Dancing in the Florida Sun (Completed)

28- FS Proposal

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     "I can do this...I can do this," Brooke whispered to herself as she drove to Arnold Palmer Children's Hospital.

     It wouldn't be the first time she saw Jacob in person since Sunday. He was at Nan's Tuesday, and they all ended up having dinner together. That had been rough. Throughout the night he kept asking if she was okay. How do you answer that when he's the problem? After dinner they were washing the dishes together, and when she wouldn't talk, he grabbed her hand. The feelings from that night came rushing back. The electricity she felt when he began caressing her palm as he stared into her eyes, while the walls she tried to push back up, broke down, leaving her exposed so that she nearly told him everything. It was obvious he cared, but the thought of being just friends made her feel sick. Even more,though, the thought of not even being that would destroy her.

~~~

     Keith met her in the parking lot, and led her through the added security. When they entered the lobby, there was already a crowd gathered around the band members. They were talking to some of the more mobile children and their parents, with the press standing back taking notes and pictures. Jacob's eyes soon found Brooke's and his face lit up. A couple of the reporters noticed and turned to see what he was looking at, causing Brooke to hide behind a mom and son, in an attempt to try and blend in to avoid their interest.

     Moments later, Keith appeared by her side to inform Brooke that according to Jacob, in a few moments they would be going up and visiting individual patients in their rooms. At that time, only one reporter and photographer would be allowed to follow each band member. Jacob requested that Brooke accompany him, and promised to make sure that the press following him was informed not to include Noah or her in any pictures or write ups. He suggested that while they were in the lobby she remain in the background, for their privacy. It made sense, and Brooke sent word back to Jacob that she would follow his advice, although she wondered if he just didn't want people to think they were together. Her mind floated back to what Elise had told her about Mari.

     As Brooke scanned the room she recognized Laura, Dr. Gupta's assistant, who had given her a tour of the hospital last time she was there. "Laura!" She waved and made her way through the crowd. "Laura, nice to see you again."

     "You're a fan of these guys too?" Laura couldn't keep the grin off her face as she gestured to where the band was hanging out with children.

     "I'm actually good friends with Jacob...Jake," she tried to remember that's what everyone else knew him as, "he recently introduced me to the rest of the band when they got back from Europe."

     "That's so cool! I can't believe Tyler didn't say anything to me about it."

     Brooke's eyebrows shot up at. "What do you mean?"

     "Last week, when we were going over the details for his rotation here, I mentioned that Nine Days In was coming to the hospital this week and I couldn't wait, since I'm such a fan. I would think he would have mentioned you being good friends with their lead singer."

     "Oh. Tyler  and I aren't talking, and haven't since about a week after he was down for his visit here."

     "What?" A look of confusion spread over Laura's face. "I've talked to him about you several times and he's acted like everything's is fine. Just this last week, he even went on about ideas he had for proposing to you. I don't understand."

     Brooke's face darkened and she tried to keep her emotions in check. "We're not together anymore."

    "He must still think he has a chance."