Chapter 15
The next day Brooke met Patrick for lunch. They were catching up for all those years they lost touch. Patrick told her about Marion and other stuff. Brooke told him about her family and work, among other things, like her former relationship and her awful breakup. Patrick listened to her carefully, then he went right to business.
– So now you're dating Jack, huh?
Brooke flushed and smiled impishly. – I guess you can say that.
– And why were you so shaky at the hospital yesterday?
– Oh… I just found out he's a daddy…
– You didn't know? –Patrick asked in disbelief.
– No… I mean, it's been a week and I've been busy, it's not like we've had a lot of time to talk… –she justified.
Patrick gave her a concerned look. – Did he tell you what happened with Kate?
– You mean about the car crash? Yeah… he mentioned it.
Patrick stared at her and knew she had no idea of the full story. – So, what are your plans?
– What you mean?
– With Jack, you know. Where's this going?
– You sound like Ilana. I mean, it's only been a week, for God's sake! You want me to marry him already or what? We're just getting to know each other…
– Right… and how will you get to know him if you know anything about him? –Patrick shot back, determined.
– I know things about him. I know about his family, about his loss…
– Well, sure you know that, but about him, you know, as a person… he hasn't had an easy life, I think you might want to know about it…
– Oh, you mean because of the plane crash?
Patrick gave her a long look. – Well, for starters…
– I know everything about that. I was a fan, remember? –she said, smiling.
– I do remember. But let me remind you, all you know about that is the crap that came out in the media. That has nothing to do with who Jack is, Brooke…
Brooke started to feel uneasy with Patrick's words. – What you mean? –she asked him, concern in her voice.
– Well, you know, he might have… issues, that's all.
– We all have issues, don't you think? –she shot back, defensive.
Patrick, knowing Brooke as he did, realized she wasn't comfortable with being told how to handle things with Jack, so he dropped it. – All I'm saying is you should define what it is you both want. And I think being honest is a good start. –he said, looking sweetly at her.
– Okay, then.
– Oh, I almost forget. There's a birthday party tonight, of one friend from the hospital. I would like you to come, you get to meet Marion and Jack's also invited… –he told her with a wry smile.
– Sounds like fun.
– I'll pick you up at 9:00, okay?
– Deal.
Back in the hospital, Jack was at his office. An annoyed Marion walked in. Marion had recently arrived at St. Sebastian as an intern and she had immediately clicked with Patrick. Marion was bossy and possessive, especially because she knew what kind of reputation Patrick had. Even though Patrick insisted they were not serious, Marion proved the opposite all the time.
– Why is Patrick taking another girl to Varya's besides me? –she snapped at Jack, catching him totally off guard.
– What?
– Don't play naïve, Jack. He's told me everything.
Patrick liked Marion. She was an excellent doctor and she wanted to become a spinal surgeon as well. When she started dating Patrick, Jack warned both about the issues that could come with that. He knew Marion was spoiled, but he still cared for her, and she looked up for him as a big brother.
– I have no idea what you're talking about. –he told her.
– This chick, Brooke. Patrick told me he's trying to set you up. And now he has to pick her up tonight.
Then Jack remembered he planned this with Patrick the week before. – Brooke, right, yeah, he'll do that for me, hope you don't mind.
– Whatever… Now you have to drive me to the party and we'll all meet there.
– No problem… –he told her.
– I better like her, you know? She better not be trashy…
– You'll like her, I promise…
– Fine.
During that week, all the family had noticed Jack was happy, especially Margo and Claire. Margo never bought his excuses for going to the hospital after the kids were asleep, but she hadn't questioned him. She was giving her son some room.
Later that day, Jack got home and went on with his routine. Once Jackie and Brett were asleep, he started getting ready to go get Marion and then go to Varya's party. He was excited and couldn't wait to meet Brooke again. He wanted to see her, talk to her, laugh with her… Margo interrupted his thoughts when she walked into his room…
– Someone's looking very handsome lately. –she told his son, smiling.
– Hey mom…
– So, what's the occasion?
– Oh, there's this birthday party, Varya's. You remember her? I think I've told you about her before…
– Yes, she's Patrick's girlfriend, isn't she?
– That's Marion. Varya is Derek's girlfriend, the oncologist, remember?
– True. And who's going with you?
Jack tensed up a little. – Nobody… why?
– Nobody, huh? And is nobody the reason you're so happy lately?
– What are you talking about? –he replied, pretending.
– Well, you have been so cheerful… You are my son, Jack, and that look in your eyes is the same you've had since you were a boy, when you are excited about a woman. I think you are seeing someone.
– If I were seeing someone I would tell you. –he said flatly.
– Would you? –Margo asked with a set look.
Jack noticed Margo had something in her mind and looked frontally at her. – What's this all about mom? I'm not sixteen anymore, you know?
– Of course you're not… –Jack was still looking at her in the eye, so Margo went on.
– Your sister told me about this woman in your office yesterday…
Jack paled a little. He had forgotten about that incident. – She was just a patient who didn't make an appointment. –he lied.
– A patient, huh? Sarah was a patient…
Jack tensed up even more. – What does Sarah have to do with this?
– Claire told me you left the hospital with this patient…
– I just walked her to the exit mom. Jesus! You and Claire are totally making a big deal about it.
Margo knew Jack was lying. Claire told her how she saw Brooke talking to Patrick and then Jack gripping her shoulders and walking with her out of the hospital. Claire ran to the window to see them getting in Jack's car and leave.
Jack sensed Margo was about to say something and realized being defensive wasn't working, so he changed his tone.
– Don't worry, mom. When I see someone, you'll know it, trust me. –Then he approached Margo and kissed her forehead. – I've got to go…
– Okay, have fun honey.
Jack left and Margo couldn't help but feel worried. She replayed in her head Jack's words. When I see someone, you'll know it, trust me. That was exactly the problem. She knew, and she just couldn't understand why he wasn't telling her.