Page 15 of Knight
Bailey’s brothers and their boyfriends had gotten here before us. They’d pushed two tables together and pulled over extra chairs. Two pitchers of pale beer sat on the far right table, along with a few extra pint glasses.
“Hey, guys,” Bailey said. “We managed to finally drag Aiden out of the house.”
Gray grinned. “Good to see you again, Aiden.”
Gray’s boyfriend, Emory, sat at his side. They were agood-looking couple, Gray’s dark hair and inked arms contrasting with Emory’s blond hair and mostly unmarked skin.
Emory had just one tattoo visible, a bit of ink that looked like a chain around his wrist. Tiny linked letters repeated over and over, reading G-R-A-Y-G-R-A-Y-G-R-A-Y.
Flynn had a tattoo just like that, except it spelled out Bailey’s name again and again. Glancing around, I could see that all the boyfriends had one.
“Have a seat,” Holden said. “You want a beer?”
“Um, sure.” Beer wasn’t really my preferred beverage, but I didn’t want to seem fussy. “Thanks.”
I took a seat beside Bailey, across from Axel, who sported even more ink than Gray and sharper features that made me think of a sly fox. His dirty-blond hair spilled over his shoulders.
“Welcome to living in the sticks. You have my condolences.”
I laughed. “Well, I’m only here for a year, so I’m sure I’ll survive it.”
“Why only a year?” Holden asked.
“I’m doing a research year at Elkhorn County Medical Center,” I said. “After that, I’ll apply for residencies all over the country.”
Holden’s boyfriend, Shiloh, leaned forward. “A research year? Is that what it sounds like?”
“Pretty much,” I said with a chuckle. “I’ll be researching disparities in myocardial infarction outcomes in rural areas, primarily delays in access to specialist care, surgeon shortages, and resource limitations.”
“Fun,” Axel said. “I can’t imagine it’ll be all good news, huh?”
“Probably not,” I said. “But the studies are importantbecause they validate the need for change, andthathelps hospitals fight for the money, tools, and staffing they need to save more lives.”
“It’s important work,” Flynn said, sounding proud. “My brother is a fucking doctor!”
The guys all laughed and lifted their glasses in salute.
“Glad to have you around,” Gray said.
“Especially if that study shows we’re SOL with the rural hospital,” Axel said with a snort.
“Oh, no. I’m reviewing hundreds of cases from Elkhorn County and other areas of the Midwest, but you’ve all got Dr. Rose, and she’s an amazing cardiothoracic surgeon. You’re lucky to have her.”
“Yeah, but you gotta have sky-high insurance premiums to get her,” Axel said. “I’d rather try my luck with the new family doctor.” He winked.
“Are you flirting with him?” Gray demanded as he passed a full pint glass to Flynn and started pouring a second one for me. “Dalton is gonna kick your ass when he gets here.”
Axel rolled his eyes. “I’m not flirting. I’m just negotiating our future health care. Dalton will thank me when he gets shot and Aiden saves his ass.”
What?!
“Not sure you want me dealing with a gunshot woundrightout of med school.”
“Dalton is the sheriff, and he’s mostly driving a desk these days. He’s not getting shot,” Flynn said. “And Axel is just messing with you.”
Axel smirked. “Am I?”
“He is,” Bailey confirmed, pushing his seat back. “I’m gonna grab a soda at the bar since none of you assholes bothered to order me anything. Icannotwait until I turn twenty-one.”
