9. Suzie
Suzie
“R umor has it that you’ve been spotted around town with one Gavin Ross.” My brother Drew smiled at me from across the small table at Cowboy Café, a knowing gleam in his eyes.
I rolled my own eyes and let out a huff of laughter meant to hide the truth. “Rumor has it? I guess you’re settling back into Jackson’s Ridge better than you thought if you’re already listening to and reporting on the gossip. What’s next, you’ll be itching to be the first with the news?”
His dark brows dipped into a scowl and his blue eyes darkened, but his lips curled up in a smile. “You wish. All I’m saying is the hospital is buzzing with the news that you and Gavin are a thing .”
Were we a thing? “He helped me when I twisted my ankle outside of his place and I helped him and his grandfather after his surgery. That’s all.”
“Hmm.” Drew stabbed at his steak like an animal, shoveling a big hunk in his mouth after a mountain of mashed potatoes had just gone in. “I’m just saying, you used to love him so much.”
I frowned and held my hand up to block his open mouth. “Gross, Drew. You’re a grownup now, a surgeon. Act like it, please.” The truth was, I had missed having my baby brother around, and now that he was back, I enjoyed these monthly dinners and his childish antics. “And I still do love him.”
Drew’s gaze perked up, a gleam entered his big blue eyes.
“As a musician.” I laughed when his shoulders fell in disappointment. “The older ladies must love having a handsome man to share the gossip with.”
His smile widened. “They do love to call me man candy. It’s strange because some of them are older than Nana, but it’s nice to be appreciated.”
“Plenty of women appreciate your looks.” And they would love to share a meal or his bed, a fact he well knew judging by the frown on his face.
“I’m not ready,” he growled angrily.
“I know you say you’re not ready, but it’s been three years and she wouldn’t want you to be alone.” Drew hadn’t dated or attempted to date since he lost his wife in a freak avalanche on a ski trip he couldn’t make because he’d been stuck in surgery.
“Yeah, well, Sarah isn’t here, so she doesn’t get a say in the matter.” He stabbed at the food on his plate as if it were the avalanche. I knew bringing her up would lead here, but I loved Drew and only wanted him to start living his life again. “I’ll date when I’m ready. What’s your excuse?”
I shrugged, trying for a small smile. “Not enough options, I suppose. Besides all that, running a hospital the size of JRMC is time-consuming, and no man wants to compete with that.” At least, not in my experience.
“That’s just an excuse, Suze.”
“It’s not. Trust me.” More than one almost -relationship had failed because I didn’t have enough time in a day to coddle a grown man. A few lost interest early on, some strayed in my absence, and the ones I appreciated most were the honest ones, who flat out said they felt neglected. They moved on to less ambitious women and I wished them well. “But we were talking about you. Maybe dip your toe in the water with one of your gossip buddies?”
“The youngest is sixty-six, Suze!”
“And? Cougars are in these days, or haven’t you heard?”
“Suzie, stop. Please.” Drew held up his hands and cupped them over his ears. “If you don’t stop, I’ll go pump Gavin’s grandfather for information. I hear he’s quite the talker.”
“He is,” I sighed. “But there’s nothing for him to talk about, so go right ahead.” Gavin’s granddaddy was a character in his own right and the man wasn’t shy about, well, anything. “If anything, he’ll give you a few pointers on pleasing the ladies.”
Drew groaned and rolled his eyes. “What’s with this town and getting people coupled up? And why am I a target instead of you? You’re the one who has to worry about depleting eggs.”
My eyes widened at his words. “Seriously? I cannot believe you just said that to me!” Even though it was a real problem that became more of a concern with each passing year.
Drew shrugged. “It’s the truth. I’ll be able to make babies for decades, but you need to hurry up and find love so you can pop out a few little ones.”
I hated that he was right. As an adopted child, I wanted nothing more than a child of my own, something I didn’t share with anyone. “I could always adopt.”
“And I’m sure you will, but I know you, Suze. You want to experience being pregnant and childbirth, the whole thing.”
My shoulders fell because he was right about that. “Well, that’s starting to feel like a pipedream, Drew.” I hadn’t had a date in more than a year. “Anyway. I have some news.”
“You’re seeing Gavin Ross?”
I clenched my jaw, reaching for patience. “No, I hired a cardio fellow for your program.”
“What?” His voice boomed and drew attention, which I knew he wouldn’t like. A moment later he looked around, cheeks flushed. Drew leaned forward, anger tightening his voice. “Without asking me?”
“You mean, beyond the email I sent two months ago? The one you either ignored or simply disregarded?” I shook my head. Give Drew a scalpel and he was the master of focus and attention. Outside the operating room, he was less focused. “Time was of the essence if we wanted the most qualified fellow, and I did. It’s good for JRMC.”
“If this fellow isn’t qualified for the job, don’t expect me to keep them on staff.”
“Of course.”
“Okay, then.” His shoulders relaxed a little as he finished off his steak and then the jumbo shrimp. “You really should put yourself out there more, Suzie.”
“I know that, Drew. This might come as a surprise to you, but men aren’t lining up to date a bossy woman in frumpy clothes and colorful glasses.”
“Bullshit. You’re the only one who sees you that way. Gavin obviously doesn’t.”
No, he didn’t. But that was just a one-time thing. A temporary distraction. “I’m glad you’re back, Drew. I’ve missed you.”
“Missed you, too, Suze.”