Doctor Lucky Charms: A Holiday Romance (Kilts and Kisses)
Page 29
“What about you?” Gavin asked. “You got someone special, Finn? Any kids?”
“Ah, none of that,” I said, waving my hand through the air. “Too much going on with getting settled in here for anything serious.”
The two men regarded one another with a knowing look.
“What’s all that, then?” I asked. “You boys know something I don’t?”
Gavin spoke up. “Just that you sound a lot like we did before we met our wives.”
“Before we met women who changed our minds,” Duncan corrected.
Another knowing glance between them. I shifted in my seat. “Well, that’s all well and good for you both. But I came to Denver to make my name as a doctor, not to get hitched.”
“Fair enough,” Duncan said. “And that reminds me of what I wanted to talk to you both about – something big.”
“What’s that?” Gavin asked as he cut into the perfectly cut steak that had been set in front of him.
“Either of you hear about Spritzfield Cola?”
The name sounded strangely familiar. “I read something about that in the paper this morning. It’s some big soda company in town that closed down, yeah?”
“Oh!” Gavin piped in, his eyes flashing in realization. “Shit, how the hell was I spacing on Spritzfield?”
Duncan nodded at me. “You’re right – local soda company. You didn’t grow up here, Finn, so you don’t know just how big of a fucking deal Spritzfield was.”
“Didn’t have much cola when I was growing up,” I said with a smile. “I’m Irish – we’re drinking what you lads call adult beverages from the age we can hold a bottle.”
Duncan and Gavin laughed.
“Anyway,” Duncan continued. “Spritzfield got bought out by some overseas company, shut down, and sold for parts. That’s thousands of people all up and down the production line without jobs.”
“And without medical care,” I said, understanding his angle. “I swear, you yanks and your health care system.”
“No kidding,” Duncan agreed. “But that’s a whole other thing. Main point is I was thinking of getting a few other doctors together, starting a charity clinic for those affected by the closure. I figure a few hours here, a few hours there, and we can do some major good for some families who could really use the help.”
“I’m game,” Gavin said. “It’d feel good to do a little pro-bono work.”
“I’m in,” I joined in. “Let me know when and where.”
They both seemed a little surprised by my quick response.
I was more than happy to volunteer. Working with Da never allowed me to pursue my passion outside the family practice. This was right up my alley, and I didn’t need to think twice.
“It’s still in the planning phases,” he said. “But I’ll keep you boys in the loop.” Duncan snatched one of the menus from off the bar. “For now, you guys gotta try the best tiramisu in the city.”
Dessert followed, along with more drinks. By the time the check came, I had a nice solid buzz going.
“I got this,” Duncan said, quickly swiping the check off the table.
“Now, boss,” I said, raising a finger. “You’re lucky the whiskey’s got my reflexes a little on the slow side. Otherwise, I’d be all over that.”
“Not a chance,” Duncan waved me off. “You’re new in town, and I’m treating. You’re going to have to…” Duncan’s head cocked to the side, as if something had taken him by surprise. He slipped his phone out of his pocket and checked the screen.
“Shoot,” he said. “Gotta run.”
“What’s up?” Gavin asked.
“Nothing big – Annie needs some stuff for dinner tomorrow. Need to run by the store.”
I nodded, thinking how much of a buzzkill it must be to have to run errands instead of hanging out with your friends. But I was smart enough to keep my opinion to myself. He rose, taking his topcoat from the chair.
“You boys finish your whiskeys,” he said. “See you both tomorrow.” With a smile and nod, he was gone.
I couldn’t help but ask, “Isn’t it a bit of a bummer to get called away for chores when you’re out?” I gestured to Gavin with the hand that held my glass.
“Not really. Marriage is different.” Gavin shrugged. “And then when you add fatherhood on top of it…it’s a whole new world.” He gave me an appraising once-over. “You’re about my age, right?”
“Thirty-seven, yeah.”
“Now’s the perfect time. Running around chasing girls…that’s fun when you’re a kid. But man, it wears thin. You want something more meaningful, you know?”
The idea of having children just wasn’t in my cards.
Maybe it was the struggle I’d had with my own father.
I’d hate to have that kind of relationship with my own offspring.
“Maybe for you,” I said. “But me, I’m plenty happy living on my own.” I swept my hand toward the city beyond the windows. “And on top of it, I’ve got a new city to conquer.”
He grinned, as if totally understanding. “I get it. Just don’t be surprised with what life throws at you.” Gavin jerked his hand forward, checking his watch. “Shit, ‘bout time for me to get home to the fam.” He got up and threw back the rest of his drink. “Good to meet you, Finn.”
“Oh, likewise.” I rose and we shook. “Looking forward to working with you.”
“Same to you.”
One more nod and he was gone, and I was alone.
I sat back down and ordered one more drink.
I’d meant what I’d said – that was for certain. But there was something nagging at me as I sipped.
I didn’t want to go home to that big, empty condo by myself.
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