Page 16 of Rekindled

Spencer hadn’t gotten into a fight since he was a freshman in college, but he was seriously considering changing that tonight. It was taking all his self-control to not reach out and punch the smug doctor straight in the jaw.

“Wow, I can’t believe you worked on all those famous people,” Sandy said with awe. “And to think, they all fly in from New York and Los Angeles just so you can work on them.”

“Well, shh, don’t tell anyone. It has to be our little secret,” he said with a wag of his eyebrows.

Rick was exactly like Spencer when he was in high school; self-absorbed and egotistical. Though Spencer had changed, it pointed to one obvious fact, Molly was attracted to jerks.

“I have to get back to work or my manager is going to flip out. Can I catch up with you later?” she said, handing him a folded piece of paper. “Here’s my number. Feel free to call me anytime.”

Rather than throw away the piece of paper, he kept it in his hand.

“Does that happen often?” Spencer probed, hoping Rick would try to deny it. Spencer wouldn’t believe him, but at least it would show he cared enough to keep Molly from finding out.

Rick shrugged. “Eh, often enough that when I’m single, I don’t get lonely. You never know when you might need some company, which is why I never get rid of these,” he said, shaking the piece of paper. “I mean, every relationship gets stale, so to keep from going crazy, a little extra on the side doesn’t hurt anything.”

Spencer had to choke back the bile that rose in his throat. What a disgusting person Dr. Rick Colson was turning out to be. Not only was he a hellacious flirt, he was straight-out admitting he had no regrets about cheating.

“We’re back,” Sarah said as they came up on the table.

Rick quickly pushed the piece of paper into his pocket before Molly could see. Oh, how Spencer wished she had arrived a few seconds sooner.

The women took their seats just in time for the food to arrive. As everyone ate their meals, the conversation centered around Sarah’s upcoming trip, Rick’s latest celebrity patient, and the writing award Molly won last month.

Spencer didn’t feel like sharing, and focused on eating his meal instead.

“You know, I keep telling this one,” Sarah said, lightly elbowing Spencer in the side, “he needs to stop focusing solely on work and get out on a date. He’s not getting any younger.”

“We’re the same age,” Spencer pointed out.

“Yes, but I already went on the relationship train, and it derailed right in the middle. It left me barely holding on,” Sarah said as a sad look crossed her face. “Now I need to take a break and refocus on what really matters. It’s why I’m volunteering overseas.”

“I’ve been hit by the same train before,” Molly stated, staring directly at Spencer. “It feels awful, but you’ll eventually heal. When you do, you’ll be ready to get back out there.”

Spencer wanted to squirm in his seat. He could see from her face, she still felt the pain from his poor choices. He hated the fact he had hurt Molly so badly when they were young. She didn’t deserve what happened, and he should have done more to protect her.

Sarah’s phone rang, causing her to pull it out of her purse and look at the screen. “I have to go. It’s my roommate. There’s a problem at our apartment.”

“I can drive you home,” Spencer offered, coming to his feet.

“No, there’s no need for that,” Sarah said, shaking her head. “I can grab an Uber. Stay here and enjoy your time.”

Sarah made her way around the table to Molly, leaned down and gave her a hug. “It was so good seeing you. I’ll see you at the reunion Saturday night.”

“I look forward to it,” Molly stated as she returned the hug.

Once Sarah left, Spencer returned to his seat right before the server showed back up. She directed a flirtatious smile at Rick as she asked, “What can I get you for dessert?”

He returned the smile. “We’re all good here. No one needs the extra calories that come with it.”

Molly shot Rick a dirty look. “Speak for yourself. I can afford a few extra calories, and I’ve been dying for a piece of the peach pie.”

The server nodded as she jotted down the information. “Do you want anything?” she asked Spencer.

“I’d love a cup of coffee,” he said.

“Oh, that sounds great. I’ll take a cup to go with my pie,” Molly stated with a smile.

Rick looked irritated as he stood up and threw his napkin on the table. “I have to go to the restroom.” Without another word, he stormed off towards the back hall.

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