Page 21 of Healing Hearts
I let out a long sigh. “Rough is an understatement. That kid... I really thought we were going to lose him.”
“But you didn’t,” Parker says, his tone firm. “You pulled him through. That’s what matters.”
I nod, but the weight doesn’t entirely lift. Silence stretches between us until Parker speaks again, his tone curious. “You’ve been different lately. In a good way. What’s going on?”
I hesitate, but the beer loosens my tongue. “I’ve met someone.”
His eyebrows shoot up. “Really? Tell me about her, and tell me she has some single friends?”
I laugh, shaking my head. “Her name’s Brooke. She’s a librarian, and she’s... incredible. Smart, funny, kind. We’ve only met a couple of times, but there’s something about her.” I grin. “She stole my dinner the other night at Hooplas. That’s how we met.”
Parker bursts out laughing. “She stole your dinner? And you didn’t have her arrested? She must be something special.”
“She is,” I admit, my smile fading slightly. “But it’s complicated.”
“Complicated how?” he presses, his tone more serious.
I hesitate again, then say, “Well, Vivian’s back.”
Parker’s grin vanishes. “Vivian? As in your ex-Vivian? The one who?—”
“Yep,” I cut him off, already anticipating the questions. “She’s working at the hospital as a traveling nurse.”
“Damn,” Parker mutters, leaning back against the couch. “That’s... not ideal.”
“No kidding,” I reply, taking a long drink of my beer. “She’s already stirring up trouble, and I’m trying to figure out how to deal with it.”
Parker studies me for a moment, then says, “Look, man, you can’t let her mess with your head. If this Brooke girl is as great as you say, you owe it to yourself to see where it goes. Don’t let your past ruin your future.”
His words hit harder than I expect, and I nod slowly. “You’re right. I just... it’s been a while since I let myself think about something outside of work. Or someone.”
“Then it’s time to change that,” he says, clinking his bottle against mine. “Life’s too short, man. Take the chance.”
As Parker leaves, his words echo in my mind. I pick up my saxophone again, the melody shifting to something lighter, filled with hope. For the first time in a long while, I feel ready to take a step forward, and with Brooke in the picture, the future suddenly feels a lot brighter.
With each note, I make my decision. Brooke's face dances in my mind, and I know Parker's right. It's time to see where this thing goes, to let myself try again. The music swells, and for the first time in years, I feel truly alive.
Chapter 9
Brooke
Ismooth down my navy pencil skirt for the hundredth time, my reflection in the staff bathroom mirror taunting me with its sharp lines and unflattering angles. My hair, usually so neatly styled, is a chaotic mess of frizz and fly-a-ways.
“Great,” I mutter under my breath. “Just great.”
The memory of the other night flashes through my mind—my graceless tumble at the kickball game, drinking way too much, and throwing myself at Trevor like some desperate floozy. The heat of embarrassment creeps up my neck, and I close my eyes, willing it away.
“Get it together, Brooke,” I say firmly to my reflection. “You have storytime to host.”
I step out of the bathroom, only to be met with a tidal wave of energy as a gaggle of excited children rushes past me, their laughter ringing through the hallway.
“Miss Edwards! Miss Edwards!” a familiar voice calls out. I turn to see little Aiden, his blue eyes wide with excitement, bouncing on his toes.
“Hey, Aiden,” I say, crouching down to meet his gaze. “Are you ready for storytime?”
He nods furiously, a grin splitting his face. “What story are we reading today?”
“It’s a surprise,” I whisper, winking. “But I think you’re going to love it.”
