Page 22 of A Change Of Heart

Chapter Six

Jason strode to his BMW parked in an outdoor lot a few blocks away.He cursed himself for showing up at the festival.Stephanie firmly believed the past was the past, and all that crap.

But he was a stubborn man and couldn't let go.If he had a patient on the table who was coding, would he wait to announce the time of death?Hell no.He'd fight to keep that man or woman alive for as long as possible.Giving up was not an option.

He jammed his hands inside his pockets and kept his head down for warmth.It was a clear night with plenty of stars, but colder than a corpse's heart.

Stephanie could sure do a number on him, without even trying.He hadn't wanted to be separated from her all those years ago—it wasn't his fault. He'd worked impossible hours to become a doctor, his achievement hadn't fallen into his lap.

It wasn’t as if he’d thought that they were ever over, but more as if they’d been put on pause, like a TV program.Seeing her name on her book, finding her in his uncle’s bookshop was a Christmas miracle, whether she thought so or not.Steph had said that their meeting had not been by chance.It had been preordained because they had a job to do.Getting Henry to make amends with his daughter before more time passed.Jason agreed, but also liked to think this was a way to fast forward that virtual remote and be with Steph once again.Might sound crazy, but he had faith that she was the one.

They had unfinished business to resolve one way or another.If there was no future together, he would make his peace with it and move on—the way he should have years ago.Tomorrow's dinner, a few hours of communication, would set the course for the rest of their lives.How could she refuse?

He reached his car and noticed the flyers that had been left on his front window.Angrily, he whipped them off.A Chinese take-out, Pizza Harmony, and Tuesday Tacos at Taco Sam’s.With no garbage bin in sight, he did the law-abiding citizen response and dropped them onto the spare seat.Turning on the engine, he sat for a moment to warm his car.

He'd given up his weekly game of racquetball with a couple of doctor friends tonight to go chasing her down.Big mistake.The workout was a healthy outlet and afterward the pals would usually grab a beer before heading home.Running around in close quarters with three sweaty guys was a whole lot better than the smack-down he'd just faced.

Damn that woman.What was it about Steph that got under his skin and wouldn't let go?She was like a breath of helium.Made him swell up inside and feel like he was gonna burst.Then one word from her and he collapsed.

Not only was she pushing him away but telling him who to date.Frickin' hell.Maybe he should.He knew a few nurses who would be happy to grab a drink somewhere.He reached for his cell and was about to hit the first girl's number when the phone vibrated in his hand.

"Doctor Monroe," he answered sharply.

"Get your ass to the hospital," Mary, the hospital administration nurse said."We have an incoming accident on the ninety-five.A truck pole axed a car carrying four college kids.It's bad."

"I'll be right there."His heart pounded.This was why he was a doctor.Not to chase dreams.To damn well save lives, and these kids needed him more than any woman ever could.

His adrenaline kicked in as he navigated through traffic.The medical staff filled him in with the details via Bluetooth—he was racing the clock.Coming to a halt in front of the ER, he jumped out and ran into the building.One young woman was dead, another fighting for her life.The driver of the truck had suffered a heart attack causing the crash, and his legs were crushed.His job was to save the man, while others worked on the kids.

***

Stephanie searchedthe immediate area for signs of Jason, but he was nowhere to be found.She regretted her harsh words and the fact that he was gone.Would they still have their one date tomorrow night?

Probably not by her response, and his reaction to it.

She sighed, knowing it was best for them both.One day Mr.Right would come along and look at her the way Tom did with Ally.Or Nathan with Julie.That would be worth waiting for and she didn't want to settle for less.

Instead of returning to her friends, she lingered in the marketplace full of people, ambling from one stall to another.Perhaps she could find something for Henry.She had never seen him wear a tie so that was out, but maybe a new mug for his office, or a knit hat or gloves?

She kept her eyes open as she continued browsing but didn't spot Jason again.Seems her telling him to find a colleague had worked like a charm.He'd taken off right after that, probably to find his own true love.

She sniffed and wiped her nose with a tissue.So be it.Their time was done.

Finding a little stall with ceramic pottery and mugs she found one in red with Book Lover in the center.She figured it would be a fine gift for Henry.After the young girl wrapped it in tissue, she tucked it in the bag with her other items, then headed back to the bandstand area to find Julie and Allie, who wanted to be friends.She could use a little cheer right now.

They welcomed her back, and in a kind way they asked about her, where she'd lived, how she liked Harmony, did she have a special someone in her life?She'd offered a brief back story that hid most of the truth.Being quiet by nature, she preferred listening to conversation.

They were bright and funny and knew each other so well they were practically family.She envied that.Close friendships, having someone to talk and laugh with.All those years at home with her family, laughter was not heard often.It was a basic human need.

She'd had friends in the past but didn't keep up with them after the shooting.One by one they drifted away, and it was a relief, no pretense, no false laughter.Instead of dating or calling up her girlfriends and gossiping for hours, she’d spent her nights working on college courses, earning her teaching degree, and trying her hand at writing.

Stephanie forced herself to join the conversation around her, eventually telling the women her journey to become a published writer and that it had been a lifetime dream.

"Wow!That's amazing.What are your books about?"Ally asked.

"Romance.Two people who have known hurt and are protective of their hearts meet and squabble until they eventually fall in love."She laughed."Of course, there is always a physical attraction and a lot of twists and turns, but every romance has to have a happy ending.If you're interested, I have five books for sale at the bookshop.I'll be happy to autograph them."She grinned at their dumb-founded expressions.

They assured her they would, and she believed them.

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