Clementine Read online

“Addison Caldwell, spill it,” her mom joked.

  Chapter 2

  Saturday afternoon Addison found herself completely sick of studying for her upcoming chemistry test. There were only so many times she could go over her notes and she still had all day tomorrow to prepare for her class on Monday morning. She put away all of her school things and decided to spend the rest of the day relaxing until she had to start getting ready for the fundraiser.

  The warm weather in Texas during mid-September meant a short dress was almost mandatory for an outdoor party, so she took a long bubble bath slowly exfoliating her legs and arms. She relaxed back into the tub, enjoying her moment of indulgent solitude. After she climbed out and wrapped herself in a fluffy robe, she took great care in using the expensive moisturizer her mother sent that gave her skin a fresh glow. I guess this is as good an occasion as any, she thought, not usually wanting to waste the floral scented lotion.

  Having pulled her hair up into ponytails all week for work, she took the time to curl her long blonde hair into smooth waves that fell artfully down her back. She chose a simple dark blue dress from her closet, appreciating the scoop neck and the way the cap sleeves accentuated her thinly toned arms. The dress cut off a few inches above the knee and she hoped the thin material would help her stay cool during the party. A bit of her favorite bronzer and a few swipes of mascara aided in bringing out her pale green eyes and delicate features. She paused a moment, taking in the way the dress hugged her thin, hourglass figure. She usually had no choice but to hide her figure in scrubs all day, so it felt special to finally have an occasion to wear one of her favorite dresses.

  Addison walked up to the hospital doors to find Alicia waiting for her out front. She wasn’t sure where the fundraiser was being held within the large building but at least now they could wander around together.

  “Dr. Fischer just called and said we should meet him at the hospital’s garden... I guess they decided that 90 degrees is the perfect temperature for an outdoor party,” Alicia spoke sarcastically as she led Addison through the front entrance of the building.

  “Seriously… At least we’ll get cool drink once we’re there,” Addison reassured her, internally thanking herself for wearing such a light dress.

  She took in her surroundings as they walked. She’d applied to be a volunteer at Hyde Park Hospital a few weeks ago and was scheduled to begin next Wednesday. She’d missed the volunteers’ orientation because of work, so she hoped to at least learn some parts of the hospital layout while they looked for the fundraiser.

  She silently noted the cafeteria sign, where she would go for her free meal after she began her shift on Wednesday. Guess volunteering does have a few perks, she thought to herself while hurrying to catch up with Alicia who had walked a short distance ahead. She tried to memorize as much of hospital’s layout as she went.

  “Oh, I think this is it, Addison,” Alicia spoke as they stumbled upon two glass doors. They led out into the garden where the fundraiser was already in full swing. The garden was much bigger than Addison had imagined. It was shaped like a large circle with flowers planted around the perimeter and the entire layout seemed to have been designed around maintaining the old grouping of oak trees at its center. They were huge and must have been at least a couple years old. She looked up and examined the hundreds of twinkling lights that hung from the majestic trees, illuminating the party as the Texas sun began its descent.

  White tents canopied sections of the party, dividing bars from food tables. The whole fundraiser looked perfectly refined, and she felt a bit out of place as her eyes swept over the distinguished looking guests mingling everywhere she looked. Waiters walked around refilling glasses, ensuring that the expected donors were well taken care of. Don’t look at me, I’m not one of them.

  “We should find Dr. Fischer, I’m not sure who else we would know here,” Addison said, accepting a glass of white wine from a passing waiter.

  “Oh, thank you.” She smiled as he moved onto other guests.

  “I agree. I think I see him over there, speaking with those two people near the oak trees,” Alicia said, directing Addison. “And what a shocker, it looks like one of them might be younger than 80. Lucky us!”

  Addison shook her head, laughing at her friend’s sarcasm as she finally spotted Dr. Fischer’s group. Her boss was speaking with an older woman in a dark red pantsuit whom Addison didn’t recognize, as well as a younger man. He’s definitely not 80. He was facing away from her but Addison still noted his tall frame and the way his shoulders filled out his gun-metal grey shirt. He wore his tailored black dress pants with ease, as if they’d been made just for him.

  Dr. Fischer saw the two women approach and a warm smile spread across his face. He paused his conversation and stepped forward in introduction. Addison took in his dark navy suit and graying hair. Somehow, in unison, the young man whose back had been to Addison turned, his eyes following Dr. Fischer’s outreached hand. The entire fundraiser paused in Addison’s mind as the man’s gaze finally landed on her. Instantly Addison felt her face blush, her body recognizing the figure whose intense brown eyes were locked with hers.

  “Oh, uh, hi Dr. Fischer...” Addison spoke, reluctantly looking toward her boss. What could the Stranger possibly be doing here talking to Dr. Fischer?

  “I’m so glad you guys could make it. It’s nice seeing you both outside of the office,” Dr. Fischer spoke happily. Addison was trying her best to focus on her boss and not the warmth she felt at being so close to a man that had been a constant fixture in her thoughts the past two days. She could feel his gaze on her as he took in her slim fitting dark blue dress. She instinctively adjusted it so that it lay an inch lower on her thighs.

  “Oh let me introduce you,” he spoke, indicating to the older woman on his left. “This is Dr. Trudy Hill. She’s been a friend and fellow OB/GYN in the Austin area for years. She likes to think she’s been in practice as long as I have.”

  The group laughed politely and Addison chanced a glance toward the stranger before stepping forward and shaking Dr. Hill’s hand. He gazed back at her with smoldering eyes.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Dr. Hill,” Addison spoke, having to concentrate harder than usual to perform a simple handshake with the stranger’s presence so near.

  “And this is Dr. Holden Taylor. You might have heard me mention him a time or two,” Dr. Fischer continued, just as an older gentleman who’d walked up to the group, tapped him on the shoulder, politely interrupting his introduction. Addison barely noticed anything after Dr. Fischer had given the stranger a name... Dr. Taylor it is.

  “I’m sorry; Dr. Hill and I will have to be right back. It seems the residency gang can’t wait for me to join them before they start reminiscing about the old days,” Dr. Fischer finished as he and Dr. Hill politely stepped away, joining the rest of their colleagues.

  “Nice to meet you, I’m Alicia. I work with Dr. Fischer,” her friend spoke without missing a beat. Dr. Taylor shook her hand genteelly before turning his attention to Addison.

  “And you are?” he asked, extending a confident hand.

  “Addison...” she murmured. Just Addison. I literally was able to manage one word. Great, now I should just hold up fingers to show him how many I am...

  Dr. Taylor nodded his head, a bemused smile across his face. He held his hand out to shake hers, just as he had Alicia’s. He’s literally just shaking my hand. This is neither a date nor even a real conversation yet. You can stop jumping through my chest now, heart. Addison’s senses were temporarily bombarded with the touch of Dr. Taylor’s hand. His handshake was assertive yet gentle, and she felt as if it were just the two of them standing alone in the garden under the lit oak trees. Am I sure this isn’t a date? Dr. Taylor pulled his hand away, ending the handshake and leaving Addison holding onto the 90 degree air which now seemed cold in comparison to Dr. Taylor’s touch.

  “I think I may have seen you at Jo’s Coffee Shop the other day, studying with Stac
y?” he asked.

  Her heart sunk at the memory of their awkward encounter. Surely he didn’t notice me checking him out? I wonder if he remembers me from anywhere other than the coffee shop?

  “Oh? Maybe. I don’t really remember seeing you, but I was studying with Stacy,” Addison spoke awkwardly. “I don’t really remember?” he saw me gawking at him and now he knows I’m trying to lie about it.

  “Ah, I see,” he responded, a bit of mischief in his eyes as if he knew what she was thinking, “I work with her at the hospital. I didn’t realize she was back in school.”

  Addison thought back to Stacy’s excitement after running into Dr. Taylor at the coffee shop. She wondered how many other women in the hospital pined for Holden’s attention and whether he returned any of their advances. Surely a man like him would have a girlfriend, or at least fifty girls pining for the spot.

  “Mhmm, she’s a great study partner,” Addison shrugged, taking a sip of her wine and scanning the party. Am I being cool and aloof or just rude?

  “So you two both work at Dr. Fischer’s office?” Dr. Taylor asked looking from Addison to Alicia.

  “Yeah, I’ve been there for about five years now. I sort of help with administrative things mainly,” Alicia replied before playfully bumping Addison with her elbow. “Addison, you’ve been with us for a while now I guess?”

  “Oh...yeah, I just started my junior year of college. You and Dr. Fischer make it much too easy for me to stay,” Addison smiled before continuing. “But, I’ve applied to a few graduate programs so we’ll see what happens.”

  Dr. Taylor nodded, seemingly interested, “Are you trying to stay within the medical field?”

  “Hopefully. I’m thinking of going the PA route... don’t think I have four years of medical school in my future.”

  “Yeah, save yourself while you can,” Dr. Taylor winked and Addison’s insides seemed to melt completely. I think my panties just fell on the floor.

  The two women laughed. “Well it was nice meeting the two of you, but I guess I should go talk with a few doctors that I was meant to meet tonight,” he said, running his hand through his dark brown hair. Addison watched his hand, jealous that his fingers were allowed to touch the soft strands.

  They exchanged quick goodbyes, and Addison watched him walk toward a group of older men. It felt strange to be introduced to a man she felt she already knew. None of his behavior indicated that he recognized her as anything other than Stacy’s friend, and she couldn’t help but feel a tiny bit disappointed.

  Maybe I have him confused with someone else. It must have been someone who looks similar. There are countless men with dark brown hair. Sure, his breathtaking features were ones she could never mix up, but the whole idea of her knowing Dr. Taylor from her past was becoming a little too Jane Austen, even for Addison.

  Alicia and Addison replenished their wine glasses before indulging in some of the savory appetizers the wait staff passed out. The fact that Dr. Taylor was at the fundraiser was well worth the time she’d taken to get ready. The amazing food and wine were just an added bonus. She and Alicia took a seat under one of the white tents, hoping to blend in as much as possible.

  Even though there were quite a few groups of party guests clustered throughout garden, Addison couldn’t help but seek out Dr. Taylor. After departing from their conversation he’d been swept into a discussion with a group of doctors, including Dr. Fischer. Even though Addison wished she was still standing close to him, she knew she was glad to be avoiding the esoteric conversation surely taking place in that circle.

  “Could you meet me for yoga sometime this week? Like Tuesday?” Alicia asked.

  Alicia’s question snapped Addison out of her trailing thoughts. “I think so, I’ll have to be here Wednesday night to volunteer, and my final isn’t until Friday. Yoga might actually be exactly what I need right now,” Addison was trying hard to glance toward Dr. Taylor as casually as possible so Alicia wouldn’t notice her obvious intent. She knew Dr. Taylor was in another league, probably composed of just him and a bevy of Victoria Secret Supermodels. She wanted just a few moments of staring at him in bliss without Alicia’s judgment that she shouldn’t be infatuated with a guy like that.

  A few moments later Addison surreptitiously surveilled Dr. Taylor depart from the group of doctors and head for a table of guests sitting and chatting loudly. The group looked to be made up of twenty-somethings, mainly female. I wonder if they’re fellow doctors, or maybe nurses, Addison wondered to herself as she saw Dr. Taylor accept a seat between two of the women. They both wore black dresses that looked better suited for a nightclub rather than a hospital fundraiser, but they were pretty nonetheless. One of the women placed her hand on the back of his chair as they both leaned in and laughed heartily at whatever charming thing he’d said. Addison quickly pushed away the pang of envy.

  “Well you two shouldn’t be sitting by yourselves. With all of the men at this silly fundraiser, you’d think they would have crowded your table already,” Addison heard a voice speak behind her. She turned her head and took in the pleasant sight of the man who stood behind them. He was handsome in a simple way. He wore his hair in a short crew cut that he managed to pull off fairly well.

  Alicia laughed as the man gestured to an open seat at their table. “I know right? How many doctors does it take to chat with two harmless ladies?” she jokingly added.

  Addison smiled coyly, arching a brow in Alicia’s direction. She remained quiet, a little taken aback at their guest’s forwardness.

  “Well, I guess my charming personality is owed to the fact that I’m a researcher at this hospital, not a doctor,” he continued, “I’m Jack, sorry for my abrupt introduction, but you two seemed infinitely more interesting than the dozens of old cronies at this party.”

  Addison and Alicia both laughed before introducing themselves. He was easy to speak with, and Addison guessed he couldn’t have been beyond his mid-twenties. He kept the girls laughing and explained what a hospital researcher did, sparing them the boring details.

  While Jack and Alicia chatted, Addison only allowed her eyes to stray to Dr. Taylor’s table twice. The first time she saw the same adoring girls sitting around him. Typical. However, the second time she slid her gaze to where he was sitting, they locked eyes for a moment... He was still nodding, pretending to listen to the two women next to him, and all the while examining Addison and her new friend, Jack. She flushed slightly at having been caught staring at him and promised herself she would try to focus on the conversation at her own table.

  “Jack have you tried any of the food yet?” Addison said, turning her attention back to her own table.

  “I haven’t had the chance; do you want to grab something with me?” Jack asked, clearly glad that Addison had finally directed a question toward him.

  “Sure, I think I could handle a bit more ceviche,” Addison replied as she stood to accompany him.

  “You guys go ahead, I’ll meet back up with you in a bit,” Alicia said, as she retrieved her phone from her purse and walked toward the doors.

  “Do you want me to get you anything, Alicia?” Addison hollered before her friend made it too far.

  “Nah, I’m good for now!” her friend hollered back. Addison assumed she was heading toward the restroom, but when her phone vibrated a moment later, Addison learned her true agenda.

  Addison smiled at her friend’s text. If only Alicia knew the real thoughts colliding in Addison’s head. Jack barely distracted her from the intense brown eyed man sitting across the room.

  “Looks like Alicia had to run home on second thought.”

  “Oh what a shame, she was really nice,” Jack replied as he finished adding various foods to his plate, “Guess I’ll just have to keep you company.”

  Addison nodded her head, unsure of how to respond.

  After they picked their way through the food, Jack politely placed his hand on the small of Addison’s back directing her to a standing cocktail table. />
  “So are you from Austin, Jack?”

  “Not originally, I lived in Los Angeles and ended up moving here to get my Master’s from the University of Texas. I fell in love with city and luckily there was an opening in the research department of-

  “Addison!” a voice called just as Jack finished his sentence.

  “...Hyde Park Hospital,” Jack spoke.

  Addison angled her head to find Stacy bounding toward her.

  “I didn’t know you’d be here,” Stacy said as she reached their table.

  “Yeah, Dr. Fischer invited a couple of us from the office.”

  “Ohh, that’s fun,” Stacy responded with a tone that seemed to say the opposite. She scanned the room, pausing when her gaze fell on the exact spot where Addison knew Dr. Taylor was sitting.

  “Oh, I think I found where a few of the other nurses are sitting. Dr. Taylor’s with them,” she said, finally looking back toward Addison, “He’s the guy from the coffee shop the other day,” Stacy spoke excitedly.

  Addison nodded, not wanting to turn around. Yup, he’s over there with his harem.

  “Feel free to head over there, I’ve just been chatting with Jack,” Addison gestured toward her new friend, allowing Stacy to introduce herself.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you Jack,” Stacy said, “Why don’t we all go over there? It looks like there’s a few spots open at their table.”

  Jack agreed before Addison could protest. Oh good, we can all audition to become a members of his posse, she thought bitterly. She begrudgingly stood and pulled her long blonde waves forward to frame her face. She grabbed her small clutch and straightened her dress, trying to feel as confident as possible as she crossed the garden in the wake of Jack and Stacy. As she reached the table full of lively conversation she was met with a wave of nerves. They all seem like good friends already.

  “Hi everyone, this is Jack and Addison. Addison is in one of my CNA pre-req classes with me,” She announced to the group before taking one of the three open seats at the table. Stacy’s friends paused their conversations to offer Jack and Addison a brief smile before turning back to one another. Addison scanned the other two open seats. One spot was open directly in front of her, between two girls, while the other, of course, lay beside Dr. Taylor.