I follow him inside.But instead of heading to the dining table, Adrian leads me to the living room, where a low coffee table is already covered in supplies.
“Figured we could sit here, put something on the TV, and be comfortable while we get everything ready,” he says, setting the bags down.
“Sounds good.”
He nods at the bags.“So, what did you bring?”
“Oh, just some extra donated toys for the baskets.Thought they might make them more appealing.”
“Nice.”He settles on the couch beside me, close enough that I catch his cologne and the cushions dip under his weight.My pulse quickens at the proximity.Is he sitting closer than necessary, or am I just hyperaware of every inch between us?
“Do you want a drink or something?”
I try to keep my voice even at the casual offer, to hide how his nearness is affecting me.
“I’m okay for now, thanks.”
We start arranging small toys, treats, and raffle items into the baskets.As we work, Adrian grabs a couple of extra gifts from the side of him.“Some of the doctors at work pitched in too.”
He’s only just started, and I can’t imagine what it would be like to be new to the hospital and a doctor.The pressure, the learning curve, trying to prove yourself while people’s lives are in your hands.“How’s that?”
He snorts.“You mean, how’s work in general, or how are the doctors?Because that’s a loaded question.”
I grin.“Everything.”
“Well, you remember being the new kid at school?That’s me.Except now, I’m the awkward new doctor trying to fit in.And on top of that, people assume I suck, so I have to dig my reputation out of the trenches.”
Did I contribute to this?
I wince as I realize what I’ve done.“That sounds rough.”
“Eh, it’s okay.Eventually, you’ll know my side of the story, right?”He winks.
“Exactly.”
He sighs heavily.“For now, I’m just taking it day by day, working hard, hoping people let me in eventually.”
“Does it help that Dr.Whisperer still follows you around?”I tease.“They seem to be making you their latest project.”
“Honestly, it’s a daily thing now,” he groans.“They can take the most boring thing and turn it into gossip.Like earlier this week, Dr.Whisperer made a whole article about my choice in black coffee and what that says about me.But I’m starting to tell the difference between your stories and theirs.”
I bite my lip as a tiny thrill fills me that he’s been paying such close attention to my work that he can identify it.
“Oh, yeah?”I desperately want to know what he’s figured out about me through my writing.
“Yours have depth.You try to tell a full story.”
“That’s a nicer way of saying Dr.Whisperer is trash.”
He shrugs.“Pretty much.”
“So, aside from being the new guy on the block, how’s life?What’s it like compared to the city?”
He leans back, considering.“Honestly?I like it.People here are more humble.They listen.They don’t always like the change, but at least I feel like I’m making a difference.”He shakes his head.“I don’t know.Maybe I’m rambling.”
I give him a small smile.“I get what you mean, even though I’ve never lived in the city.That’s why I love this town.Even when people give you a hard time, they eventually come around.”
He huffs a laugh.“Still waiting on that part.”
