. Melanie walks toward an open table closest to us. “Jake, can you get us a drink? I just want to people watch for a while.”

“Sure, Mel. Kat, you want a glass of wine?”

“Yes, that’d be great.” Like Mel, I take in the scene. There’s a variety of party wear on display. There are conservative, matronly frocks on the older women in attendance and flirty, almost prom-like dresses on the younger set. Of course, there are the dresses that appear painted on the women who want to stand out. Melanie points out a few attendees she refers to as trophy wives and a few others who are wannabe trophy wives.

“Mel, some might think you’re a trophy wife. Look at you. You’re stunning and married to a successful doctor.”

“I never said I wasn’t. Jake hit the jackpot when he found me.” She winks, and we both laugh. Melanie is the most down-to-earth, non-judgmental person I know. Her antics are all in fun.

I look up to see Jake walking toward us with a young man behind him wearing a banquet uniform, balancing a scotch and two wine glasses on a tray. As they reach our table and hand off the beverages, Jake offers a toast, and we all clink glasses. As I take a sip from mine, I notice Jake lean into Melanie. At first, I think he’s offering her a peck on the cheek until I catch the subtle change in Mel’s facial expression. Watching her gaze shift behind me to the front doors, I can’t help but turn around. As I do, I catch the sight of an attractive blonde that I recognize as an orthopedic physician assistant in Nick’s practice standing beside none other than Nick Barnes himself. He’s dressed in a black tux, with a crisp white shirt and black bowtie. I suddenly feel a lump in my throat. Turning back, so he doesn’t catch me staring, I look at Mel.

“Maybe it’s already too late.”

Nick

Heading to pick up Ava, I wonder what I was thinking agreeing to go to this shindig. The last place I want to be is at some big hospital gala. Dr. Morgan convinced me to attend, as it’s a good place to network, so I relented. Ava shared that she really wanted to attend, but her husband wouldn’t be available until late in the evening. He apparently travels a lot for business, and she didn’t expect he’d return in time to escort her to the party. I reluctantly offered to pick her up, as she has been a real asset since moving to St. Luke’s.

I walk up the steps to Ava’s door, and before I’ve reached the top step, she swings open the door to greet me. “Hey, Nick. Thanks so much for doing this.”

“Sure, no problem. You look beautiful, Ava.” Ava’s a very pretty girl. She’s petite and blonde. She has Nordic features, and the ice blue dress she’s wearing complements her eyes. Her jewelry is radiant, much like her personality.

“You look fantastic.” Ava blushes a little with the compliment.

“Why, thank you. Shall we?” I assist her with her wrap as we walk down the sidewalk to my car.

“I just got off of the phone with Mick. He should be landing at the airport in about an hour.”

Once inside, she continues. “I know you weren’t looking forward to attending tonight. But Dr. Morgan’s right. It’s a great way to mingle casually and get your name out there. Break the ice with the staff physicians. But if you decide to bail, Mick will be coming to pick me up. I’m fine to wait for him there.”

“I hate to leave you alone.”

“I won’t be alone. I’m sure with as many people who attend this thing, I’ll find someone to chat up while I wait. I just appreciate you bringing me. It’s so awkward walking into something like this by yourself.”

* * *

We pull into the science museum parking lot, and I quickly realize this is a massive affair. I decide to use the valet, so Ava won’t have to walk half a block in those heels.

Exiting my car, we walk toward the entrance, and Ava’s already making small talk with other guests in formal wear. She’s worked at St. Luke’s for several years and seems to know most everyone on staff there.

As we check our coats, we walk toward the main ballroom, and Ava immediately pulls me toward a tall, dark-haired gentleman.

“Nick, have you met Dr. Weston? He’s a general surgeon at St. Luke’s. He’s worked there for quite some time.”

“Watch it, Ava. You make me sound ancient.” I watch as a slight blush crosses Ava’s features. It’s more significant on her, given her pale features. “Hi, I’m Broadie Weston.” He reaches out a hand to shake. “I think I’ve seen you in the OR, but you look quite different in this outfit than the scrubs, surgical cap, and mask.”

Laughing, I return his handshake. “Nick Barnes. I’m an orthopedist, new to the hospital. It’s nice to meet you.”

We continue to make very little headway into the venue as Ava stops every few steps to introduce me to someone new. But that’s why I’m here, so might as well get to it early. I’m only allowing myself one drink tonight. Beyond the fact that I have to drive home, I have an early day with Dad tomorrow.

As I turn toward one of the banquet staff to ask for water, I catch a glimpse of a stunning creature dressed in deep blue. Her hair is down enough on one side that I’m almost certain it’s Kat. I can feel my pulse pick up and pray she’ll allow me to join her this evening.God, I’ve missed her. As I’m gazing in her direction, her back to me, I notice Melanie is standing across from her and Jake’s approaching with drinks.

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