The wheels touched down in New York, and Justin barely registered the landing. His mind was racing. Of all his girls, Lila seemed the kindest—the type to listen. A nurse, empathetic, steady. If anyone might give him a chance, Justin hoped, it would be the daughter who healed others.
He made his way to the hospital Lila worked at, palms sweaty and stomach roiling. At the hospital, Justin didn’t mention who he was. Just that he was an old friend looking to speak to Lila Wilson. The receptionist nodded and asked him to wait. Justin sat down, clutching his coat, trying to calm the rhythm in his chest that felt too loud, too fast.