Matt's eyebrows shot up. “The one you hooked up with on the terrace, the unfinished business woman?”
“Yes.” I sipped my new scotch and pointed to him. “Precisely her.”
“Oh shit, man.” Matt shook his head while Reuben and Carl looked at me with interest. “You know if you go down this road—” Matt's voice started in.
“I’ve got this under control,” I interrupted.
“You're sure it’s handled?” Carl asked, and Reuben joined in on the advice session. “You’re going to fuck yourself over bad if you take the man as a patient, and you still have the hots for the girl. We know how much you value your patients, but this is déjà vu, and you know it.”
Of course, I do. Sarah's red screaming face flashed before my eyes.
“It’s different. She doesn’t really care. She's focused on her dad's health coming back, not her dad’s cardiologist.”
“I know you're not that fucking dumb.” Matt laughed while the others sat back and looked at me with humor in their eyes.
I rubbed my forehead. “I can’t think right now.”
The three at the table looked at one another and chuckled before Carl spoke. “He's got it bad, hasn't he?"
A chorus of conceding hmms, followed by nods of agreement.
“You guys really think I've got it bad because you believe she and I are remotely interested in each other? We can just focus on caring for her father and leave it at that.”
"Ah," Matt laughed. “You believe this could be a normal situation, and yet you can't gather your thoughts enough to get over your one night of failed romance with her. I see. You’ve really got this all covered, man.”
“I'd honestly pay to see how it would turn out,” Reuben added with a grin.
“You three are the ones to talk,” I grumbled, grabbed the bottle and poured myself another glass of drink. “When was the last time you were able to exercise any restraint when a chick caught your eye?”
“Well, we’re not here to talk about us, and your story is a lot more interesting. Care to share her name?” Reuben gulped his bourbon.
“Ella Smith. Beautiful name, don't you think?”
The three laughed again.
“Fuck, I don’t know...Can't I find a woman's name beautiful anymore? That’s all there is to it. And you guys can go fuck yourselves. I truly believe both our priorities are her father right now.”
“We'll see, won't we?” Matt smirked, then arched an eyebrow at me. “I guess you’ll be learning a lot more about the woman you told me you dreamed about making love with for weeks when you even haven't slept with her in real life,” Matt finished with a laugh.
“This should be good,” Carl said as he shook his head at me.
“This is going to be fantastic. How long do you think you’ll go before you invite her into your bed?” Reuben questioned.
“That’s none of your business,” I snapped.
Matt chuckled. “Well, you're right. I bet both of you will be dating by the time the next party comes around.”
It was a wonder how Matt had yet to lose all his money to gambling with such an obsession with bets.
“What party are you talking about?”
“Uhh, the one we’ll have after you both pack home multiple honors at the medical awards again this year?” Carl answered. “It’ll be held at your beach house this year. How did you forget that?”
“Fuck me,” I answered. “I swear I’m not up for it.”
“Well, I am,” Matt interjected. “It’s excellent PR for a place like Coldport. Maybe our influence will bring in a few more investments into town.”
“You're right,” I agreed. “The town could use some more serious businessmen.”