“It’s just that I’m worried about Grace and Brad.”
“Are they still on the outs with each other? Are you worried because they’re both in the wedding?”
“Sort of. See, I never told you about the doctor that works with Brad and Josh. Her name is Kara Dickson, and she’s a real piece of work. She actually intercep
ted Grace’s flowers and card a couple months ago at the hospital. Grace was trying to make up with Brad the first week after she broke up with him. And Dr. Dickson is the reason they didn’t get back together. She lied to Grace and gave her a fake name and everything. And she threw herself all over Brad at the Yankees game, and we all saw it on TV.”
Anne gasped. “And Grace saw it?”
“She did. It was awful.”
Steven’s brows drew together over his sharp blue eyes. “So now Brad is dating this woman?”
“No, he’s not. At least I’m pretty sure he’s not. But she just seems so... so unethical to me. And she really seemed to have her sights set on Brad. I’m worried she’s going to do something else to keep them from getting back together.”
Anne cocked her head. “Why are you suddenly bothered about this? Did something happen?”
“It’s just a feeling. Sunday night, Brad’s brother was there, and he talked to Grace for a long time. I feel like they’re so close to getting back together. And I’m just afraid Dr. Dickson is going to jump in and spoil everything. But really, I don’t have anything to go on, and maybe Brad wouldn’t be fooled again.”
“Dr. Dickson... Are you talking about Kara Dickson who works in the ER with Brad and Josh?” asked Steven, his jaw muscles flexing in a slow rhythm.
“Yes, her first name is Kara. I think maybe she’s still a resident. Like she’s a year behind them? I’m not sure how all that works.”
Steven squinted as his breath whistled through his lips. “I know who she is. I’m surprised Josh hasn’t gotten rid of her if she’s that unethical.”
Emily chuckled. “I guess you can’t kick someone out of the residency program for intercepting another girl’s flowers. It’s not like she did anything illegal, but she seems so underhanded to me. The good news is Josh seems to be totally on to her.”
“I don’t suppose Charlie would be impressed to hear that about Josh?” asked Anne. “Maybe if you mentioned it to her, she’d be more willing to give him a chance.”
Emily let her cheeks balloon out with air before she blew it out. “Mom, you know how Charlie is. She’s so stubborn—she’s convinced Josh is only interested in her because she’s the first girl to turn him down.”
“Is she right? Is she the first girl to turn him down?”
“Probably.” Emily suppressed a laugh. “But I think he really cares about her. I feel sorry for him because she’ll probably never give him a chance.”
“So back to Kara Dickson,” Gherring interrupted. “What is Josh doing about her? He’s the attending—he ought to have some power.”
Emily shrugged. “I don’t think there’s much he can do since she hasn’t broken any laws or rules.”
Steven’s eyes glinted hard as steel. “She’s already demonstrated a distinct lack of scruples. I’m certain a little digging below the surface would unearth other unethical actions. Even if she finishes the residency, she’s not the type of doctor we want working at Mercy General.”
“I shouldn’t have said anything in front of you—I forgot you’re on the board at the hospital.” Emily paused with her fork suspended in the air. “But if she does anything else to interfere between Brad and Grace, I’m going to... to pull her hair out!” She stabbed a meatball with savage force.
Steven lifted his brows as he chuckled, “Girls fight so dirty.”
*****
Monday afternoon Ben found himself in a standoff with Brad and Josh. He had put it off as long as possible, and he still hadn’t come up with a fail-proof plan to convince Brad he should leave New York and explain why Grace would be happy to go with him. He’d simply have to go with his instincts and wing it if his brother didn’t respond as predicted.
“I’m waiting. Tell me what she said.” Brad paced in front of the couch where Ben was lounging. Josh, insisting he deserved to know as well, was sitting on the other end of the couch.
“I can’t tell you exactly what she said, but...” Ben racked his brain. What could he say? He’d had the whole day to come up with a story, and so far he’d drawn a blank.
“But what? Does she like me? Does she hate me? Is there another guy? Is there any hope at all?”
“She’s... Uhmm, she’s afraid...” He felt perspiration beading on his forehead. He had to think fast. What could he say?
Brad stopped, swirling to face Ben with a look of alarm. “Afraid of what? Or is it a who? Is she afraid of me?”