Page 58 of Next Time We'll Fall

“Dr. Bishop?” One of the vet techs who works for me comes hurrying in. “Can I ask you a favor?”

“Sure, Maybelline. What is it?”

“There’s a TV show filming down at the beach. My cousin Gemma just messaged me, and I was wondering if I could have a little longer lunch break so I can check it out. There’s meant to be a really famous actor who’s going to be part of the cast. I was hoping to get his autograph.”

I stare at her for a couple of seconds and frown.

“Do you know the name of the famous actor?” I say.

Not because I care about who the famous actor is, but because, once again, I’m irritated about hearing about this show. I didn’t want Juniper to partake in it, but I knew I had no business requesting that she didn’t.

“Oh, I think his name is August Pitt.”

“Do you know him?”

“He was in that Greek movie last year, and he’s going to be the next Batman or Superman or something. He’s so good-looking. I don’t even know how they got him to be on this show, but these girls are so lucky. Any woman would die to be with him. Plus, whoever wins his heart is also going to get a shit ton of money.”

She sighs. “I love my job here, but, man, what I wouldn’t do to have a shit ton of money and a date with August.”

“Well, you may take an hour lunch break,” I say. “But then I’ll need you back. We have a lot of appointments this afternoon.”

“Oh, thank you, Dr. Bishop. You’re the best.”

“You’re welcome. If you don’t mind, I need to make a call. I’m just going to pop out to the back for a second.”

“Okay.”

I step out the back and grab my phone and call Juniper.

I don’t know what I’m doing, but I need to make sure she’s okay. The previous night was a lot. It was special. It was spicy. Yet I didn’t want her to feel used.

She answers on the second ring. “Hello?”

She sounds breathless, and I frown.

“What are you doing?”

“I’m changing into a bikini,” she says. “Why? What’s up? Is everything okay? Did you leave something in my room last night?”

“No, I didn’t. I was just—what do you mean, you’re changing into a bikini? You’re going to the beach?”

“Oh, I guess they’re shooting a scene today. I thought I was just going to be doing some preshow questions, but I guess because the weather is nice, they have a bikini opening, and we’re all going to be running down the beach. And, oh my gosh, I just found out who the main bachelor on the show is going to be, and I’m so excited.”

I bite down on my lower lip. “Oh? So, you like movie stars?”

“August Pitt. Who doesn’t absolutely love him? He’s the best-looking man in Hollywood right now. Could you imagine if I got a date with him? Or if he kisses me, or …”

“Really, Juniper?” I snap, and she pauses.

“What? Aren’t you excited for me?”

“I was literally in your bedroom last night. Do you really think this is an appropriate conversation for us to be having?”

“What? We just had a fun night, and it meant nothing, so I figured we were friends now.”

“We’ve always been friends.”

“Well then, what’s the big deal?”