Page 35 of Doctor's Bossy Match
“Shut up, dickhead.Your head is just growing knowing the grand opening of the new ward is soon.”
I turn the pace up on the treadmill again.
“Yeah.I’m excited for it except for the theme.”
“Why’s that?”
“Mason and I have been going back and forth for weeks.The committee needs the final decision soon, and we still can’t agree.We’ve already ruled out fairytales, vehicles, ocean themes, and animals.The planning team is losing their minds because they need to organize the vendors, decorations, entertainment, and all the PR materials.We’re cutting it close.”
He chuckles.“It’s not that hard.”
“I know.My choice was either space or ocean theme.Mason wants jungle or dinosaurs.”
The five minutes are up, so we stop the treadmill and hit the weight area.Starting with bench presses, we load up the bar.Still feeling energetic, I tell Nate, “Let’s add an extra two pounds on each side.”
That earns me a quirked eyebrow.“You sure that’s a good idea?”
“I feel good today.”
He gives me a skeptical look.“Has something happened?”
“I just saw my boss in the thrift store before coming here.”
“Ah.Now I see what’s made you so fired up.”
I push the bar up, my chest burning as I squeeze, Nate’s hands hovering behind me, ready to catch the bar if it gets too heavy.
But I wasn’t kidding when I said I had extra energy.
“It wasn’t just him.His daughter, the new resident, was there.”
Nate’s eyes widen slightly.I keep a straight face.
“He doesn’t want me to talk to her about anything unrelated to work, but I walked into a shop, and she was there.I’m wondering if I should’ve walked out.”
“Why?Speaking to her isn’t a crime.”
“I know, but he warned me not to, and after that stupidDr.Whispererarticle, I don’t need any problems; otherwise, the hospital protocol committee will be involved, and I can kiss my chief position away.”I hate the thought of it.And Regan, it could even block her from other programs, take away opportunities, damage the way people view her.All because I couldn’t keep my distance.
He hums.“I see your predicament.But is there anything—”
“No,” I cut him off, knowing what he was about to ask.“We’re just co-workers.”
He nods, but there’s a hint of amusement there, and under his breath he says, “That’s what they all say.”
I ignore him because I can’t voice the silly, nagging thoughts.The way she challenged me on Shaina’s case.The way her eyes light up when she’s right.The way her hand lingered when I helped her up out of the chair.The way I found myself looking for her in the hallways, even when I know I shouldn’t.
I finish my set and sit up, wiping sweat from my forehead with my hand.“It doesn’t matter anyway.In less than a year, she’ll be gone.”
“Oh, really?Where?”
“New York.That’s where she was living before.”
“And how do you feel about that?”he asks, looking at me more seriously.
Relieved in one way, because it makes things easier since there’s an end date and a good reminder to keep my distance.But there’s also something else that I don’t voice.
“Doesn’t matter how I feel,” I say finally, releasing a heavy sigh.“It’s not my business.”
