Page 15 of Healing Hearts
I hesitate, fingering the phone in my pocket where I'd saved her number. "I don't know..."
"Come on, Doc. You just took a flying leap to catch a football. Talking to a pretty girl can't be scarier than that."
I laugh, surprised by how nervous I feel. "You'd be surprised." I take a deep breath, trying to calm the sudden flutter in my stomach. "You're right. I should go talk to her."
My heart races as I start walking towards the kickball field. It's been a long time since I've felt this... alive. This interested, and it's both exhilarating and terrifying.
"Hey, Brooke!" I call out, my voice a little shakier than I'd like.
She turns, her face lighting up with a smile that makes my breath catch. "Trevor! Nice moves out there."
I chuckle, running a hand through my hair. "Thanks. Though I think I'll be feeling those moves tomorrow."
"Worth it though, right?" She steps closer, and I catch a hint of her perfume – something light and citrusy.
"Definitely," I nod, lost for a moment in her green eyes. "Listen, I wanted to tell you... I’m really looking forward to coffeetomorrow."
Brooke's smile widens. "Me too. Have you been to Java Hut? They’ve got the best coffee in town…at least until the Bean and Bagel opens back up. Kate’s coffee is the best in the world."
"Agreed. All I’ve been drinking since she closed is the cafeteria coffee at the hospital," I reply, "Sewer water would taste better." I laugh. I can't help but marvel at this feeling. It's like rediscovering a part of myself I'd forgotten existed. The part that craves a connection, that isn't afraid to take a chance.
One of her teammates calls her and she waves to them. "Gotta go. See you tomorrow, Trevor," Brooke says with a wink as she turns to rejoin her friends.
I watch her go, a mix of anticipation and nervousness swirling in my chest. It's been so long since I've put myself out there like this. The surgeon in me wants to analyze every possible outcome, but for once, I push that voice aside.
Instead, I let myself feel the spark of possibility, the thrill of the unknown. It's scary as hell, but also... kind of amazing.
The game is over, and after saying goodbye to Brooke, I find myself heading to Hooplas with the guys. When we played years ago, it became a bit of a tradition after our games to go someplace and hang out—now we’re kicking back in the private back room, sharing beers, nachos, and stories that seem to get more exaggerated with each retelling. Tonight, the room is buzzing with good-natured ribbing and laughter as we settle into our usual spots around the table.
Hudson, not usually the quiet one, is nursing his beer with a contemplative look. Garrett notices first. “What’s with the long face, Hudson? You look like you’re trying to figure out if you should save the cat in the tree or put out the burning house.”
The guys chuckle, and Hudson smirks, shaking his head. “Nah, nothing like that. Just… been thinking.”
“Oh no,” Jax chimes in, feigning horror. “Hudson’s thinking. Everybody brace yourselves.”
“Does anyone else smell smoke?” Garrett quips.
More laughter follows, and Hudson rolls his eyes. “I’m serious, you idiots. I’ve been thinking about proposing to Kate soon.”
The table goes silent for a beat before erupting in cheers and applause. Eli raises his glass. “Finally, man! Took you long enough. We’ve been taking bets on when you’d grow a pair.”
Sawyer grins. “About time. That woman’s been ready to say yes since the day she met you. What’s the plan?”
Hudson shrugs, a sheepish smile on his face. “I’ve got a few ideas. Thought about doing it at the beach—maybe after dinner at her favorite spot. Keep it simple, but special, ya know?”
Jax claps him on the shoulder. “Solid choice, man. Just don’t drop the ring in the sand. Trust me, I’ve seen it happen.”
Garrett grins. “You’re gonna make some woman very happy someday, Jax.”
“What? What’d I say?” Jax asks innocently.
The table erupts into laughter again, and Hudson shakes his head, but the pride in his eyes is unmistakable. He’s one happy man. Kate’s been good for him.
“Speaking of new ventures,” Sawyer pipes up, leaning back in his chair with a sly grin. “I’ve got some news of my own. I bought The Silver Willow a few months back.”
This time, it’s Eli’s turn to look surprised. “Wait, what? You’re in the restaurant business now? Thought being a construction mogul was your thing.”
“It is,” Sawyer says, taking a sip of his beer. “But I’ve always loved that place. Figured it needed someone who’d care about it as much as the community does. Besides, I’vegot a good team running it. I’m just the guy signing the checks.”
