“Because I know exactly what they’re up to,” he says, amused.“They’re trying to set you up.”
“Nailed it.”
Keith chuckles.“Welcome to town life.”Then his tone shifts.“Be careful, though.If you break someone’s heart in this town, it won’t end well.People hold grudges.Just… don’t get serious unless you’re absolutely sure.”
“I’m not planning on it.”I only just moved here, and dating someone is the last thing on my mind right now.
As we leave, I say goodbye to a few people.They seem surprised I’m leaving early, but understand when I mention having to work tomorrow.I’ve noticed the whispers have died down now, and the looks are more subtle.Maybe it was just the initial shock of my arrival, or maybe it’s only just begun.Either way, tomorrow, I plan to start fixing my reputation.I have to.I need a fresh start.I need to put the past behind me.
Chapter 6
Adrian
Ipullintoaspot for staff at the hospital.I don’t have a permit, no special pass allowing me to be here, but I park anyway.
Stepping out of the car, I inhale sharply, trying to steady the knots twisting in my gut.Keith isn’t here.I don’t have the comfort of his presence beside me, his easy confidence to lean on.It’s just me today, and that thought weighs heavily on me.
This hospital isn’t the towering skyscraper I’m used to.No glass windows reflecting the city skyline.Instead, it’s a long, single-story brown brick building, stretching wide rather than high.It’s different.And yet, as I glance toward the entrance, I know that behind those walls, everything will be the same: sterile hallways, scent of antiseptic, the sound of machines.
And the people?Will they be the same too?Will they whisper?Will they care?
I shove a hand into my pocket, and my fingers graze the cool metal of my keys before clenching into a fist.My other hand grips the handle of my briefcase, damp from my sweaty palm.It used to be my dad’s when he was a doctor, so the leather is scuffed, edges worn, and the latch sticks if you don’t press it just right.I didn’t know what to bring, so I packed my laptop, a stethoscope… things that make me feel like I have some control over the unknown.
Being the new guy again sucks.But there’s no turning back now.
I’ve spent years working in the same hospital, surrounded by familiar faces, routines that I could navigate in my sleep.But here?I’m starting over.The feeling is foreign and unsettling, stirring up old memories I’d rather leave buried.
As I push through the entrance decorated with autumn wreaths and paper turkeys, heat greets me, a huge difference to the cool morning outside.The front desk is manned by a receptionist, a woman in her forties with short blonde hair and blue framed glasses perched on the bridge of her nose.She glances up as I approach, scanning me… probably taking in my suit, the briefcase, the slight pause in my step.
Straightening my shoulders, I clear my throat.
“Hi, I’m here to see Anita Smith.I’m Dr.Pierce.”
Despite her name on her badge, she introduces herself, offering a polite nod.“Good morning.I’m Nina.Do you have an appointment?”
“Yes.”
“Alright.”She smiles and gestures down the hallway to the right.“Follow this corridor straight down.There are plenty of signs.”
I hesitate for half a second, waiting to see if she’s going to call ahead to warn Anitathat I’m coming.But she doesn’t reach for the phone, so I just nod.“Thanks.”
As I walk away, my grip tightens around my briefcase, my fingers slick.The material threatens to slip from my grasp, and I adjust my hold.The suit feels too stiff, too formal.I don’t belong here yet.
My appointment isn’t until nine, and I’m a little early.I slow my steps, taking in the space around me.The hospital is small, almost cozy, compared to what I’m used to.The waiting room, visible through an open doorway, has worn but comfortable blue chairs, a coffee machine humming in the corner.It’s strangely reassuring.
Everything feels familiar.And yet, I’m the only thing out of place.
Finally, I reach her office, the nameplate confirming it.I take a big breath, pressing my lips together.I know she’s aware of my dismissal, but I wonder if she’ll treat me differently because of it?I raise my hand and knock; my pulse thrums in my ears, matching the beat of my hand against the wood.
“Come in,” a voice calls from inside.
Here goes nothing.
I twist the handle and push the door open.The office is compact but cluttered, bookshelves lining the walls, filled with medical textbooks, binders, and what looks like a few personal trinkets.A large desk sits at the center, and behind it, Anita rises to her feet.
She’s dressed in a deep purple blouse, her hair pulled back in a neat bun.There’s a warmth in her expression as she steps around the desk, hand extended.
“Dr.Pierce, it’s lovely to meet you.”
