Chapter 686
Ivy was completely absorbed in the story, sighing with genuine amusement. “Gossip is always so much juicier when it’s not about you.”
Katrina just rolled her eyes.
“Hey, let me see your necklace,” Ivy said, beckoning her best friend over.
Katrina frowned. “What’s there to see? It’s just a basic design–everyone has one like it.”
“Oh, come on, I just want to look. I’m not going to steal it from you,” Ivy insisted, wiggling her fingers. “Come on, hurry up.”
With a reluctant purse of her lips, Katrina tugged the necklace out from beneath her collar–the very one Naylor had fastened around her neck that night. “Here, it’s this one.”
She leaned in closer so Ivy could have a look, but Ivy didn’t touch it. She just studied it, nodding in approval. “It’s beautiful. It suits you–minimalist, but elegant. Mr. Wilson has good taste.”
After all, there are endless luxury brands, each with their own classics, though not every style fits every person.
Katrina’s personality and style worked perfectly with that simple, slightly androgynous piece.
Katrina tucked the necklace back inside her shirt, making a face. “He’s a seasoned romantic. I bet his taste was honed buying gifts for all those ex-girlfriends.”
Ivy laughed. “Are you getting jealous already?”
“Hardly,” Katrina scoffed. “He’s always been upfront about his history–no secrets, no pretending otherwise.”
If she were bothered by that, she would never have made the first move.
“Oh, by the way, he mentioned Dr. Ludwig has a place at Laurel Lake–just one floor above his. Have you ever been?” Katrina suddenly remembered.
But before Ivy could answer, the door swung open and Jamison walked in, still in his dark green scrubs.
Ivy glanced up, surprised. “What are you doing here? Weren’t you supposed to be busy all day?”
Jamison gave Katrina a nod. “They gave me a call, I have another surgery coming up, but I wanted to check on you first.” Jamison nodded at his wife, then looked at Katrina, curious. “Naylor took you to Laurel Lake?”
Katrina nodded. “He said your place was just upstairs.”
“That’s right. But honestly, it’s so far out there, I barely ever stay. Ivy hasn’t even been.”
Jamison had mentioned it once, but Ivy had shrugged it off as too much of a hassle–too far for her taste.
She’d never been picky about where she lived anyway.
Their place near the hospital looked like any regular apartment building from the outside, but Jamison had bought several units and connected them. The result was a space so spacious and luxuriously furnished it could rival any mansion.
There was really no reason to spend an extra hour commuting just for a lakeside view.
“But if you two end up spending a lot of time at Laurel Lake, we could always move there too,” Jamison added.
He knew she’d love the idea of living next door to her best friend.
Katrina caught the hint and smiled at Ivy. “Dr. Ludwig really dotes on you. I’m honestly jealous. But I doubt I’ll be lucky enough to become your neighbor.”
After all, who knew how long Naylor’s interest would last? Maybe a few months, maybe a year–she might end up just another ex.
Jamison’s expression softened with a faint, knowing smile. “If he’s brought you to Laurel Lake, you’re not just another one of his flings.”
Katrina laughed. “Don’t be so sure. He said it’s only because I’m friends with Ivy. He was worried I’d hear about his checkered past from you and get upset.”
Jamison snorted, clearly unconvinced, but didn’t press the issue.
He’d never been one to meddle in other people’s relationships–or comment on them, for that matter.
He’d only stopped by because he was worried about Ivy, but seeing Katrina keeping her entertained with gossip seemed to put him at ease. Soon enough, he was off to his next case.
Katrina watched him go, then sighed. “Dr. Ludwig really does spoil you. I’ve never seen a man treat his wife this well.”
Ivy smiled. “From what you just said, Mr. Wilson isn’t bad either. They say birds of a feather flock together–Jamison’s best friend can’t be too far off.”
Katrina nodded. “I hope so. And honestly, I should thank you–if it weren’t for you, I never would have met Naylor.”
She’d come to terms with it. Since Naylor had openly acknowledged her as his girlfriend, she might as well enjoy the perks that came with it, and let herself bask in his attention. Why not just be an unapologetic ‘material girl’?
She didn’t kid herself into thinking she could change Naylor’s attitude toward relationships, or that she’d be his last girlfriend.
For now, she’d just live in the moment and enjoy it.
Even if they broke up someday, she’d remember what Ivy had once told her–gratitude was the best parting gift.
Two days passed in a blur.
The night before her surgery, Jamison didn’t make it over until nearly eight in the evening.
Ivy was still buried in her book.
She glanced up as her husband walked in. “Weren’t you supposed to be busy until after nine? Done already?”
“Delegated some of the work. I knew if I didn’t come by, you’d never sleep,” he replied, with a knowing look. Sure enough, she was still studying at this hour.
He’d never met anyone who loved learning as much as she did.
Ivy shrugged. “I napped too much during the day. I’m not tired.”
Jamison made quick work of pulling off his shirt and pants, moving around the hospital room as comfortably as if he were at home.
She looked up at him and caught a glimpse of his toned abs–and that enticing line that ran from his abdomen down…. Well, any further and it really wouldn’t be PG-rated.