I chuckle, scratching the back of my head. “I know, but I was in my own head about a few things. I had to work those out first.”
My phone dings again.
It’s a picture from Olivia with a cart full of food. So many different chips, dips, drinks, pizzas, veggies, fruit, and anything and everything else.
Me:Did you shop on an empty stomach? That’s a lot, sweetheart.
Olivia:And?
I turn the phone to Winston and he full-on bellows, his laughter causing a few heads to turn.
“Half of that won’t get eaten,” I say.
“You’d be wrong. Have you not paid attention? Olivia loves food. None of that will go to waste. Any plans tonight?”
“Movie marathon. Horror movies.”
“Really? Huh. Interesting.”
I grip his arm as he turns to walk away. “What do you meanhuh? What’s that mean?”
“She doesn’t like scary movies.”
“Oh.” I frown, completely confused. “But it was her idea.”
Winston grips my shoulder. “Because she wants to be scared withyou, dumbass,” he grumbles. “I have to go. We’ll talk later, okay? I have to go teach some of these new interns how to take an appendix out.”
She trusts me enough to keep her safe while she’s afraid. That has me standing a little taller. Knowing she’s choosing to be afraid so I can keep her safe has me feeling…very protective. I wish I was with her right now. I’ll protect her from everything in this world. From horror movies to how horrid reality can be, I’m going to be there.
“I’ll walk with you.” I tuck my hands in my pockets, noticing I have about an hour before I scrub in on my own surgery. “I forgot we’re transitioning into a teaching hospital. Was that your idea?”
“It was. I was shocked to find out how many applicants we received. I’m excited. I think we can have the best teaching hospital in the country. We have too many top-of-the-line surgeons here to have their talent not be taught to others. It’s time we start raising the bar. My brother is also one of the best trauma surgeons, and he’ll be here in a few weeks.”
“How’s he doing?”
Winston sighs. “He’s making progress, but the man’s heart is broken. He’s ready to come back to work, but I won’t let him. Notwithout going to grief counseling. He suffered a trauma of his own and the deal with him working here was him following my guidelines. He has to go to therapy. If not, he can’t work here.”
“With you by his side, I have no doubt that he’ll be okay. You’re a good brother, Winston.”
“I do what I can. Okay, want to watch the surgery in the viewing room?”
I check my watch again. “I have some time to kill. Let’s see how your interns do.”
“I’m excited. They’re going to be so terrified. Ah, the good old days, right?”
“Hell no. You couldn’t pay me go back.”
I only ever want to go forward.
With Olivia.
22
OLIVIA
I might have goneshopping on an empty stomach. And? Food is made to be enjoyed. I might have gotten a little carried away. When it comes to movies, why not have a buffet of goodies to choose from?
The cart is overflowing and I’m still not done. I like to go up and down every aisle to make sure I don’t miss anything. On top of getting goodies for movie night, I am getting actual groceries too. We can’t survive on candy and chips—I mean, we could, but I’m not sure how healthy that would be.
