“It’s so good to see you again, Nantes.”
“You too, Nicole. Sorry it’s been so long, but business has been crazy.”
She smiles. “I know. I saw the write-up inDestination Madison.” She reaches for my hand. “Are you happy?”
“I am. It’s different, obviously, but good. I miss it sometimes though. The excitement of it all.”
“But not the drama or the red tape, I bet.” She laughs, patting my hand. “We miss you around here too.”
Nicole was my closest work friend, and I’m so glad she called for a lunch date. I glance around the crowded hospital cafeteria before looking back at Nicole.
“So, how are things with Andrew?”
Her face lights up. “Really good. We’ve even talked about finally moving in together.”
“Yeah? That’s so exciting. I’m happy for you. I always liked him.”
“How about you? Found any hotties yet?”
“Sort of.” I feel my cheeks heat.
“Oh my god, you’re blushing. You must be in love.”
“Oh, no, nothing like that. I love him, but um, differently.”
She tilts her head. “I don’t understand.”
“He was my best friend growing up, so there’s a ton of history and affection between us.”
“But it’s not love?”
“Uh, well…” I rub the back of my neck. “He was straight, or thought he was, until a couple of weeks ago.”
Nicole’s eyes go wide. “Did he have an awakening?”
“He did.”
“With you.” She fans herself. “This is excellent. It’s just like my gay romance novels.”
I chuckle, shaking my head. “He lives in Chicago and has his own life there.”
“Oh, yeah, bummer. Chicago is so far.” She taps her chin. “What is that, like, two whole hours away?”
I roll my eyes. “Okay, I get it.”
“Seriously, Nantes, I’ve never seen you look so happy.”
“I don’t think I have been, but I don’t want to get my hopes up, you know? He’s taking a break from his real life, and it may be too much for him once he’s had time to process everything.”
“Hold on, I thought you were Mister Optimistic? Always walking around this place cheering people up despite the stress and trauma. Can’t you give yourself a little bit of that hope too?”
She has a point, and even after his shocking confession, he’s pretty much everything I hope for in a partner. Maybe he is ready for a career change and could see himself returning to Madison, but that feels like a big ask.
Nicole’s phone buzzes and she picks up. As she reads the page, her demeanor instantly shifts.
“Shit. Severe trauma victim. I gotta go.”
“Of course. Good luck.”
