Noah would be waiting for me when I finished, and that was what I needed to focus on. Someone out there gave a fuck about me, and I wanted to spend my lunch break with him. That couldn't happen if I didn't get my shit together and finish this properly.
I was half an hour behind schedule when I walked out, stripping off my gown and gloves. With a groan, I leaned against the sink and washed methodically. It could have been worse.
When I stepped out, it was Noah waiting for me, not Patricia. My heart picked up its pace at the sight of him, but I also felt relief. With a huge grin, he pulled me close and kissed me chastely.
“Hope it’s okay that I’m down here.”
“Of course, but I’ll have to show you where my office is so you can wait for me there in the future.”
“I like seeing this side of you.” He touched my cap. “I can’t even explain why I like the way this looks.”
Shrugging, I blushed. “No idea.”
“Ready to eat?”
I was so ready to decompress from the stressful morning. We left the hospital so no one would bother us, and as he drove through the city, I felt myself calming again.
He found another casual place, which was becoming a trend with us. When we sat down, it was no longer across from each other, but as close as possible.
“I have a follow-up appointment with your father this afternoon,” I told him after we ordered.
“Surely, he’s perfectly healthy by now.”
“That’s what I’m hoping to declare today, then he won’t need to see me professionally anymore. Not unless something comes up, at least.”
“He quit smoking ages ago, but his COPD still flares up occasionally.”
“He maintains it well, from what I can see and hear in his lungs.”
Noah nodded, watching me carefully until I squirmed under his gaze.
“Vicki and Gio’s wedding is coming up soon. Will you come with me?”
Nervousness stole over me again, ruining my calmness. “But she doesn't like me.”
“She specifically asked if you’d be my plus-one.”
“But . . . she doesn’t like me, Noah. I don't want to cause a scene at her wedding.”
He took my hand, bringing it up to kiss the palm. “She doesn't dislike you. We held the same feelings about Dad’s previous doctor, and, well, I shit talked you at first. Vicki just hopped on the loyalty train, but she’s let that go now.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. Now that we’re together, she's ready to welcome you into the family.”
I choked on my drink. “What now?”
“Family, Sailor. Assuming love means the same thing to you as it does to me.”
My head wanted to spin. “I hadn't thought that far ahead yet.”
Had he? Was he already leaps and bounds ahead of me?
“I don't mean to blindside you.” Leaning against me, he continued, “But that’s how I feel.”
“The future has always been a little scary for me. Other than planning for med school, I’ve been a day-at-a-time girl.”
“Okay. We'll drop it for now, but the wedding is still important to me. You have no idea how much more at ease I feel when I’m around you. I need you by my side.”
