Page 120 of The Doctor's Irreplaceable Love

Cash: You can tell him about Amelia—just don’t tell him that I was the one who asked.

Trip: Ok.

As he walked down the hallway to the nurses’ station to find Dawn, he couldn’t help thinking that Cash was like Harper in a way.They both wore a bright smile as a mask and did what they could to make others happy.All while trying to make sure no one saw just how hard they worked behind the scenes to make sure the people they loved were taken care of.

~ ~ ~

As Shelley and Brooke sat down at a corner booth in the café, Shelley couldn't help thinking that it seemed every single person in the place knew Brooke.Some smiled and waved.Some called out a hello.

Everyone seemed pleased to see her, and the more time Shelley spent with her, the easier it was to understand why people liked her so much.She was friendly and outgoing, very down-to-earth and practical.

And she was more than just a breath of fresh air — Shelley was coming to think of her as more of a ray of sunshine who brightened people’s day wherever she went.

Brooke picked up her soda and took a long drink before setting it down again with a big smile on her face.

“Thank you so much.You didn’t need to buy my lunch, but I’m so grateful you did.”She nodded at her drink.“I only ever get water.”She dropped her gaze.“I’m not broke or anything, I promise.I just like to prioritize where my money goes.And for now, it’s all going into my savings.I know it’s only a couple of bucks for a soda — but if you add that up over the course of a month, and then over the course of a year, it makes a difference.”

A hint of pink touched her cheeks as she added, “But since you insisted, I’m going to savor every last drop of that.”

“You’re most welcome,” said Shelley.Even as she spoke, she made a mental note to herself — she was going to start stocking the fridge in the break room at the clinic with soda and snacks.Maybe she’d even start sending sandwiches with Trip in the mornings.The young woman in front of her deserved all the help she could get.

She took her phone out of her purse when it beeped with a text.“Sorry.I just need to…”

“No problem,” said Brooke.“I’ll check mine, too.”

A rush of warmth filled Shelley’s chest when she saw the text.

Trip: Three little words.

She tapped out a reply.

Shelley: Same three words back at ya, Jack.

When she looked up, Brooke was watching her with a smile on her face.“That was Trip, wasn’t it?”she asked.

Shelley laughed.“Was it that obvious?”

Brooke’s eyes grew wide, and she covered her mouth with her hand before speaking between her fingers.“Oh my gosh.I’m sorry.I didn’t mean to…”

“You’re fine,” Shelley reassured her.“Honestly, I don’t mind.”

“Sorry.It’s just so awesome to see the way you two are together.Trip’s such a good guy, and I’m so glad he found you.”

She sat up a little straighter and inhaled sharply before continuing, “But anyway.I know that’s none of my business.So, moving on.How long do you think it’ll be before I’m okay to take over for you?I’m not trying to get rid of you or anything — I’d love if we could work there together.But I know that’s not realistic.”Brooke shrugged.“Just saying that I enjoy your company.But you’re going to work for Jim, aren’t you?”

“I am,” said Shelley.“For the time being.I think we’ll be fine working the way we did this morning.I can get all the paperwork I need to do done while I’m sitting there with you.But honestly?I don’t think it’ll be long at all before you don’t need me.”

Brooke glanced across the café, and Shelley didn’t know who she’d spotted — but it seemed it was someone she didn’t like much.

“Are you okay?”she asked.

Brooke turned back to her.“Yeah, sorry.I’m fine.It’s just...have you ever met Jim’s nephew, Gavin?”She jerked her chin toward a man who was sitting on the other side of the café.

Even without knowing him, Shelley took a dislike to him on sight.

He wore a suit and shiny shoes.His graying hair was receding, and he was a little paunchy.Trip had said that Gavin had gone to school with him and the other guys, but if she didn’t know that, she would have guessed he was at least ten years older than Trip.

“He’s not a nice man,” Brooke said quietly — and Shelley realized that was the first time she’d heard the girl say a bad word against anyone.

---