Page 5 of Healing Hearts
“Long,” I admit, rubbing the back of my neck. “I’m starving, and I could use something other than hospital coffee. Speaking of which...” I glance toward the bar, realizing my burger is taking longer than usual.
“I’ll be right back,” I tell the guys, sliding out of the booth. I make my way to the bar, weaving between crowded tables and dodging a waitress with a tray full of drinks. The air is filled with laughter and the clinking of glasses, and for a moment, it feels good to be away from the sterile, high-pressure environment of the hospital.
When I reach the bar, I spot the bartender, Steph, busy chatting with a couple of regulars. I lean against the polished wooden counter, catching her eye. “Hey, Steph,” I call over the noise, flashing her a smile. “Any chance my burger’s coming up soon?”
She looks embarrassed. “Um… I didn’t realize it was yours.” She points to a woman sitting alone at the other end of the bar, “I gave it away. I’m so sorry! I’ll get you a new one right now.” She starts typing on the computer console at the bar – her conversation with the other customers forgotten. “Coming right up, Doc. We’re a little slammed tonight, but I’ll make sure it’s the next thing out.”
I don’t know what came over me, but I wave her off, “Don’t worry about it.”
Making my way towards the other end of the bar, my eyes are drawn to a flash of vibrant red hair. A woman sits alone, a notebook and pen beside her and her hands holding a burger poised over a plate that looks all too familiar.
"Excuse me," I say, gently tapping her shoulder. " I think you’re eating my dinner. I ordered a burger, but it seems to have found its way to you instead."
Startled, she turns to face me, and I'm immediately struckby her vivid green eyes. "Oh my god!" she stammers, a blush creeping up her cheeks. "The bartender said it had been sitting here for a while with no owner, and I was starving to death. It just looked so good..." She places the uneaten burger back down on the plate and slides the plate over to me. “I’m so sorry!”
Normally, I would be annoyed at someone taking my food, but there's something endearing about her embarrassment. "Hey, don’t worry about it." I find myself saying before I can stop myself or over think it, "How about we share it? Can’t have you starving to death, now, can we? I'm Trevor, by the way."
“Share?” Her smile lights up her face, and suddenly, I'm not so hungry for food anymore. "I'm Brooke," she replies, extending her hand. "And I'd love to share. It's the least I can do for snatching your food."
As I sit down next to her, I can feel my friends' curious gazes on us from across the room, but in this moment, all that matters is the intriguing woman sitting in front of me. Something tells me this chance encounter might have the potential to turn out to be interesting.
Chapter 3
Brooke
The library is empty now, the last student is gone and the doors are locked for the weekend. I breathe out a long, slow sigh, feeling the exhaustion settle into my bones. The silence is heavy but comforting, a quiet that contrasts with the buzz of excitement I felt earlier with the kids and the busy shuffle of the day.
I glance at the clock—a little after six. A flutter of anticipation stirs in my chest, a welcome change from the steady tension that’s gripped me since that email arrived yesterday. Tonight isn’t about secrets or stress; it’s about friends, drinks, laughter, and unwinding with Charlie and Kendall.
I tuck my planner away in the bottom of my satchel. My fingers linger on the cover for a moment, hiding it under some new books I need to read over the weekend for work, a symbolic gesture to compartmentalize my life—Brooke Edwards, dependable librarian, and Sophie Quinn, the hidden, bestselling author of romances that would make most, if not all, of Hibiscus Harbor blush.
“Time to go,” I whisper, straightening up and grabbing my purse from the hook behind the desk. I adjust my hair in the reflection of the library window, pulling a few stray strandsback into the messy bun that’s barely holding together. There’s no time to fix it. I flip off the lights, casting the library in shadows, and head out, locking the door behind me.
As I step outside the school, the warm autumn air hits me, wrapping me in the lingering scent of salt and jasmine that always seems to drift off the ocean this time of day. When I arrive at Hooplas, the low hum of conversation and music filters through the open doors, mingling with the faint aroma of food and beer. The environment wraps around me, a pleasant contrast to the silence of the library, and I feel my shoulders relax for the first time all day.
Charlie and Kendall are already in a corner booth, heads together in animated conversation and it makes me laugh imagining what story they’re telling. Charlie waves wildly when she spots me, and I can't help but grin as I weave my way through the crowded tables toward them.
“Brooke! You’re here!” Charlie practically pulls me into the booth the second I’m within reach. Her enthusiasm is infectious, and I settle in, reaching for the glass of white wine she’s already ordered for me. The cool glass is a welcome sensation against my fingers.
“Rough day?” Kendall asks, raising an eyebrow as she pushes a basket of sweet potato fries toward me.
I shrug, sipping the wine and letting the cool liquid slide down my throat. “Same as always—kids, chaos, and books. But I’m here now, and I’m not thinking about any of that.”
“Good!” Charlie beams, practically vibrating with excitement. “Because I have to tell you both about this new author I’mobsessedwith.”
“Oh?” I lean back, reaching for a fry. “Who is it this time? Another moody detective series or is it the new Delta James paranormal book about cowboy shifters?”
“Nope! I’ve read all of her books already and loved them.” Charlie’s grin widens, and she digs into her oversized tote bag,pulling out a paperback. “Nope. This one is in a different genre. Steamy romance and her name’s Sophie Quinn, and I swear, her books are the best thing I’ve read in forever. They’reh-o-t, but with so much heart! I’m telling you, Brooke, you’ll definitely love them.”
The fry stops halfway to my mouth. My heart lurches in my chest, and I force a smile, even though my pulse is racing. “Sophie Quinn?” I repeat, praying my voice sounds normal. “I think I’ve...heard of her.” Oh, I’ve heard of her.
Charlie doesn’t seem to notice my discomfort. She’s too caught up in her excitement. “Oh my god, you have to read this one,” she says, thrusting the well-worn book toward me. “It’s got everything—romance, danger, passion…sex…and her characters are so real, you know?”
“I’ve heard of her, too,” Kendall chimes in, leaning closer with a grin. “Actually, I’m reading her latest one right now.” She pulls out her e-reader and scrolls to the cover. “See? ‘Sizzling Desires’—it’s incredible.”
I can barely breathe. They’re both staring at me expectantly, and I have to say something, so I plaster on a smile and take a sip of wine, hoping it will cool the heat rising in my cheeks. “Wow, sounds...intense,” I manage. “What’s it about?”
Charlie’s face lights up. “Oh, it’s about this woman who’s hiding a secret?—”
