Page 2 of Kimbra
I latch onto the one piece of information that piques my interest. “Almost-ex-husband?” This time, I get a real smile.
“Supposed to be finalized in a little less than a month. Luckily, he’s not fighting me on much, but he also isn’t taking his kids at least half the time he is supposed to. He’d rather spend time with his young girlfriend with non-saggy boobs and a perfect body.” She whispers that last sentence, and I immediately know her almost-ex is an idiot. Only an idiot would let a real woman like her go.
“Sometimes people don’t understand how good they had it till they lose it. I have a feeling he’s gonna wake up one day andrealize what he’s given up.” Seeing her slight blush tells me she’s not used to compliments.
“I don’t know about that, but it’s kind of you to say that.”
I keep eye contact with her, her hazel eyes mesmerizing me. “Doc, I’m speaking the truth. I’d also love to take you out for that glass of wine sometime if you’d be up for it.”
Her beeper goes off before she can answer me. She looks down at it and back up at me with a slight smile. “Duty calls. Got a couple of different patients about to deliver.” I nod and let her go, but I’m going to ask her again. There’s something about her that makes me want to know her more.
One month later
Kimbra
I’m so glad today is Friday. I know Brian is taking the kids because it’s his dad’s birthday, and he will expect Brian to bring the kids. Brian’s parents are alright grandparents when they’re around. They travel most of the year so the kids don’t see them often, but when they are in town, they do try to see the kids fairly regularly. They were always nice to me—a little formal, but nice. I just think that’s who they are. They aren’t the kind to get on the floor and play, but they do take the kids to the park and seem to enjoy the time together. I know his mom is much more formal,but his dad called me when Brian let them know we were getting divorced. He hoped that I would know that I was still important to them and that they still wanted to know their grandchildren. I, hopefully, reassured them that I wouldn’t stop them from seeing their grandkids. If their son could get his head out of his ass and take them each time he was supposed to, that would be great. I have no problem with my kids being with me all the time. I just see all three of them disappointed every time he cancels on them. I think Branson hides it the most, but I think Bentley is hurt the most. Bailey has never known her dad like her brothers, so I think she just rolls with it more. I know they want their dad’s attention, and it kills me that he doesn’t give it.
Today, I have to finish my full schedule of appointments, then I’ve got an important date with a bottle of wine I just bought, a pizza I plan to order and a series I’m dying to catch up on. What? I can’t watch trashy television while drinking my thirty-dollar bottle of wine? I like what I like, and watching the train wreck of reality shows makes me feel less bad about the state of my non-existent love life.Focus, woman.
I look at my schedule and realize my next three appointments are with some of my favorite patients. I know, as a doctor, we aren’t supposed to have favorites, but these three come from the same family and are a hoot every time I see them. They make me laugh.
I look over my charts, and before I know it, there’s a knock on my door, and it opens, Darius sticking his head in. “Your appointments are here and ready.”
I look over at him, and I can tell by the smile on his face that he’s been having his fun. “Have you flirted with all the guys already?”
He shakes his head. “No, only two of them. Some of them didn’t come today, but that growly older one. I think he’s an uncle? Well, he’s out in the hallway outside their rooms looking all sorts of delicious today.” I must not hide my interest because Darius’s smile gets as big as I have ever seen it. “Why, I do declare, does Doc have a crush?” I roll my eyes, grab my tablet, and stand up.
“Hardly, but I have eyes and can appreciate when I see a ruggedly handsome man. I just don’t flirt with just about every man that walks through the door like you.”
He laughs at me. “I like to flirt with the ones who don’t know how to react. It always makes their women less nervous, and that’s worth it. I know ain’t one of them ever gonna take me up on it because they’re taken.”
I shake my head and walk to the first room. Darius is an amazing nurse and keeps things interesting. I’m glad I was able to talk him into leaving the emergency room for this. One of these days, he’s gonna find a man who can tame him. I can’t wait to see it happen.
I knock and enter the first room. I’m surprised to see just two sets of eyes looking back at me. “Well, hello, Westons. Youare missing a couple today.” That earns me a smile from Jane. “We’ve got three kids at home. The other two stayed home to be on kid patrol.”
I look over at Jon. “You won today?” He gives me a smug grin and just nods. I get started and do the checkup, answering the few questions Jane has. I will admit that when she first started coming to see me, I was surprised to learn that she was with three men, but now I don’t think anything of it. I know I couldn’t do it. Hell, I can’t even handle a relationship with one man, so hats off to her. I’ve seen her handle them quite well, too. She’s a pistol and someone who’s become more of a friend than a patient.
I finish up and take off my gloves. I look back over at Jane. “I think that about does it. Any questions?”
Jane smiles and speaks up. “Not about this appointment, but why haven’t you come to one of our family dinners? You know your kids are more than welcome. In fact, they would have a blast.” She’s been inviting me for a while, and honestly, I’m not sure what’s holding me back. Okay, I totally know why I haven’t gone. Even though I’m just over forty and have a great career and amazing kids, I still feel like the nerd getting invited to the school dance. You know, where you show up, and it all ends up being a game to somehow humiliate you? Don’t know what I mean? Consider yourself lucky. You likely were one of thecooler kids in school. Do we ever actually grow out of that?Shit, woman, she’s waiting for you to answer.
“Oh, I don’t know. My kids are a handful on a good day. Don’t get me wrong, they are the most amazing kids, but their energy level is way up there.”
Jon looks like he’s studying me. “My parents were foster parents to dozens of kids over the years. We’re used to kids all over the place. It’s next Saturday, and we’d really love to have you.”
I know he’s not going to be the only one to ask me, and I really don’t have a good reason to say no. “I will try to make this one.” Jane hands me a paper with the time, her number, and the address to the clubhouse. We finish up, and I head out of the room and to the room across the hallway, but I stop in my tracks when I see Mister Sexy Silver Fox himself sitting in a chair outside the room. He looks up from his phone and gives me a slight smile and a nod.
“Hey, Doc. Shane’s watching the kids, so I drove Kierstie and Madison. Her man just got here. I’m sure Jane told you about the family dinner, but I wanted to add that I’d really love to see you there.”
I think I smile because, hello… sexy man talking tome. “I told her I was going to try and make it. I haven’t checked my kids' activity calendar, but I will try.”
Ben nods and shocks the hell out of me. “I’d love to take you out for a drink sometime, too, Doc. Maybe one night when you’re kid free?”
I must have a surprised look on my face as I try to get my voice to work, because he chuckles and gives me a full smile.
Ben
Kimbra’s looking like a fish out of water. Her surprise that I would ask her out is just another sign that she doesn’t realize how gorgeous she really is. “Um, like coffee or something?” Before I can answer her, she continues as if she’s processing things but not believing them. “Wait. You mean like a date?”
