Page 126 of Clinically Awkward

The conference room door cracked open as four heads peeked in.

Fitz, Gabriel, Nathan, and Hayden—all staring at Julien, who was still grinning like a maniac.

“Is he...” Nathan whispered. “Is he laughing?”

“I think he’s having a stroke,” Hayden said.

“Should we call someone?” Gabriel asked.

“I’m fine,” Julien said, waving them off. “Come in. All of you.”

They filed in slowly, looking like condemned prisoners approaching the gallows.

“Quinton just told me,” Julien announced, “that he’s in love with Vivian.”

Four jaws dropped.

“And that he punched Colton Whitcomb.”

“We know,” Fitz said. “We were there.”

“And that you all got arrested for brawling in a sports bar.”

“Also aware,” Nathan muttered.

“And,” Julien continued, his grin widening, “that it made the front page of the New Haven Journal.”

“We’re very sorry,” Gabriel said quickly. “It won’t happen again.”

“Oh, I know it won’t,” Julien said. “Because if it does, I’m firing all of you and moving to a remote island where the only medical emergency is sunburn.” He looked at me. “But for the record? Colton Whitcomb is a jackass, and I’m glad someone finally punched him.”

“So...” I drawled. “You’re not mad?”

“Oh, I’m furious,” Julien said cheerfully. “You’re all covering weekend shifts for the next three months. And you’re paying for the property damage. And if I see one more newspaper article about this clinic, I’m instituting a mandatory media training seminar.”

“That’s fair,” Hayden said.

“But,” Julien added, looking at me, “if you hurt my sister, I will end you. Professionally, personally, and possibly literally. Are we clear?”

“Crystal,” I said.

“Good.” He headed for the door, then paused. “Oh, and Quinton?”

“Yeah?”

“Welcome to the family.”

He left, the door clicking shut behind him as we all stood there in stunned silence.

Then Fitz started laughing.

“He’s insane,” Nathan said.

“He’s been brainwashed by his wife,” Hayden muttered.

“He’s happy,” Gabriel said, grinning. “That’s what that was. Actual happiness.”

“I thought he was going to kill me,” I said weakly.