The night of the Mt. Sinai Hospital Annual Holiday Party/Fundraiser had come.  This year the party was being held at the Four Seasons Hotel and the dress code for the evening was “Black tie.” In other words, it meant that Chloe had to dress up.  Something she hadn’t done in a very long time. 

Truthfully, Chloe had splurged on a dress for the occasion, back when she still had hope that she would have a true “date” for the evening.  Now she wasn’t even sure she wanted to go.  Unfortunately, certain members of the hospital staff, namely her supervisor; Dr. Torres, and the Chief of Surgery had given her the impression that her presence was not up for discussion.  Reluctantly, she resolved herself to attending the festivities and then begged Adam to be her date so she wouldn’t have to show up alone like she’d done the year before.

Then there was Gabby.  Going to the party meant hiring a babysitter, something she hadn’t done since before the divorce.  Her mother and father were out of town for the weekend, celebrating their wedding anniversary on the beach in Hawaii.  Again, Chloe felt unsurmountable guilt about doing something for herself. 

Sighing to herself, Chloe took one last look at herself in the mirror then headed for the living room where Adam was undoubtedly waiting.

When she entered the room, it was just as she expected.  Gabby was on the couch, dressed in her PJ’s, cuddling her stuffed Monkey and a blanket as she waited for the babysitter.  Adam was fussing with his bow tie but stopped abruptly when his eyes landed on his sister.

Chloe looked from Gabby to Adam.  They were both gawking, their jaws nearly on the floor.

“What?!” Chloe exclaimed.

The way Adam and Gabby were both staring at her was making her uneasy!

Adam grinned.  He looked very dapper in a tux but that smile of his was almost devilish.

“Tell me again why Justin couldn’t be your date tonight?’

Chloe sighed.  She hadn’t needed the reminder.

“He had a prior commitment he couldn’t get out of.”

Adam smirked and shook his head.  “His loss!”

“What does that mean?” Chloe replied.

Adam just grinned more.

“Have you looked in the mirror?”

Chloe made a face.  “Yes. Why?”

“You look like a princess, Mommy!” Gabby chimed in.

“Exactly!” Adam smirked.

Chloe immediately blushed.  The dress she was wearing was a soft cream color.  It had a Sweetheart neckline and the straps twisted into one that came across her left shoulder.  The body of the dress was mermaid style with a slit up the left side that came up to her hip.  Her hair was pulled back into a knot and she was wearing a pair of faux diamond, dangle earrings that caught the light reflecting off the sparkles in her dress perfectly.

Chloe smiled and took a breath.  Truth be told, she actually felt pretty but she couldn’t help feel disappointed that Justin couldn’t see her in the dress.

“Thank you, sweetie.”

“I want to go to the fancy party.” Gabby said, her lip puckered in a pout.

Chloe sighed inwardly.  “I know sweetie, and I wish you could, but this party is for grown-ups only.  I promise we will do something fun tomorrow.”

It was then that the babysitter arrived.  She was the daughter of a family friend and in college now, but when she was younger Chloe had babysat her from time to time.

“Wow! Dr. Hunter you look…Wow!” the girl said as she stepped through the doorway.

“Thanks Maggie.” Chloe said trying to hide her blush.

“You look good too Mr. De Luca.”

Adam smiled. “Thanks.”

Chloe looked to her brother and smiled.  He did look good, really good.  True, he was no Justin, but as far as handsome dates went, he more than fit the bill.

“We should get going.” Chloe said before turning to Maggie.

“We will be at the Four Seasons.  The emergency numbers are on the fridge.  Gabby can stay up until 9.  If you need anything please call me.” Chloe explained.

Chloe knew Gabby was in good hands but it didn’t make leaving her any easier.

“I’ve got this Dr. Hunter.  Go have fun.” Maggie answered.

Chloe nodded then leaned down to give her daughter a hug and kiss.

“Be good for Maggie, please.”

Gabby nodded. “I will Mommy.”

The Uber ride to the hotel was quick.  Once inside they followed the signs to the Greenwich Ballroom on the 2nd floor.  Hotel staff were waiting outside the doors to check coats and greet guests.

“Name please?” A concierge asked.

“Dr. Chloe Hunter and guest.” Chloe answered.

The Concierge looked down at his list briefly then looked back at Chloe and smiled.

“Yes, here it is.  You and your guest will be seated at the Head table; table number 3, directly in front of the stage.”

“Thank you.” Chloe said, her eyes wide.

Adam took her arm then leaned in to whisper in her ear as they entered the ballroom.

“A seat at the Head table, look at you! That means either you impressed the hell out of someone or you royally pissed someone off.” Adam teased.

“Let’s hope it’s the first one and not the second.” Chloe hissed back.

Adam just gave his sister’s arm a reassuring squeeze.  “Knowing you, I’m positive it was the first.”

As they approached the table Chloe took the opportunity to take in her surroundings.  The ballroom was simply but elegantly decorated.  Fake, leafless trees with white twinkle lights lined the perimeter of the room.  Two giant Christmas trees decorated with white & silver bulbs and white lights stood on either side of the stage.   The tables were decorated with floating tea lights, silver dusted pine cones and white poinsettia flowers.

At the head table there were 8 place settings each marked with a place card carefully labeled with fancy silver script.  Chloe noticed her place card first.  Her seat was directly facing center stage.  Adam was the one who noticed the remaining cards.

“Who is Dr. P. Avery?” Adam wondered aloud before taking his seat.

Chloe’s eyes went wide. “Chief of surgery! Why?!”

“He is seated next to me.” Adam answered.

“What do the other place cards say?” Chloe asked nervously.

If they were seated with the Chief of surgery, she wasn’t sure she wanted to know who else was seated at their table.

“All of the others say “Special Guest.” Adam answered.

“That’s it?” Chloe grumbled.

Adam nodded.  “Mine just says “guest” but these five say “Special Guest.”

Chloe picked up the place card at the seat next to her, holding it delicately between her fingers.  Adam was telling the truth.  The only thing printed on the card were the words “Special Guest” in the same silver scroll.

“Any ideas?” Adam asked.

Chloe shook her head.  “Probably some of the hospital trustees or high-profile donors.”

However, as she looked around the ballroom Chloe noticed that most of the trustees were already seated at other tables.  In truth, she had no idea who was sitting at their table and that worried her.  She knew there had to be a reason she’d been seated at the Head table with the chief but what that reason might be, she had no clue.

At the moment the chief was mingling amongst the tables.  As the chief he was also the unofficial host for the evening so it made sense he hadn’t taken his seat yet.

Adam could only chuckle and shake his head.

“So…here we are, seated at the Head table with the Chief of Surgery and five mystery guests.  That doesn’t sound like a set-up at all!”

Chloe groaned.  “It does, but a set up for what?”

Adam wasn’t given an opportunity to reply.  He opened his mouth to speak but before the words could come out music began to play and everyone directed their attention to the stage.  The melody was familiar but Chloe couldn’t quite place it.  Then a saxophone began to play followed by a male voice singing.

Chloe’s eyes widened and she looked to her brother.  She knew that voice.  Chloe opened her mouth to say something to her brother but stopped herself when the person who went with the voice walked out onto the stage.  Dark hair, a dark goatee with that boyish smile, dressed in a simple black tux and that unmistakable countertenor voice.  It was Chris Kirkpatrick of *NSYNC.

“What the hell?!” Adam hissed.

Snowy night, where it's warm here by the fire
Here with you, I have all that I desire
(Here with you)
It's been a long year but somehow we got by
Now, it's Christmas eve and love is on our side

I don't need a hundred gifts beneath the tree
(Beneath the tree)
Don't you know the best thing you could give to me
Nothin' else will do, all I want is you this Christmas
(This Christmas, this Christmas)

Chloe sat, her mouth gaping as she watched Chris on stage.  He was quickly joined by Joey Fatone and Chloe felt her whole body go numb. 

“What’s going on?” Adam whispered in Chloe’s ear.

“I have no idea.” Chloe shot back.

At the moment Chloe was trying to convince herself that what she was seeing was just her mind playing tricks on her.  It was just coincidence.  It was just going to be Chris and Joey.  There was no possible way that the other three were present as well.  They hadn’t appeared on stage together in years.  *NSYNC wasn’t the entertainment for the evening because that would mean that Justin had lied to her. 

By the time the next chorus began Chloe’s heart was in her stomach.  Then, if only to confirm her fears, she heard Justin’s voice as he and the other two members of *NSYNC joined Joey and Chris on stage.  It was as if her heart stopped.

“OH. MY.GOD.” Adam hissed as he reached underneath the table cloth and gripped her thigh.

Chloe couldn’t move.  She couldn’t breathe.  Her heart was pounding in her chest and her eyes were locked on his as he continued to sing.

And I don't need a hundred gifts beneath the tree
(Beneath the tree)
Don't you know the best thing you could give to me
Nothin' else will do, all I want is you this Christmas
(This Christmas, this Christmas)

“FUCK!” Justin thought to himself as he continued to sing.

His eyes were locked on Chloe.  She looked absolutely BREATHTAKING.  However, it was the look in her eyes that captured his attention.  He could only imagine what she must be thinking right then. 

Chloe’s thoughts were running wild.   She had so many questions and so many things she wanted to say.  Then JC began to sing and the only thing she could focus on was the way Adam’s fingers were now digging into her leg.

“OH. MY. FUCKING. GOD.” Adam whispered through gritted teeth.

It wasn’t until the song finished that Adam loosened his grasp but no sooner had they finished the first song they jumped right into another.  This second song was Chloe’s 2nd favorite song on the album; “In Love on Christmas.”   It also didn’t help that Justin looked as if he was singing directly to her.

As soon as the song finished the Chief of Surgery took the stage to address everyone.

“Thank you to * NSYNC for that wonderful performance and for their very generous donation.  We will be presenting the award for Doctor of the Year a bit later, in the meantime, please, eat, dance, mingle and enjoy the evening.”

The next few moments were a blur.  Chloe watched, frozen, as the Chief stepped down from the stage followed by the members of *NSYNC.

“OH! MY! GOD!” Adam hissed as they approached.

“Will you please stop saying that?” Chloe shot back.

Acting purely on nerves Chloe stood as they neared the table and Adam quickly followed.  Justin’s eyes were on hers the entire time and the way he was looking at her, his blue eyes smoldering, was sending chills racing down her spine.

“Good evening, Dr. Hunter.”

Chloe adjusted her gaze so that she was looking at her boss and plastered a smile on her face.

“Good evening, Sir.” Chloe replied.

“I see you brought a date this year…is this…” Dr. Avery started.

Chloe saw Justin’s jaw tighten.  It made sense.  Adam was attractive and he and Justin hadn’t actually met yet.   In other words, she had a hunch as to what Justin was thinking.

Chloe cut in abruptly.  “My brother…this is my brother, Adam De Luca.”

Justin’s eyes softened and his jaw unclenched thus confirming her hunch.

Dr. Avery’s eyes widened a bit.  “De Luca?! I didn’t know your Maiden name was De Luca?!  You wouldn’t be related to Arturo De Luca, the cardiothoracic surgeon.”

Chloe cracked a tiny smile.  “He is our father.  He’s retired now.”

“Are you a doctor too Mr. De Luca?” Dr. Avery continued.

Adam smiled and shook his head then quickly stole a glance at the pop group behind him that were waiting patiently for an introduction.  Justin’s eyes were fixed on his sister.

“No, no…I don’t do blood.  I leave that to my dad, and my sister.  I’m a lawyer.”

“I see.  Well…Dr. Hunter, Mr. De Luca please, allow me to introduce…” Dr. Avery began before pausing abruptly.

His eyes softened a smile began to tug at his lips.  “Oh…that’s right, I forgot, you and Mr. Timberlake have met…”

Chloe forced another smile and nodded.  “To be fair, Mr. Chasez and I have met as well, but yes, Mr. Timberlake and I are…umm…acquainted!”

“Acquainted?” Justin replied raising an eyebrow.

She was upset.  He knew that much.  He knew the reason too, and truthfully, he didn’t blame her in the least.  He also understood that this was a work event for her, and therefore, she needed to keep things professional but that didn’t mean it stung any less.

“Woah! Wait! What?! You met JC Chasez and didn’t tell me?!” Adam exclaimed.

Chloe looked to her brother.  “Doctor- Patient confidentiality.  We’ve discussed this.”

“You TREATED JC Chasez and didn’t tell me?” Adam exclaimed.

JC laughed and shook his head.  “No, no! I was just in the room.  I drove Justin to the hospital.  He had some …umm…issues…after the accident.”

Adam bit his lip to hide his grin and nodded. “Oh.”

It was then that JC turned to Chloe.

“It’s nice to see you again Dr. Hunter, although, I have to say, I like the setting much better this time.”  JC said smiling at her.

Chloe smiled back.  “Me too. “

“Well then, since you’ve already met Mr. Timberlake and Mr. Chasez, please, allow me to introduce…”

Chloe bit her lip and shook her head.  “With all due respect Sir, introductions aren’t necessary, I’m…”

“She’s a big fan of *NSYNC.” Adam whispered, but loud enough so everyone heard.

Chloe’s face flashed the color of crimson while the men of *NSYNC all smiled and chuckled a bit.

Dr. Avery chuckled as well and nodded, then motioned to the empty chairs at the table.  “In that case, gentlemen, please join us.”

“Absolutely.” Justin said grinning at Chloe.

His eyes stayed on her as they took their seats.  He was seated directly across from her and she could feel his eyes on her but couldn’t bring herself to meet his gaze.

“I bet you’re probably wondering why I had you seated at my table?” Dr. Avery asked, snapping Chloe back into reality.

Chloe didn’t miss a beat.  “If you’re implying that my acquaintance with Mr. Timberlake isn’t the only reason then yes, the thought may have crossed my mind.”

Justin had to hide his smile.  He was reminded of the first time they truly met.  He remembered her sass.  He found it attractive then and even more now. 

Dr. Avery chuckled.  “No, your previous encounters with Mr. Timberlake were not my sole reason.  To be honest, I wanted to talk to you about something in a more relaxed setting, off the clock.”

Chloe nodded.  She didn’t know how else to respond so she remained quiet.  It wasn’t like she could tell the Chief of surgery “no.”

Meanwhile, Adam and the members of *NSYNC sat quietly, just watching as the discussion unfolded.

“I don’t know if you’ve heard but Dr. Torres will be leaving Mt. Sinai after the 1st of the year.  He’s taken a fellowship in Philadelphia…”

Chloe couldn’t help but bite her lip and look across the table.  Justin and JC were both trying not to smirk.  Apparently, they were all thinking about the encounter with Dr. Torres in the Emergency Room that day.

“I had not heard that.  Good for him.” Chloe replied as she tried to hide a smile.

Dr. Avery nodded.  “Yes, it’s a great opportunity and I wish him the best of luck but his departure leaves me, or should I say the hospital without a Head of Trauma.”

Chloe nodded but hadn’t caught on just yet.  She was too distracted by the other men at the table, especially one in particular.

“That is a problem.” Chloe agreed.

Dr. Avery smiled.  “Indeed, but I was hoping you might be willing to help me with the solution.”

“Of course, whatever I can do to help.” Chloe replied.

Dr. Avery smiled more if possible.  He could tell that what he was asking hadn’t registered in her brain just yet. 

“I think he wants YOU to be Head of Trauma.” Lance Bass leaned in and whispered loudly.

Immediately, Chloe’s face paled. 

“Me? Head of Trauma?” Chloe croaked.

Dr. Avery smiled and nodded.  “You would be the obvious choice.  You have tenure. You have great rapport with the other doctors.  You are obviously good in a crisis…”

“I’m flattered sir, but…” Chloe started to reply.

Dr. Avery cracked an even bigger smile.  “Your schedule wouldn’t change that much.  In fact, I think you could probably lose one of your “On Call” shifts if you would be willing to trade it for another day shift.”

Chloe smiled.  “I think that could be arranged.”

Another day shift meant she could be home more for Gabby.  It also meant more time with Justin but apparently, they needed to talk first.

Dr. Avery grinned.  “I’ll have Human Resources reach out to you sometime early next week.”

Chloe nodded.  “Thank you, sir. I look forward to it.”

“And on that note, I’m going to step away for a bit.  I need to do a bit more “mingling” before dinner.”  Dr. Avery explained.

“You’re leaving?” Chloe exclaimed.

She wasn’t entirely sure how she felt about being left alone at the table with her brother and *NSYNC.

“I’ll be back once dinner is served.”

It wasn’t until Dr. Avery was out of sight and out of hearing range that Chloe found the courage to speak again.  As soon as she was certain that Dr. Avery wouldn’t see or hear her Chloe’s eyes rounded on Justin again.  There was fire in her eyes and it made Justin suck in a breath.

Chloe’s emotions were all over the place and the fact that he looked THAT good in a tuxedo wasn’t helping the situation any.

“Another commitment?  Isn’t that what you said? You could have just told me the truth.” Chloe snapped.

Justin took a breath.  He knew he needed to respond but also knew that he was treading on thin ice.  However, in true “brother” form his bandmates came to his rescue.

“In his defense, we weren’t entirely sure this was going to happen until a couple of days ago.” Joey jumped in.

Chloe made a face.  “And why is that?”

Chris cleared his throat, then quickly shot a look towards JC.

“Someone is still having doubts about all of this.”

“All of this?” Chloe asked, her eyebrows high.

Justin chuckled nervously.  “Apparently, my accident has put some things into perspective for all of us.”

“Oh?!” Adam said grinning.

“But like Chris said, SOMEONE still has doubts.  We were sort of hoping tonight would give us all a push in the right direction.” Lance added.

Chloe and Adam exchanged looks.  Adam spoke first.

“As the lawyer at the table, I can with confidence say that the evidence just presented supports a “reunion” if that’s what you are getting at, and we the jury are unanimous on the verdict.” Adam said grinning.

“What’s the verdict?” Justin asked trying not to laugh.

“You’ve ALL still got “it!” In fact, I think you’ve all gotten better over time and SOME of you…” Adam said, directing his gaze towards JC.

However, Chloe cut him off before he could finish his statement.  “Adam…don’t…please don’t…like I said, I don’t want you to scare anyone.”

“I’m not scary.” Adam protested with a grin.

Chloe smirked.  “You can be… and he IS JC so there is that.”

“What did I do?” JC asked confused.

Chloe bit her bottom lip and tried not to laugh.  “You don’t want to know, trust me on this Mr. Chasez.”

“You can call me JC.”

Chloe blushed.  “It is nice to meet all of you…”

Joey grinned.  “You too.  I mean, with the way Justin talks about you…”

Chloe looked to Justin, her eyes wide.  “He talks about me?”

“Nope. Not at all.” Chris teased.

“I see.” Chloe replied, blushing again.

Dinner was served shortly after and for the time being everyone was occupied with eating.  After dinner Dr. Avery took to the stage again to make the “Doctor of the Year” presentation. 

“Every year the hospital selects one doctor as the “Doctor of the Year.” Someone who dedicates their life in service to those in need and exemplifies our core values.  This year’s recipient of “Doctor of the Year” is the embodiment of all of these.  Not only she is caring, compassionate and dedicated to her patients but she is also courageous and selfless, having put her own needs aside to help someone beyond the walls of the hospital.  Our recipient of this year’s “Doctor of the Year” award will also be stepping into the role of Head of Trauma after the first of the year.  Please give a round of applause to the 2018 Doctor of the Year, Dr. Chloe Hunter.”

The six men seated at the table with her burst into applause, as did everyone else in the room.  Chloe just sat there in disbelief.  This evening wasn’t turning out AT ALL like she had expected. 

“Get up there, girl!” Joey said grinning.

Adam agreed, nodding emphatically. “Go, Chloe! Go!”

Still a bit dazed, Chloe stood and started up the steps to the stage.  Chloe blushed as she stepped towards the podium.

“I’m not much for speeches.” Chloe said into the microphone.

The crowd all chuckled a bit.

“This year has been filled with ups and downs for me, both personally and professionally, but I couldn’t have done any of it without the support of my family so I am accepting this award on behalf of my brother and my daughter.  I love you both.  Thank you.”

The crowd erupted with applause again as Chloe quickly exited the stage and returned to the table.  As soon as she sat down again Adam wrapped an arm around her and placed a kiss on the side of her head.

“I love you too Sis. You definitely deserve this.” Adam said smiling.

“I agree. I don’t know a more deserving doctor.” Justin added.

Chloe giggled and shook her head.  “Only because you don’t know any other doctors.”

“Not true.  I have my regular doctor.”                                                      

Chloe smirked.  “And what’s your doctor’s first name?”

Justin bit his lip.  “Umm…”

“Exactly.” Chloe laughed.

Once dinner was over and dessert was served music began to play.  Slowly, people started towards the dance floor while others mingled about the tables to make small talk.

“Would you do me the honor of dancing with your big brother?” Adam asked offering his hand.

Chloe smiled and nodded.  “Of course.”

On the dance floor Adam took the opportunity to weigh in on the events of the evening.

“Congratulations Doctor of the year.” Adam said grinning.

Chloe blushed. “Thanks.”

“Doctor of the year, Head of Trauma, superstar boyfriend. I’d say you’re doing alright.” Adam teased.

Chloe made a face.  “He’s not my boyfriend.”

“I think he wants to be.” Adam replied.

“Oh yeah?! Why is that?!”

“A guy doesn’t look like at you like that if he just wants to be friends.” Adam reasoned.

“Then why did he lie to me about tonight?” Chloe snapped.

Adam sighed.  “I don’t know for sure, because I am not him, but I am guessing it had something to do with JC and his “doubts.” I’m going to out on a limb and guess that he didn’t want to tell you and then not have it happen, and call me crazy, but after everything he’s been through, I would bet that he has a few doubts of his own.”

Chloe sighed and nodded but didn’t respond. Adam had given her a lot to think about.

After a few songs Adam escorted Chloe back to the table.  A few more up-tempo songs played before the music slowed down again.  As soon as a slow song started to play Justin was out of his seat and at Chloe’s side.

“Will you dance with me…please?” Justin said, leaning in to whisper in her ear.

Chloe swallowed hard then nodded.  They’d been intimate, a few times, but he still had the ability to make shivers race down her spine.  She inhaled sharply when his hand met her bare back.  Thankfully, he didn’t notice.

“Chloe…I…” Justin started.

Chloe sighed.  “You could have just told me.  You could have explained.”

“I’m sorry.” Justin whispered, his heart sinking.

Chloe took a breath.  She wanted to be mad at him.  She wanted to be furious, but the look in his eyes broke her resolve.  She also remembered how he’d confided in her, how he told her about his fears.

“I don’t appreciate you keeping the truth from me, but I get it.  I know why you did it.”

“I promise, I didn’t do it to hurt you…I just …”

Chloe cracked a smile.  “This was your test, your chance to prove to yourself that you could still do it.  Am I right?”

“Yeah.” Justin whispered.

“And let me guess, you wanted your “brothers” there to support you in case it didn’t go well.  Having them standing there with you took some of the pressure off.”

Justin bit his lip and tried not to smile.  “Are you sure you are a Trauma surgeon and not a therapist?”

Chloe giggled a bit.  “They don’t pay me enough to be a therapist.  I can barely handle my own problems much less someone else’s.”

“Are you still mad at me?’ Justin asked hopefully.

They were on the dance floor, swaying in time with the music. Justin had one hand in his, the other was resting on the small of her back.  There were at least a hundred people in the room but his focus was her. 

Chloe blushed.  “I want to say “yes”, but I can’t.  I can’t be mad at you because I know what a big deal this was for all of you.  I know you’ve been dreading AND looking forward to this moment for weeks now.  Being mad at you, knowing all of that, it just doesn’t feel right.”

Justin smiled.  “Thank you.”

They danced to a few more slow songs before returning to the table to join Adam and the other members of *NSYNC.  Talk at the table was casual and lighthearted.  The men of *NSYNC didn’t pressure Chloe or Justin to talk about their budding relationship and Chloe and Adam didn’t mention anything more about the mini *NSYNC “reunion” they’d just witnessed.  It was a nice evening.

“You should both come to Michael’s art show next week.” Lance said as they were chatting.

“Michael?’ Chloe asked confused.

Adam couldn’t help but laugh at her sister.  Her mind was definitely elsewhere.

“Michael Turchin.  Lance’s husband.  He’s an artist.” Adam explained.

Chloe’s face flushed.  “I knew that.  I promise I knew that.”

Lance grinned.  “It’s ok.  It’s been an eventful evening for you.  I totally get it.  But really, you should both come.  You can bring Gabby too.  It’s a family friendly event.”

“When is it?” Chloe asked screwing up her face in thought.

“Next Friday.”

Chloe nodded and smiled.  “I’ll have to check my schedule but we will definitely try to make it.  Gabby would love it.  She loves art.”

Lance opened his mouth to respond but was interrupted by the sound of phones all around the room.  At least a dozen phones were going off, including Chloe’s as everything else around them came to a screeching halt.

“Excuse me.” Chloe said fumbling for her clutch.

The fact that there were so many phones going off in a room full of doctors was not a good sign.

Chloe’s eyes widened and her face went pale as looked down at the message on screen.

“FUCK!” Chloe hissed loud enough for those at the table to hear.

“What’s wrong?” Justin asked, his voice dripping with concern.

“There’s a MAJOR trauma coming in.  Multiple victims.  A five car pile up on the freeway, one of the five being a high school athletic bus carrying the football team and a bunch of cheerleaders.”

“Are you on call tonight?’ Adam grumbled.

“Technically, no, but it’s all hands on-deck, and in case you forgot, I am about to be the Head of Trauma.  I need to set the example.”

“How do you plan on getting there? We took an Uber to get here.” Adam continued.

“I’ll walk.”

Adam made a face.  “The hospital is two miles from here.”

Chloe gave him a look.  “Then, I’ll call for another Uber.”

Justin shook his head as he started to pull his phone from his pocket.  “Take my car.  It’s chauffeured.  I have the driver waiting on standby.”

“How will you get home?”

Justin smiled more.  He loved that even in a time of crisis she still took the time to show she cared about him.

“The driver can come back for me, or I’ll hitch a ride with one of these guys.”

“Thank you.” Chloe said smiling at him

“Of course, my pleasure, but only if you come over after.”

Adam had to smother his smile as he looked at his sister.  It was obvious that Justin was falling hard for her. 

“Umm….” Chloe stuttered.

Adam chuckled.  “Don’t worry about Gabby.  I promised I would take her Christmas shopping anyway.”

“Christmas shopping?” Chloe asked, her eyes wide.

Adam nodded. “It was her idea.  She wants to get something for you, Grandma and Grandpa…and for Justin.”

“Me?!” Justin exclaimed.

This time Adam didn’t hide his smile.  “She likes you.  It’s a good thing.  Just go with it.”

Justin grinned. “Got it.”

Chloe beamed.  “Once again, you are a life-saver Adam.”

“Just trying to make sure I stay off the “naughty list.” Adam replied with a smirk.

Chloe laughed. “We’ll see.  It all depends on what Bubbles reports back to Santa.”

“Bubbles?” Chris asked confused.

“Gabby’s Elf of the Shelf.” Chloe answered.

Everyone laughed.

“That’s Gabby’s elf.  Not mine.  Now go on, get out of here.  You’ve got patients who need you.”