“Comin' right up, honey.” Linda scribbles on her pad before tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear. “You know, we all missed seeing your face around here. How's the big city been treating you?”
“Let's just say I'm glad to be back where the tallest building is the water tower.”
“Ah, simpler is often sweeter. So, any particular reason for your return?”
“Starting over seemed like a good idea.”
Linda leans closer. “Speaking of starting over, did you hear about the reunion? The high school's throwin' a big shindig for all the old classes. It’s next weekend.”
“Really?I hadn’t heard.”
“Bet it’ll be nice, seeing everyone again.” Her eyes twinkles. “Maybe even reignite an old flame or two?”
A reunion might be the bridge to reconnecting with the past—or maybe the final closure I need.
Chapter Two
Lincoln
The beep of monitors and the distant echo of pages over the intercom fades into a blur as I dart from room to room. My coat, a white flag of service, flaps behind me, an extra set of wings that carry me. I pause only to offer a smile to a nervous parent—my silent promise that their world rests in capable hands.
“Dr. Montgomery,” a nurse calls out as she hands me a chart, “your next surgery is ready for you.”
“Thanks, Marianne,” I reply, glancing down at the details of another life under my watch. I tuck a stray lock of dark hair away from my eyes and press forward, my feet knowing the path better than I do.
My phone vibrates in my pocket—a rare moment of respite that beckons me to the break room. I catch sight of "Dad" lighting up the screen and the corners of my mouth lift involuntarily.
“Hey, Dad,” I answer, leaning against the cool wall, the bustle of the hospital dimming behind the closed door.
“Lincoln, my boy! How's the city treating you?”
“Busy as ever, but it keeps me on my toes. What about you? How's the barbershop?”
“Same old, same old,” he chuckles. “You know how it is here. But listen, son, I was thinking, your time off is coming up, isn't it?”
I nod before remembering the phone call requires words. “Yeah, heading there after work today.”
“Good, good,” he muses. “How about you swing by the shop? It's been too long since you've had a proper trim from your old man.”
I can’t help but laugh at that—the image of my father, with his steady hands and timeless advice, attempting to tame the city-induced chaos on top of my head. “That sounds perfect, Dad. Lawson Ridge will be a nice change of pace.”
“Excellent!” His voice holds a note of triumph. “I’ll let the usual suspects know. They'll be thrilled to see you, Lincoln. You're still something of a legend around here.”
“Only because you tell the most flattering stories,” I tease, feeling a lightness in my chest at the thought of home.
“Maybe so,” he concedes, the smile evident in his tone. “Just promise me you'll take it easy while you're here. No hospital talk. You need a break.”
“Promise. See you soon, Dad.”
“Drive safe, son.”
Ending the call, I stand motionless for a moment longer, allowing the anticipation of returning to Lawson Ridge to settle over me. With a deep breath, I push away from the wall and step back into the fray, my heart a touch lighter and my steps a little more eager.
“Lincoln, you're off like a shot today!” Dr. Kessler calls out, her laughter trailing behind me. “Hot date?”
“Something like that,” I grin over my shoulder without slowing down.
“Lawson Ridge is calling your name, huh?” Jake, one of the nurses and a good friend.
