Page 37 of Sergeant O'
“I—” she closed her eyes and let out an exasperated sigh. “Are you that stupid or that arrogant?”
“Um, is that a trick question?”
“You just had surgery on your right thigh, you moron. You drive with your right foot. You’ll be in agony within ten minutes.”
“So go with me.”
Chapter Eighteen
Jade
I’m sorry, what?
“I can’t go to Cape Cod with you.”
“Why not? You want to go to the beach, and you have plenty of vacation time; you said so yourself.”
“Yeah, there’s a reason I don’t use my vacation time. Because the hospital is short staffed.”
“How long have you been at the hospital?”
“A little over five years.”
“And in those five years, have they ever not been short staffed?”
“No—”
“Do you anticipate they won’t be anytime soon?”
“No—”
“So, what, you’re just supposed to be a good little nurse and never go on vacation because the hospital might need you? Do you want to retire with thousands of hours of unused vacation and sick time?”
“Well, I mean the payout would be nice…”
“You need to start livingnow, Sunshine. I almost died. Those unused vacation days of mine weren’t going to give me any more time. I need to start using them. You should, too.”
“Sounds like you want a partner in crime, Bri.”
“Maybe I do.” He grinned at me and pointed at his chest with his thumb. “So, Bonnie, you up for an adventure with ol’ Clyde? We can take my truck.”
I couldn’t believe it was my voice replying, “Fine, but I’m driving.”
“Of course.” He gestured toward the staircase. “Can you help me pack? I’m not sure I’m up for tackling stairs yet.”
“Oh, but you were all set to drive for sixteen hours.”
That stupid grin of his, the one that showcased his stupid dimples, returned.
“Well, now I don’t have to. Thanks to you.”
I stood there staring at him, thinking,Did I just agree to go to Cape Cod with Brian?
****
Brian
Did I just invite Jade to the Cape with me? And agree to let her drive my truck?
