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She sounded both amazed and truly delighted at the fact, and Quinn nodded again in approval. Indeed, it was great to see her friend, once a relentless serial dater, head over heels in love with her partner and committed to the long term.

“That’s great, Jan,” she said. “I’m happy for you both.”

“Thanks. Now…” Janet leveled her intelligent, inquisitive, dark eyes at her. “Let’s talk about you.”

“Mm. Let’s not. You know, this is Lia’s day.”

“Oh, of course! And I already told her I love the new film. Also, not just because she did a cracking job of relating my side of the story. Your wife is super-talented, darling.”

“Yes.” Quinn grinned as her pride swelled. “That she truly is.”

“And I won’t even ask about the suspension. I understand it was a loaded plate of internal administrative bullshit.”

“Perfect description for it, yeah.”

“We see our share of this kind of thing at the hospital too, of course. Still, it must have rocked you a bit.” Having said she would not ask, Janet still pushed.

“It wasn’t fun,” Quinn admitted. “But it’s over now.”

“Gotcha. You just want to move on.”

“You got it.”

Nodding, Janet continued to fix her quizzically. “How do you feel about the other stuff?”

“What stuff?” Quinn grunted.

“Don’t play dumb or evasive with me, Wesley. Lia’s former partner is back on the scene.”

“No, she’s not,” Quinn stated firmly. “Just in Lewiston for rehab. Only for another week or so, I believe.”

“Right. Then, what?”

“I don’t know. I assume she’ll fly home and work to get her job back. I hope she can.”

“Huh. I’ll say that’s mighty generous of you, babe, since I know she was the one behind all your troubles. And now Lia is helping her?”

“Janet—”

“Quinn,” Janet interrupted before she could say any more, and laid a soothing hand on her shoulder. In contrast, her tone carried a hint of her usual impatience. “I’m not trying to annoy you, okay?”

“No? Coulda fooled me.”

“Haha.” Janet did not smile. “Look, I’m asking you straight because I know how good you are at suffering in silence, my friend. So, don’t shut me out. We are having this conversation, whether you like it or not. Once I know you’re all right, I can get back to enjoying the party.”

Quinn tracked her gaze to where Janet’s number one source of joy was involved in an impromptu game of volleyball with Sam Wakefield and a few others. Ellie looked good in just a pair of shorts and her sports bra, and Janet licked her lips in obvious appreciation.Alright, then.Quinn smirked, relaxing. She knew her friend did not thrive on bad drama and gossip. Janet also famously did not beat around the bush when it came to personal stuff.Especially mine…She could be a merciless tease, often came across as abrasive and demanding to those who only knew her superficially. Typical brain surgeon, Quinn supposed. Janet was indeed recognized as one of the Top Five best in the country. She routinely performed miracles in the OR. Quinn herself owed her life to her amazing skills. Under the relentless swagger and rude questions, Janet cared deeply and was all heart.

“When I first found out who was behind the blogs that got me suspended, I wanted to punch Brooke in the face,” Quinn let her know.

“Understandable.”

“Yeah. Then I realized the actual mess she was in. She went off the rails, big time. Let a bunch of unresolved emotions play havoc on her mental state. Left to her own devices, I am pretty sure she would have OD-ed.”

“Sadly, she wouldn’t be the first. And now, this makes me want to punch her doctors in the face.” Always quick to fire, Janet was even quicker to find compassion. “At the very least, I think the woman should sue the whole lot of them for criminal incompetence.”

“Maybe she will. Anyway. Once I knew what was going on with her, I just wanted to help. So did Lia, of course. Thanks for recommending the clinic you did.”

“Yeah, sure. I also love to help.”