Chapter 23 23
“Hi, Bee. How was your first day in medical school?” the man asked.
Brooke had just walked out of the school premises. Her mind was still buzzing with excitement from her first day. She was caught off guard when a familiar voice called from behind her.
She was Startled and quickly turned around. With her hand pressed against her chest. “Oh my gosh, you almost scared me,” she said, her tone unimpressed.
“Ryan, what are you doing here?” she asked flatly.
Ryan was leaning casually against his car, one leg crossed over the other. “Sorry, didn’t mean to,” he said with a small smile. “I’ve got some work to handle around here. We’re expanding our health insurance business, so I’ll be in town for a while.”
Brooke raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms.
“Oh—wait, you mean why am I here at your school?” Ryan added quickly, flashing a nervous grin. “I was actually on my way to see Dr. Turner. I asked about you, and he mentioned you were still in class. So, I thought I’d be a gentleman and offer you a ride. I know you don’t have a car or a driver yet.”
“No, thank you,” Brooke said and began walking away.
“Oh, come on, Bee.” Ryan hurried after her. “Is something wrong with my offer or with me?” He lifted his hands in mock surrender.
Brooke glanced at him briefly. Of course, Ryan was handsome. He looked like one of those male models with a sharp jawline and effortless charm. No wonder he’s such a playboy, she thought.
“Like what you see?” Ryan teased with a smirk.
Brooke ignored the comment and focused on where she was stepping.
“Come on, Bee,” Ryan persisted. “I came here just for you. Don’t let me drive off alone.”
“Thank you, but I’m fine taking a cab,” she replied curtly.
“Really?” Ryan asked. “You’d rather take a cab to the same place I’m heading? So, you trust a random driver more than me?”
Brooke stopped walking. He’s right, she thought reluctantly. It didn’t make much sense to refuse him. She and Ryan had known each other for years through Nathan, through. Also, through their families in Silverbrook. Avoiding him completely would be close to impossible.
She sighed in defeat. “Fine. I’ll go with you.”
“Great,” Ryan said cheerfully as they walked back toward his car. “You should get used to seeing me around, Bee. I’m planning to stay a while.”
Brooke rolled her eyes.
They got into the car, and Ryan started the engine.
“So, how have you been?” he asked.
“Trying to move on,” Brooke answered quietly. They both knew what he was referring to.
“That’s good,” Ryan said. “I’m happy for you.” He paused before adding, “Bee, there’s something I think you should know about Keren. She-”
“That she moved into my former home with Nathan?” Brooke cut in sharply. “I already know.”
Ryan frowned. “What? I don’t think that’s-”
“Don’t defend him, Ryan. He’s made his choice, and now I’m making mine,” Brooke said, turning to look out the window. “I called the house to speak with Mrs. Scooter, and Keren took the phone. She told me herself that she’s living with him now.”
Ryan looked confused. That wasn’t what he’d come to say, but Brooke didn’t give him a chance to explain.
“I left Silverbrook because of Nathan,” she continued. “You promised not to tell him where I am, and I don’t want to hear anything about him either. That’s the whole point of moving on.”
Ryan sighed. “You’re right. I’m sorry.”
He parked the car in front of the hospital, and they both got out.
Brooke took a deep breath. That awful phone call had broken her once, but she’d forced herself to recover. This was her new beginning. The beginning that had no space for Nathan or his new companion.
“Bee, I’m sorry for bringing that up,” Ryan said softly as they walked toward the entrance. “I won’t do it again.”
Brooke nodded in acknowledgment. She appreciated that. There was no need to reopen old wounds. Nathan had moved on easily and now, so would she.
To shift the topic, she asked, “I didn’t know you followed me on social media. When did that start?” She remembered seeing his comment under her latest post.
Ryan chuckled. “That was a long time ago. You were eighteen.”
Her mouth dropped slightly. “I-I didn’t realize. I used to forget we even knew each other that long.”
Ryan smiled. “That’s okay. You tend to forget everyone except Nathan.”
Brooke gave a small, polite smile and turned her gaze back to the hallway ahead.
When they reached Dr. Turner’s office, Brooke waited in the seating area while Ryan stepped inside. He needed to finalize his meeting with Doctor Turner.
“I’m glad to have you as one of our doctors in Emberwood, Dr. Turner,” Ryan said, shaking Jack’s hand.
Jack chuckled. “Your offer was too good to turn down.”
They both laughed lightly before Jack’s tone shifted. He turned toward the glass door. From which he could see Brooke seated in the waiting area, reading quietly.
“Also, you remember our deal, right?” Jack asked.
Ryan, gathering the signed documents into a file, followed his gaze. Seeing Brooke, he immediately understood.
“Yes, of course I remember,” Ryan replied firmly.
“Good,” Jack said, his voice low. “I took a risk trusting you, even knowing your connection with Nathan. Don’t make me regret it.”
Ryan nodded, his tone serious now. “I won’t. I promise.”