Page 286 of The Doctors Will See You Now

Instantly, I released my hold on his shoulders and put some much-needed distance between us. Before I could second-guess myself, and without any warning or words to explain my sudden mood change, I turned away from Scott and moved off the dance floor as quickly as my stilettos would let me.

I had no idea where I was headed or what excuses I’d give my father, but every cell in my body was telling me to just get the fuck out of that party as soon as physically possible.

I grabbed my purse and jacket from our table and walked over toward my dad—who was currently charming the pants off of Nicole—to say my goodbyes. I made a mental note that since it was Saturday night, a simple excuse of meeting friends for drinks wasn’t too risky an explanation for my sudden departure.

Bill’s smile was warm as I approached, but the ends of his mouth turned down slightly once he noted the purse and jacket in my hands.

“Are you leaving?”

“Yeah. I’m supposed to meet some friends for drinks,” I lied and hugged him tight. “Be careful getting home, Daddy,” I said and kissed his cheek.

Luckily, Nicole squeezed his shoulder, pulling his gaze from mine to hers and completely distracting him from questioning me further.

“You too, sweetheart,” he said with an easy smile.

I smiled at Nicole. “Thank you so much for tonight. I had an amazing time.”

“Thanks for coming.” She pulled me into a quick embrace. “And call me if you ever need some juicy gossip about my son,” she whispered teasingly into my ear. I could literally hear the smile in her voice.

Man, I loved a mother who doubled as a ballbuster.

I laughed. “An inside source?”

She nodded and winked. “I’m hoping one day he’ll learn that he shouldn’t waste his time with women who are only after one thing.”

I quirked a brow in confusion.

Sex? Surely, they’re after sex.

“Money,” she answered helpfully.

Oh. Money.

“Ah,” I responded with an understanding nod. “The illustrious gold diggers.”

“Exactly,” she said with a grin. “My son deserves better than gold diggers.”

I wanted to say that gold diggers or not, your son appeared pretty fucking happy surrounded by all of the beautiful women he tends to keep in his company, but I bit my tongue and breathed past the stinging pain in my chest. Holy fuck, what was that? There was no way I was jealous of Scott’s revolving door of dates…right?

Good Lord, this party had morphed into some kind of alternate universe where relationships sounded like a good idea and I actually liked Scott Shepard. Had Linda and Tanner put drugs in the punch or something? Cripes. I needed to leave before I started thinking about marriage or kids or something else that was equally terrifying.

“He’ll learn one day,” Nicole added. “I’m just hoping it’s sooner rather than later that he finds a nice, pretty girl like you and settles down.”

My eyes popped wide open in shock. Nice, pretty girl like me? Settling down? Did she think I was good enough?

Oh Jesus, Harlow! Not the fucking point.

Yeah, I need to leave. Now. Before I have to resort to self-inflicted violence.

“I’m sure Scott will find his perfect girl, Mrs. Shepard,” I reassured while mentally adding, but it definitely isn’t me.

“Well, I better head out.” I quickly changed the subject toward my exit. Because, yeah, this anniversary party was a mindfuck, and I was better off anywhere but here. “Have a good night, you two. I’ll call you tomorrow, Daddy,” I said, and I didn’t give them time to say anything else as I shuffled through the partygoers and headed for the door.

The instant the cool air of the New York City night hit my face, I breathed a sigh of relief. I glanced down at my phone to check the time. Ten p.m. glowed into the darkness, and I decided even though I didn’t necessarily have a plan, I’d rather walk the city than take the subway or a call a cab.

Hopefully, the walk will do me good. Lord knows, my brain needs some time to think about all the bullshit she’s been putting me through tonight.

But the reprieve lasted not even ten minutes before my phone chimed in my purse with a text message from Scott. I hated that there was a part of me that felt excited about it.