I'm sitting at my desk, sorting out paperwork, when Noah comes up to me, casually asking about my Thanksgiving plans. I lean back in my chair, running a hand through my hair while I think for a moment.
"Uhh... not much, honestly. Probably just gonna order takeout or something, watch some TV, nothing crazy. Why, what about you?"
"Mom told me to tell you she's hosting a thanksgiving dinner, and she wants us there, she invited everyone in town, Hailey's family included. One thing though, if you want to go we need to book plane tickets today."
"Plane tickets? Wait... are you serious? We're flying out? That's... that's a big trip just for Thanksgiving dinner."
"Yeah, I can pay if you want."
"No, no, you don't have to do that. I can manage my own tickets. Just... are you sure she's okay with having me there?"
"That's our mother, she invited the whole town. Including Hailey's family, I checked with Hailey, she doesn't wanna go, but Archer already got plane ticket for her."
"I mean, it sounds great, and I'm honoured she invited me... I'm just not sure if I can afford the tickets on such short notice." He stays silent.
"Alright then... you, me, Archer, and Hailey. Flying together for Thanksgiving."
"yeah."
"I just... I haven't thought about Willow Creek in so long. It just feels like returning there is going to be... weird. Seeing how much has changed."
"You're going?"
"Yes, I'm going. We just spent the last ten minutes discussing how I'm going to Willow creek for Thanksgiving. Keep up, man."
"yeah sorry."
"It's all good, man. I know you're not the most attentive person. I'd probably lose my head if it wasn't attached."
"Alright where's your girl? Being the best surgeon she is?"
"She's probably in the middle of a complicated surgery, I won't see her until her shift is over."
"I love you guys together."
"Yeah... I love us together too. She makes me happier than I've ever been."
"I feel like I'll end up like mom and dad, divorced."
"Hey, man... don't talk like that. You're a great guy, you've just... been focused on your career so far. You're still young, you have plenty of time to find someone special. Who knows, maybe she's right around the corner."
"I'm older than you, seems like you got yours."
"Yeah, yeah, you're older by a few months, that's hardly significant. And age isn't everything when it comes to finding someone. It happens differently for everyone, you know that. Just... stop stressing about it, okay? You'll find your person when the time is right."
"Yeah I guess." I stand up from my seat and move over to where Noah is, clapping my hand on his shoulder in a reassuring gesture.
"Hey, listen... you've got a lot going for you. You're smart, you've got a good job, and you're pretty damn charming when you want to be. Women would be lining up if you weren't so damn single-minded about your work." I ruffle his hair playfully, a grin on my face. "And stop worrying so much. I know you're scared of ending up like Mom and Dad, but just because they didn't work out doesn't mean you won't have a happy ending. Life's not that predictable, man."
"I'll pay for your plane ticket."
"What? No, man, you don't have to do that. I can afford my own ticket."
YOU ARE READING
Healing Hearts (Book 3 Series 2)
Romantiktwo medical professionals whose paths converge once again, offering them a second chance at love amidst the pressures of their demanding careers. Meet Dr. Hailey , a skilled surgeon renowned for her expertise and dedication to her patients. With a...
