Hope spreads through my chest like a wildfire.
Could this be our ‘another lifetime’?
As we sit around the desk and the three doctors discuss Marcus, I admit that I’m out of my league. They might as well be talking Greek.
“I haven’t had a chance to look at Mr. Reed’s file. Where are the fragments embedded?” Leigh asks.
Dr. Barnard hands her a file as he says, “In the left ventricle.”
I catch the corner of Leigh’s mouth twitching as if she’s trying to suppress a smile. It makes me look closer at her facial expressions while I’m leaning forward in my chair so I don’t miss anything.
There’s no worry on her face. She’s relaxed. She looks at the documents and holds up one of the X-rays.
“Is this the latest CSR?”
“Yes,” Dr. Barnard answers.
“Dr. Baxter.” I’ve forgotten about Dr. Bokeria. “Do you still need my assistance? I have to prep for a surgery.”
“My apologies, Doctor. I’ll call you once I’ve assessed everything.”
“Good. Please give my regards to your father.”
Leigh rises from the chair, still looking at the X-ray.
“Dr. Barnard, would you mind if I consult with my senior?”
“Not at all.”
“Which room is the patient in?”
She gathers all the papers and places them neatly back in the file.
“Room 413. Let me go with you.”
I glance at Carter, wishing he would say something. He shakes his head as he rises from his chair as well. He holds me back as they walk out of the office.
“Now is not the time to ask questions. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from my father’s heart problems, it’s that you never interfere when doctors are talking. Let them figure this out.”
“Did you see her face? She looked calm, right?”
Carter’s eyes lock on mine. “She’s direct, Jax. She would’ve told us already if there was nothing she could do for Marcus. I trust her. She’s going to save him.”
I believe him. Not because he’s one of my best friends, but because it’s Leigh we’re talking about.
I chuckle cynically as I say, “The life of the person who means the most to me lies in the palm of the girl I screwed.”
“If I were you, I’d apologize before she gets her hands on his heart.” Carter shakes his head. “Now you u
nderstand why I said she’s off limits.”
When we walk into Marcus’ room, Leigh is busy writing something in the file.
“Can you let me know as soon as the results come back for these tests?”
“Certainly,” Dr. Barnard answers. “I take it you will be staying for a couple of days?”
They walk out together, and it stings that she didn’t even look at me.