Page 65 of Family Bonds- Gabriela & Luca

“I’m thrilled to hear that. Make sure you both pass the word. Not just for my department but for the others too. Remind them I came up with the idea though.”

She laughed and patted his shoulder. “I’ll be sure to do that.”

Dr. Green moved away and left the two of them alone for the moment. It hadn’t stayed that way long though.

Her parents were here and mingling. Garrett passed on coming because Justine was working. She didn’t blame her brother; she would have passed any time she could have also.

And if she didn’t have Luca on her arm, even with all the pressure, she might have still tried to get out of it.

At least her parents were giving her space to move around, though they sat together for dinner.

It was just easier all around for Luca to have a few friendly faces.

“Can I get you another drink?” he asked.

“I’ll take another white wine.”

“I’ll be right back.”

“I need an introduction to your date, Gabriela.”

She turned her head and saw Abigail Cohen next to her. Director of Nursing for the hospital on the island. She was surprised Abigail didn’t know who Luca was.

“That’s the new pediatrician in our office.”

“Oh,” Abigail said. “So he’s single. Got it. I thought for sure it was your date.”

Well, he kind of was, but guess it was coming across as just friends to everyone else.

Just not her family a few weeks ago. Not even tonight with the way her mother was giving her the eye.

“I’m introducing him around.”

“A new single doctor brings in a lot of chatter. I had heard about him but didn’t know he looked likethat.”

Gabriela wiggled her eyebrows. “It was a blow to my ego to check in on a patient and see her disappointment that I wasn’t Dr. Brewer.”

“I’m sure your ego can take it.” Abigail lifted her hand and waved. “I’ll catch up with you later. Need to go rub elbows with some donors. You know how it is.”

“I do,” she said through forced teeth. It was the thing she hated the most with her last name, but she did it because she knew it was the thing to do.

“What did I miss?” Luca asked, handing her a glass.

“Not much.”

No reason to say it was going to make the rounds he was single now. She hadn’t argued it, the mark on his left ring finger was long gone, and if he’d had a wife, he’d be here with that person and not her.

And since all they’d done was some serious flirting and not even a kiss like he’d said, she had no claim on him.

“Are you sure?” He was looking at her face. “Because your eyes look ready to stab someone.”

“You know how these things can be. It’s all good.”

“Speaking of these things, any way we can sneak out when they start the fundraising part? Some of those items are way out of my league.”

“I already called the service to get us in thirty minutes. One step ahead of you.”

Because if she had to stay here a minute longer and watch the women eyeing the guy who was her date, she might do more than stab someone with her eyes.