Page 43 of Before We Break Again
The car falls into silence for a beat, and I can feel her eyes on me now, weighing what I just said.
“You think true love is still possible?”Her voice is quiet, cautious, like she’s not sure she’s ready for the answer.“Not that you can love and find it, but that you can live that happily ever after life when you finally have it.”
I glance over at her.“I think we already found it,” I say, my voice steady.“With us.With Santos.It was real, Halsey.It still is.We just have to figure out how we’ll make it work out now that we’re adults and no one can take anything away from us.”
“We’re still true love, right?”I ask, my voice softer now, as if I’m afraid that any louder and the fragile thread we’re clinging to might snap.
She doesn’t answer right away.But when she finally speaks, her voice is so low, so quiet, that I almost miss it.“I don’t know if love can ever stop being true.”
It’s not the answer I was hoping for, but it’s enough—for now.It’s a small glimmer of hope, something to hold on to.Maybe she’s not ready to say more, but at least she hasn’t let go entirely.We’re still here.We’re still something.
The car pulls into the hospital parking lot, and the driver brings the vehicle to a stop.I turn to him, my hand lingering on Halsey’s for just a second longer before I let go.“Take our luggage to the Merkel Hotel,” I tell the driver.“The concierge will know what to do.”
We leave the car and head toward the hospital.The receptionist directs us to the orthopedic wing, and we take the elevator to the fourth floor.The ride in the elevator is fast.When we step off, the sterile smell of the hospital hits us, sharp and cold.The fluorescent lights hum above us as we walk down the long hallway, our footsteps echoing in the stillness.Halsey walks beside me, her gaze focused ahead, her expression unreadable.
Suddenly, a tall man in a white lab coat steps out of one of the rooms ahead.His eyes immediately lock onto Halsey, a flicker of recognition flashing in them.His eyebrows lift slightly, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
“Halsey?”he says, the surprise in his voice unmistakable.“You arrived sooner than I thought.”
Halsey blinks, clearly caught off guard.“Dr.Aldridge?I didn’t realize you were still here.”
Dr.Aldridge shakes his head, chuckling softly.“The trip from Baker’s Creek to Portland took longer than expected.I’m running late for my rounds.”
Halsey’s expression shifts from surprise to concern.“Have you seen Santos yet?”
At the mention of San, my head tilts, and I finally pay attention.
The doctor nods a couple of times.“Yes, I’ve spoken with him, and he gave me permission to discuss his case with you.”He glances at me briefly, as if gauging whether to continue.
Before I can say anything, Halsey steps in.“This is Dustin Haverbrook,” she says quickly.“We’re ...It’s complicated, but he has the same privileges.If you want to check with San first, though, go ahead.”
Dr.Aldridge doesn’t miss a beat, extending his hand toward me.“Hayes Aldridge, I’m Santos’s surgeon.Nice to meet you.”
I shake his hand firmly.“The pleasure is mine, thank you for attending to him.”
“So, how is he doing?”Halsey’s voice cuts through the tension.“When can we take him home?And how are we handling his recovery?”
“Santos needs to stay for a few more days, five at most.We’ve discussed rehab options—either here or in Baker’s Creek.”Dr.Aldridge pauses, glancing at both of us before continuing.“Actually, I was hoping Santos would choose to do his rehabilitation at Baker’s Creek.We have state-of-the-art equipment, and we’re expanding the rehab center.And ...I’d like to offer you a job there, Halsey.If you’re interested.”
Halsey blinks, clearly taken aback, and glances at me for a moment before turning back to Dr.Aldridge.“I ...I think we’ll need to discuss what’s best for everyone.But I’m definitely interested in applying for a position, if you have openings.”
“Baker’s Creek is only twenty minutes from my ranch,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady, even though the thought of us all being there together tugs at something deep inside me.“Obviously, it’s up to you two, but ...we have a place there.”
Dr.Aldridge’s eyes linger on me for a moment, as if he’s sizing me up.But then he nods slowly, a thoughtful expression crossing his face.“That has to count for something.It’s not like I want to tell you or Santos what to do, but ...having you would be a great addition to my practice.”
I nod, the idea of Santos recovering at the ranch settling in my mind.“It’s not just hers or my decision to make,” I say, my voice more measured now.“We’ll need to talk it through together.”But even as I say it, I can’t help but feel a sense of certainty.
There are so many reasons I bought that ranch in Happy Springs.It’s away from the noise and chaos of Los Angeles, far enough to escape, but close enough to Portland that I can convince San to visit often, or even drag him to the ranch during the off-season.Away from Jean-Luc, away from the constant nonsense that comes with our world.
Dr.Aldridge breaks the silence, his voice calm but encouraging.“Think it over, Halsey.No rush, but we’d love to have you on board.For Santos’s sake, and for ours.”
With that, he turns and walks away, leaving us standing there in the quiet hallway.
Halsey lets out a long sigh, rubbing her temples as if trying to ease the pressure building in her mind.“This is ...a lot.”
I step closer, the space between us feeling fragile, like it could crack at any moment.Gently, I rest my hand on her shoulder, offering what little comfort I can.My voice softens.“You don’t have to decide anything right now, Halsey.But ...we need you.He needs you.”
“It’s up to the three of us,” she insists.“Let’s see our guy.”
