He Gave Me Hearing, Then Taught Me What Silence Really Means novel Chapter 23

Juniper pressed her lips together. She couldn't reveal the truth about what happened, so she simply sighed. "You're always the rational one, Dr. Jenkins. Want me to cook you a real meal?"

Yara blew on her ramen. "Correction: I'm a nurse. Nurses are basically glorified babysitters, not the high-and-mighty doctors who get to stand in the OR."

"Alright, Nurse Jenkins. Instant ramen is terrible for you. Shall your humble servant make you some pasta?"

Yara downed the rest of the salty broth in one go, grabbed a tissue, and wiped her mouth with frantic speed. "No need. One of the girls had a hot date tonight and swapped shifts with me, so I have to head back to the hospital."

"But you've been working all day. Can your body handle that?"

"Handle it or not, I have to. I'm destined to be a workhorse in this life."

As Yara spoke, she swapped her slippers for shoes at the entryway, not forgetting to lecture Juniper one last time. "You can barely keep your own head above water, so stop meddling in other people's business. That Macy girl is in her rebellious phase. I saw her at the hospital the other day, caked in heavy makeup. You clearly can't control her. Her brother has been dead for years—it has nothing to do with you anymore."

Juniper covered her ears. "Alright, alright, I get it."

"You don't get shit. You're going to get played again."

The words stung. Yara realized she had crossed a line and pursed her lips. "Sorry. I just..."

"Yara, I know what you mean. But I owe her brother, and I owe Mrs. Lucille. There are things I can't explain. I promised to keep it a secret."

Yara sighed, snatching her keys off the console. "As long as you know what you're doing. I'm due for a raise soon. Once I have some extra cash, we're going to get you a new hearing aid. You've been wearing that outdated thing for years."

Sharp tongue, soft heart. That was Yara Jenkins in a nutshell.

Juniper offered a small smile but didn't say anything.

Once alone in the apartment, she slumped onto the sofa and pulled out her phone.

Yvonne could come after her all she wanted, but she had no right to drag Macy into this.

Nelson leaned back against the cushions and remained silent.

Julian didn't know the exact details of what had happened back then. He only knew that the tragedy involving Nelson's older brother was tied to a woman. As for who the woman was, the Saint family had kept it completely buried.

More accurately, Nelson had kept it buried, refusing to breathe a word about it to any of them.

Julian shrugged. "Back then, you kept bragging about introducing your girlfriend to us. You treated her like she was made of glass, refusing to let us meet her until you had this grand, elaborate introduction planned. We were literally in this very room, blowing up stupid balloons and hanging an idiotic banner for you. Next thing we know, you fly out of the country and end up tangling with Lydia Thorne. Is that kid really yours? When did you even start liking her?"

With friends like these, every question was an interrogation.

Nelson closed his eyes, his jaw clenching tight. "If you're going to keep asking about this, I'm leaving."

Julian threw his hands up in surrender. "Okay, okay, my lips are sealed. Anyway, I'm getting married next month. Make sure you guys show up."

The announcement was met with several seconds of stunned silence.