Chapter 4
When Patrick left, Brooke couldn't help but smile widely. She was really happy to see him, to talk to him, to finally reunite with her dear friend.
– You sure don't have a crush on him? –Ilana asked Brooke, curious.
– You know I don't, I've told you everything about us and our college years.
– Just checking. Because he's hotter than you described, I assume he's loaded with money from plastic surgeries, his patients are celebrities and now he published a book. Seems like a pretty good catch to me… Besides, he can fix your boobs when they fall to the floor.
– Ha-ha, that's exactly what he said. But no, I mean, of course the girl who finally gets him will be absolutely fortunate, but he's like a brother to me, nothing else. And weren't you telling me about this guy checking me out?
– Right. –Ilana glanced at the ballroom's entrance. – You can turn around now. That one, at the entrance, talking to the blonde one.
Brooke glanced and saw a broad-shouldered, tall man wearing a black Armani suit, which perfectly fitted him. He was definitely hot. Then she turned around to her previous position. – I know him. –she said, amazed.
– Oh, come on! Now you know all the hotties on the planet! –Ilana replied. – Who is he, anyway?
– Remember that famous plane crash that happened ages ago? The one from Sydney to here? The creepy island, wacky scientists and everything?
– Oh, right! What's with it?
– He's one of the survivors.
– No way! How can you remember him?
Brooke smiled, a bit ashamed. – Well, I kind of had a crush on him. He was like a real life hero. Or so said the media…
– You had a crush on him? Was that even legal? You were… what, eighteen?
– Nineteen. I read everything about him. He's a spinal surgeon, you know? A very talented one.
– Well, Dr. Spine was checking you out, bad.
Brooke felt flattered at Ilana's statement. It was kind of a teen idol finding her attractive. If she had been 19 again, she would have screamed of emotion. Now she wasn't screaming, but she still felt excited. Not because he was Jack Shephard, plane crash hero, but because he was an interesting man that might find her interesting.
– You think I should talk to him? –Brooke asked.
– Hell, no! If he wants you, he'll have to work you out.
– What if he doesn't?
– Then what a pity. Worthless…
– But he's so hot! Am I just letting him walk without giving it a shot?
– Yep.
– Yeah, that's easy for you to say, since you have a husband-to-be.
– My boyfriend has nothing to do with this. And drop the puppy eyes. Not working.
Then Ilana glanced at where Jack was and saw Patrick having a chat and laughing with him and the other blonde guy. Minutes later she saw the blonde walk away and meet a woman. – It might be your lucky day. –Ilana told Brooke.
– Why?
– Your friend seems to know him pretty well.
– Really?
– Yeah. I think they're talking about us right this minute.
– Now you're paranoid.
– Call me paranoid, but they're walking over here…