Page 19 of My Best Years
“Why?” Cal prods. “Do you not like Josie? Has she said something mean to you? Because if she has, I’m done with her, Birdie. I’m not kidding.”
His tone lowers like he’s furious at the mere thought of Josie confronting me. Callum has always been overly protective of me.
“No, Callum,” I assure him. “Josie has been nothing but nice to me. But when she’s with you, I’m sure she doesn't want another girl hanging around. You’re her boyfriend, Cal. What you have with her is different from your relationship with me.”
He nods his head like he’s agreeing with me, and even though it shouldn't hurt, it feels like a knife to my chest.
“You’re right,” he finally says. “What I have with youiscompletely different. Because my friendship with you is more important to me.Youwill always be the most important, Birdie. Always.”
My breath hitches as my heart skips a few beats. I was notexpecting that response. The little creatures in my belly are going crazy, spinning and flipping out of control.
“But she’s your girlfriend…” I breathe.
He completely takes my breath away when he lifts his hands to my face and cups my cheeks between his long fingers. His eyes dart between mine as he cradles my cheeks like I’m a rare treasure.
“But you’remyBirdie,” he states. “Mybest friend.Myperson. And that will never change. Okay?”
Oh, Lord.I need a pulse check.
I slowly nod, wondering if he can feel my blood heating beneathhis fingers.
“Yeah?” he asks again.
“Yeah,” I reply, my voice barely a whisper.
I’m not sure how I don’t pass out when he lowers his head and places a tender kiss to my forehead. When he pulls away, he steps back and drops his hands from my cheeks. My skin immediately feels cold when he releases me, yearning for the warmth of his touch.
“Are we good, Birdie?” A soft, charming smile curves his lips.
“We’re good,” I nod. “Always.”
And I mean every word. We have to be okay. Because I don’t know how I would survive in a world without Callum Pierce.
NINE
Birdie
Present Day
“We’ll see you tomorrow, Birdie,” Andy, one of the hospital security guards, says as I walk past him and head for the exit.
“See you tomorrow, Andy,” I smile back. “Have a good evening.”
He nods and gives me a friendly wave.
This is the hardest part about being a contract employee. It’s fun to experience living in new cities, but I quickly get attached to the people I meet. People like Andy. It’s only my third shift at Gulf Shores Memorial Hospital, and I can already tell that Andy is looking out for me.
He reminds me of my dad in so many ways. His eyes crinkle in the corners when he smiles, the creases across his face telling stories of wisdom and knowledge.
I’ve learned countless life lessons during my career as a travel nurse. But the biggest one is that you can find wonderful people everywhere you go. People who are truly good down totheir core. Each time I leave a new city, it gets harder and harder to say goodbye to my friends and co-workers.
But the thought of being away from home for too long scares me. Because home is the place that reminds me ofhim.
I feel a sense of peace when I return to South Carolina after a lengthy contract. But I know it’s time to hit the road again when I find myself staring at walls and wondering if the ache will ever go away.
That’s why I chose this career. It’s a short-term fix for my shattered heart. It helps to mask my pain, at least until I’m home again in Myrtle Beach.
The screech of the automatic doors catches my attention as I walk out into the warm night air. I have never been more excited to get home and take a shower in my entire life. Today's ten-hour shift felt like an eternity. My navy scrubs have a big stain down the front from the coffee I spilled this morning, and my hair is pulled back in a tangled ponytail.