“It’s just Dr. Ryder at my front door.”
“I’m sure you two have much to work out.”
Maybe, but not now. I just can’t talk about it now. “I love you, Dad. See you tonight.”
“I’ll text you my flight information.”
More insistent knocks. “Paris, let me in.”
Time to face the end.
Chapter Twelve
Dustin pounded on the door again, feeling the frustration exploding inside him. “Paris, you know this had to be a shock to me. And once again, I didn’t say anything right.”
Paris opened the door. “I just can’t talk about this right now, Dustin. I have too many things spinning in my head.”
“Please let me help.”
“No, Dustin.” Her eyes were red, clearly from crying. “I just need to be alone.”
“Okay, sweetheart. I’ll go. But please call me. Again, I’m sorry for screwing things up.”
“You did nothing wrong. I’m the one who didn’t tell you about being a doctor.”
He wanted to touch her, to tell her everything was going to be okay. But how could he when he wasn’t sure himself? Instead, he just stood there like an idiot staring at the woman of his dreams.
“Good-bye, Dustin.” She shut the door.
He sensed there was much more to her secretly getting her medical degree and casting it aside than her just wanting to be a nurse. What it could be he couldn’t quite put his finger on yet. But if he pushed again, he knew the door would close and the love of his life would be lost to him forever.
He walked to his car. He couldn’t risk screwing up everything worse than it was already. He needed advice more than ever before. The first person he thought to call was Dr. Cot
trell, his mentor, but he was also Paris’s father. That wouldn’t be fair to either of them. They were both biased when it came to Paris. So, he brought out his phone and called someone he trusted deeply.
“Sam, this is Dustin.”
“Hey, Doc. Katy just came in and brought Ethel her breakfast. You better get here fast. My girl is ready for you to release her ASAP.”
“I’m headed back to the clinic now. Before I release Ethel, would you mind talking with me in my office?”
“She’s okay, isn’t she? Nothing came up on any other tests.”
“Ethel is fine, Sam. It’s me. I’m the one who needs your help. I know you were up all night, but if you could spare me a few minutes I would greatly appreciate it.”
“Of course, Doc. Of course. But might I suggest you come to Ethel’s room, make sure you’re ready to release her. If you are, Patrick can take her home. That way you and I can talk for as long as we need to.”
“Thanks, Sam.”
“Whatever you need, son, I’m here for you.”
“I’ll be there in five minutes.” He clicked off the phone, hoping Sam would have the answers he so desperately needed.
* * * *
Paris gazed out her front window as Dustin drove away. Her heart was being ripped apart. Her dad had asked her the same question that Dustin had. “What are you afraid of?”
They are both right. I am afraid.