Page 4 of Healing Hearts
He attempts a weak smile. "Not great, Doc. Just anxious to know what's next."
I pull up a chair and sit down, making sure to maintain eye contact with each person in the room. "I understand, so let's go over the procedure we have planned."
As I explain every detail of the surgery, I watch their reactions closely, searching for any signs of confusion or concern. Mr. Bennett's wife grips his hand tightly, her knuckles turning white from worry.
"I know this must be overwhelming," I say gently, leaning forward slightly. "But please know that you are in excellent hands. Our team is highly skilled and experienced with this type of procedure."
"But what if something goes wrong?" Mrs. Bennett interrupts, her voice trembling with fear.
I meet her gaze directly and interject as much reassurance into my tone as possible. "We have prepared for every possibility, Mrs. Bennett. Your husband's safety is our top priority."
I continue to address all their concerns and answer theirquestions, I can feel the tension in the room slowly start to ease away. It doesn't disappear entirely but is replaced by a cautious hope which is the best I can hope for. It’s in moments like these where I’m reminded of the true purpose and reward of being a doctor - to provide comfort and healing for those in need.
As I finish explaining the delicate procedure, my eyes catch the subtle intertwining of Mr. and Mrs. Bennett's hands, their fingers laced together in a silent display of support. An unexpected pang of longing hits me again, a sharp ache in my chest.What the hell has come over me lately?
"Do you have any other questions?" I ask, pushing the feeling aside.
Mr. Bennett shakes his head, his grip on his wife's hand tightening slightly. "No, I think we're good. Thank you, Dr. Jacobs."
I stand up from my chair, offering a reassuring smile. "Of course. I'll see you tomorrow morning, bright and early. Just make sure to listen to what the nurses tell you to do. If I have to, you do, too." I joke.
Mr. and Mrs. Bennett smile and I can see a bit of relief in their expressions.
I make my way out of the room; the image of their joined hands remains etched in my mind. It's been so long since I've experienced that kind of connection, that unwavering support.
It's been exactly two years since my last relationship ended, and when I really think about it, I’m not sure I ever felt that kind of deep connection with her or anyone else for that matter.
Sure, there was Vivian during my residency at Tulane University, but that was a disaster waiting to happen. I shake my head, trying to banish the memories, the manipulation, the arguments, the way it all imploded in the worst possible way in the end.
I lean back against the wall outside the hospital room, closing my eyes for just a second. The weight of everything presses down on me, and I let out a long, heavy sigh, feeling the familiar ache of loneliness settle in my chest.
My phone buzzes in my pocket, snapping me back to the present. It’s a text from Reid, reminding me about our plans for dinner and beers at Hooplas tonight. I fire off a quick reply?—
Reid: Dude, dinner, beers, Hooplas. Don’t forget and don’t be late.
Me: I’ll be there
I shove the phone back into my pocket, a knot of uncertainty tightening in my chest. Am I destined to be married to my career forever? Or is there someone out there who gets it, who understands the long hours, the constant pressure, the need to be there when it counts—someone like Mrs. Bennett, who’s willing to stand by their partner, no matter what? I push the thought away before it can dig in any further, reminding myself I’ve got enough on my plate without playing thewhat ifgame.
Time to focus on the here and now. I glance at my watch—damn, I’m cutting it close. If I don’t leave now, I’ll be late. With a sigh, I straighten up and make my way out, determined to leave the weight of the hospital behind for one night, even if it’s just for a couple of hours with old friends.
I push through the heavy wooden doors of Hooplas, and the comforting aroma of sizzling seafood and fried food wraps around me like a warm blanket. The tension in my shoulders eases as I spot my friends at our usual table, their laughter and banter blending seamlessly with the hum of the bar.
“Trevor!” Reid calls out, his ginger hair catching the golden glow from the overhead lights as he waves me over. “We ordered you a burger and here’s your beer.”
I slide into the booth, grateful for the easy company and the familiar atmosphere of Hooplas. “Appreciate it. So, what’d I miss?” I ask, glancing around at the faces that have been with me through thick and thin—Kane, Reid, Hudson, Jax, and Declan. We’ve been part of a crew since grade school, a brotherhood that’s survived more than most friendships could handle.
Kane smirks and slides my cold beer my way. “We were just talking about joining that new co-ed kickball league. You in?”
I take a swig, considering the idea. “Kickball? The one with the big red bouncy ball? Aren’t we a little too old for that?” I tease, raising an eyebrow.
“Speak for yourself, old man,” Jax shoots back, grinning. “Come on, it’ll be a blast. And let’s be honest, it’s a great way to meet some new ladies.”
“Ah, there it is,” I chuckle, shaking my head. “I knew you had an ulterior motive. You just want to widen your dating pool.”
Hudson laughs, clearly amused. “Can you blame him? It’s been a while since any of you went on a decent date. But then again, I guess that’s easy for me to say.” He throws a casual arm over the back of the booth, a knowing smile tugging at his lips. He’s been with Kate for over a year now, and they’re already talking about the future. It’s hard not to envy him sometimes—the way he’s found his person and settled into it with ease.
Reid, sensing the shift in the conversation, clears his throat. “So, Trevor, how was your day?”
