Page 42 of Hello Doctor

A server came by and took our drink and food orders, and because I couldn’t focus on a single thing on the menu, I asked for a margarita and picked something at random before passing the menu her way.

We’d only been sitting here for five minutes, and I already couldn’t think straight with Fletcher right across from me.

Knox glanced over at me and said, “How do you like nannying?”

“It’s the dream job,” I answered honestly, earning a smile from Fletcher. “I get to hang out with the coolest eight-year-old in the world every day.”

The server came back with our drinks, and after she left, Morganne said. “I bet nannying’s a breeze when it’s just one kid, older no less, and you don’t have a separate job. I love being a work-from-home mom, but I have my hands full with working and watching two under three... I wouldn’t trade it for anything, though.”

Did I imagine a slight edge to her voice? Like she was trying to say I had it easy compared to her? Before I could think of a reply, Fletcher said, “Liv’s the best thing to happen to Maya and me.” He glanced down at his whiskey and took a sip.

We all glanced at him, including Knox, but no one looked longer than me.

“Do you mean that?” I asked softly.

He glanced across the table at me, nodding.

An awkward silence spread around the table until Knox stood up and said, “I have to piss.”

Gross, but maybe that was a cop thing. Or a guy thing. I’d definitely bring it up if we went on more than one date.

“Fletcher,” he said. “Can you come? I have a... um.... mole I’ve been meaning to have you look at.”

Fletcher gave him an incredulous look. “Now?”

“Yep. If it’s abnormal, time’s of the essence, right?”

Fletcher rolled his eyes at his brother. “We can look tomorrow.”

Knox shook his head. “Now feels better.”

Fletcher’s jaw ticked. “Fine. Excuse me.” He slid out of the booth, smiling at Morganne as he went. “I’ll be right back.”

With both the guys gone, the silence felt even more awkward. I sipped from my margarita and rolled my lips, making the salty flavor spread on my tongue.

Morganne leaned forward, her flirty smile gone. “I’m a single mom, so you’ll excuse me for cutting to the chase. Is something happening between you and Fletcher?”

My cheeks instantly heated, and I nearly choked on my spit. “What are you talking about?”

She shook her head, banging her fist lightly on the table. “I freaking knew it.”

“What are you talking about?” I asked, starting to get frustrated.

“He can’t take his eyes off of you. Even when he’s looking at me, his eyes are constantly darting your way.”

“Morganne.” I leveled my hands on the table to steady myself. “There is nothing happening between Fletcher and me. I’m his nanny. I clock in at seven, clock out at six, and I sleep in the guest house, not even the same building as him and Maya. It is strictly a professional relationship.” No matter how much I wished things could be different.

Morgan narrowed her eyes at me, clearly pissed off. “Uh huh. ‘Liv’s the best thing to ever happen to me.’”

Even repeated in her angry voice, the words made my heart flutter. “He said Maya and him.”

“And you’re still smiling like a lovestruck teenager!” She gestured her hands at me. “You’re all gooey over him.” She shook her head. “Look, I don’t want to be in the middle of whatever this is. When he comes back, I’m asking him to take me home. I don’t need to miss time with my kids for a dinner where my date doesn’t even want to be with me.”

Guilt wracked my chest. “Morganne, don’t do this on my account. Yes, I have a little crush on Fletcher, but it’s completely unrequited. I promise, there’s nothing between us.”

She let out a laugh. “You’re either dumb or in denial, sweetheart.”

Ugh. I hated when people called me sweetheart like that. It was so condescending. “You can do whatever you want,sweetheart. But you’re the one doing it, not me.”

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