I pause before signing a piece of paper. “What do you mean?”
A look of disbelief crosses her face. “I mean, that’s her boss, he’s your friend, and he pretty much runs this hospital. You didn’t think to ask if dating someone at work was okay? Especially someone who views her like a daughter.”
A hot sweat breaks out over my forehead. I didn’t think to ask. I didn’t think it mattered. We’re both grown adults.
“By the look on your face right now, I’m going to go out on a limb and say no, you didn’t think.”
“I’ve talked to him since. He hasn’t said anything to me.”
She glares at me. “Why should he ask you? You need to talk to him. He’s probably waiting for you to bring it up. And I wouldn’t keep Dr. Warrick waiting. That’s one man in this place I wouldn’t want to piss off. His father, Warrick Sr., might own the hospitals, but make no mistake who runs this place. It’s Dr. Warrick. What if he decides he doesn’t want you to have a relationship here? One phone call and that’s all it takes—you’re out of here. Olivia won’t go anywhere. He’ll protect her until his dying day.”
Nerves overtake me. She’s right. She’s absolutely right. I shouldn’t have waited this long to talk to him. Maybe Olivia has talked to him? I check my watch, groaning when I see that five o’clock has come and gone. Olivia has left for the day, but Winston hasn’t.
“Okay. I’m going to go talk to him now. My patients are settled. Page me if anything happens.”
“Good luck,” she singsongs.
My phone vibrates in my pocket with a message from Olivia. I hit the button on the elevator to go to Winston’s office. His surgeries are most likely done for the day and he’s wrapping up.
Olivia:Do you need anything for our movie night tonight? I’m going to go grab some groceries and junk food.
I’m not used to having plans after work. My smile comes back, banishing my worry about Winston. If he wants to fire me, then fine. I’ll live. I’ll work somewhere else, but there’s no way in hell I’ll ever stop dating Olivia.
Me:I would really love popcorn and sour candy. They pair well together. And some soda. I don’t care what kind. I’m not picky. Let’s get some frozen pizzas too. Chips. Let’s stay up all night and watch every scary movie known to man since we have the weekend off.
When the elevators doors open, Winston is there, and he gives me a big grin, slapping me on the shoulder. He’s with Dr. Washington.
“Perfect. Just the man we were looking for,” Dr. Washington informs me.
“At your service.” I bow.
“I can do your surgery in three days. You’re on the schedule. Winston says you have a support system now so there’s no reason to wait. Every day that passes, your father gets worse.”
Winston would only know that if he’s talked to Olivia, which might make matters worse for me. I’m not used to answering to people. I’m always the one being answered to. I’ve been alone for far too long.
“Sounds great. Thanks, Dr. Washington.”
“No problem. I have a few patients I have to check on. Excuse me.” She leaves us with two nurses flanking her side as she rushes down the hallway to another patient’s room.
Dr. Warrick stays, staring at me with knowing eyes, waiting for me to say something.
“I should have told you about us, about Olivia,” I clarify. “I’m not used to having someone to talk to. It didn’t cross my mind. I’m sorry about that.”
“I’m not your keeper,” he begins. “I’m your friend. I’m happy for you both. I still can’t believe that she’s who you’ve been talking to this entire time. But it doesn’t surprise me with Olivia. She’s bold like that. She goes after what she wants. She told me about you two about a week ago. I was just waiting until you felt comfortable enough to tell me.”
“It didn’t have anything to do with comfort. I was in my own head. I was comfortable with how things were, and it comes down to remembering that I’m not alone anymore. It’s going to take some time to break the lonely habits, if that makes sense.”
“It does. I completely understand. There are no hard feelings. If you hurt her, though, I will kill you.” His face loses all humor and kindness, his jaw locked in place, the muscles tense. His eyes turn a darker shade of blue, a warning of a storm ahead. “She is important to me. Don’t get me wrong, you are too, but she’s family to me. I’m on her side, always, no matter how close you and I get, no matter how strong our friendship becomes, I will always choose my daughter’s side. Are we clear?”
I love hearing that. I love knowing Olivia has a father figure in her life. Olivia and I stayed up so late the other day, learning about each other’s pasts, and both of us lost a parent when we were young. Winston has stepped up, and even though she’s a grown woman, he’s still there for her.
I tell him, “I’d never ask you to choose sides. If I were you, I’d do the same. I want you to know I’m going to take care of her. I love her.” I hold out my hand and hope he will take it. I’ve never really had to deal with a protective father before.
My ex-wife, her parents were out of the picture. They weren’t close. Olivia knows about her already, since I wanted to reassure her that she isn’t a threat. I never speak to her and I don’t miss her.
It doesn’t compare to how I miss Olivia. Even though I saw her this morning, I’m counting the seconds until I can see her again. Only a few more hours and I can wrap my arms around her while we watch every horror movie known to mankind.
Winston shakes my hand, a smile back on his face. “Good to hear. I’m happy for you both. I should have put it together sooner. At the meeting, you two couldn’t keep your eyes off each other.”
