Page 10 of Paging Dr. VanRyan

I nodded. “Low rent means fewer student loans.”

“Where are you studying?”

“Calgary. I applied to transfer to BC to be closer to my aunt, but I’m not sure it’s going to happen. I won’t be in Victoria, but I’d only be a few hours away.”

He looked contemplative. “Is that why you were hesitant about agreeing to a date with me?”

“Yes. I don’t want to start something and have to leave.”

“How many years do you have to go?”

“Two.”

He paused, taking a long sip of water. “Vancouver is only a three-hour drive away.”

“And Calgary is sixteen.”

“Two years isn’t forever.”

I sighed. “Given what you do, and what I’m facing the next couple of years, it’s almost impossible.”

He was silent for a moment, obviously thinking. Then he spoke. “It’s our first date. Why don’t we enjoy it and let the future take care of itself? We don’t know what it holds. Maybe we won’t like each other after a few dates.”

“And if we do?”

“Then we’ll revisit this conversation. I’m enjoying tonight. Getting to know you. Let’s concentrate on that.” He paused. “Can you do that? Or do you want to call it a one-and-done, eat dinner, and I’ll take you home?”

I shook my head quickly. I was enjoying getting to know him as well. “I can do that.”

“Good. Now—who gets the last shrimp?”

The evening was fun. Easy conversation and lots of laughter. Matthew was an odd mixture. Confident and sure of himself, yet, at times, almost shy with his thoughts and feelings. He didn’t push for constant chatting, which I liked. He seemed to enjoy quiet moments, not anxious with the silence. He was unfailingly polite to the waitstaff and the owner, who checked on us frequently, thrilled at Matthew’s effusive praise.

The food was incredible and he ate a lot. His manners were impeccable, though. He spoke of his family with great affection, not at all embarrassed by the strength of his love for them. He adored his mother and hero-worshipped his father.

“I’ll miss them when they move,” he said, after explaining his father’s imminent retirement and their plans to divide their time. “But my dad’s worked hard, and I know how much he loves it there. My mom does too.”

“You’ll be on your own here, then. Except, I assume, your friends.”

A strange look crossed his face. “Having moved recently, and with my schedule, I have a small, tight circle of friends.”

“Quality over quantity.”

“Exactly. Plus, I have Laura and Graham. I know their children and grandkids. We’re sort of another family. And I have my work.”

“That must keep you very busy. Do you plan on making it your career? The ER, I mean?”

“Yes. I like the fast pace. The constant learning curve. My mom wishes I would do something else and I thought about it, but I prefer the ER—at least for now.” He sat back, picking up his water. “Maybe in a few years I’ll change my mind. I’m still young.”

“How young exactly?”

“I’m thirty.” He lifted an eyebrow. “And you are…?”

“Twenty-six. I’ll graduate at twenty-eight. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do after I finished high school. I worked in an office, but I hated it. I had wanted to be a doctor growing up but realized I wouldn’t be good at it. Being a nurse gives me that connection with helping people. And I love learning and working with other medical staff.”

“I think you’ll be a great one. A nurse, I mean.”

“Oh?” I asked, taking a mouthful of the pasta packed with tomato, basil, and garlic.