“You’ll have to wait and see.”
Chapter 6
Abby
“That was the best bacon cheeseburger I’ve ever had. When you told me to trust you, I thought you were going to order something crazy.”
“I wasn’t sure if you were the type to order a salad, and I really wanted you to try the burger because it is the best.”
Scrunching my nose, I shake my head. “I’m addicted to all things greasy, fatty, and loaded with way too much sugar.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
Just then the bell on the front door chimes and a group of people walk in. They wave at Drake as they take their seats on the opposite side of the room.
“Is it okay that we’re here together?” I ask, leaning toward the table.
“Of course. That’s Janice Ditmer, her oldest son, Jack, and his wife, Carly. Trust me, they don’t care who I’m here with—not that it’s any of their business.”
“I know, but I don’t want you to get in trouble for being here with me. What if someone from the hospital sees us here together?”
“We’re not doing anything wrong, Abigail. We’re having dinner.”
“If you’re sure.”
“I’m positive. Now, what should we have for dessert?”
My eyes widen. “How can you possibly be hungry for dessert?”
“How can you not?” he admonishes.
I snag the dessert menu from the table and open it up as the bell chimes again. This time an older couple walks in, and when the husband sees Drake, he shuffles his way toward us.
“How ya doin’, Dr. Merritt?”
Drake stands and greets the man and his wife with a warm smile. “I’m well, thank you for asking. How are you doing?”
“A lot better now that those damn hemorrhoids are gone. You perform the best damn hemorrhoidectomy this side of the mountains.” The old man chuckles, his round belly bouncing.
I nearly spew my drink across the table. I’m a nurse, so I get talking about gross stuff, even while I eat, but why on Earth would a patient want to talk about hemorrhoids in the middle of a restaurant?
Drake is unfazed. “Good to hear.”
“Now I just need to get the damn bunions taken care of, and I’ll be a new man.”
“You know how to find me.”
“That I do.” The gentleman notices me for the first time and smiles. “Who’s this beautiful woman?”
“This is my friend, Abigail. You remember Dr. Malone—Dr. Hull now—don’t you?”
The old man looks a little confused, but his wife smiles brightly. “Yes, I know Hannah. She’s my gynecologist. In fact, I just saw her last week for a raging yeast infection.”
That makes Drake flinch. “Well, hopefully she got that all fixed up for you. Anyway, Abigail is her cousin.”
“It’s so nice to meet you, dear,” the woman says. “If you see Hannah, tell her Gwen’s itch is gone. She’ll know exactly who you’re talking about.”
Oh boy. I smile and nod, and the woman turns to her husband. “We should probably order. It’s getting late.”