“Aw. Better put your request in now.”
“I know.” Ana reaches for her sweater before rolling the cart back against the wall. “Anyway, I’m needed in radiology for a couple of hours. I’ll see you later, Miles.”
“See you. And don’t forget to call Sophie!”
Ana waves.
I chuckle. I’ll need to remind her at least three more times before she finally calls. Attention of a gnat, that one.
After giving Ruth the water jug, I confirm with Dr. Mullins about taking her some food, then take the elevator down to the main floor. Since there’s no food service at night, I have to get it for her myself.
Posters of the monthly blood drive, vaccine clinics, and other health events are taped to the walls. The music from the speakers plays soft and low. I suck in a deep breath and lean against the wall, grateful for a break. Maybe I’ll get lucky and someone will be there to hang out for a bit.
No such luck.
When I get to the cafeteria, it’s dark and empty.
An overhead light automatically flicks on as I walk to the self-service station. After seeing the options, I scan my nurse’s badge and order two chicken and rice bowls—one for Ruth, one for me. Carrying the tray to a table by the window, I allow myself a few minutes to eat. Or rather, a few minutes to pick at the food.
I haven’t wanted to admit it, but the loneliness is starting to get to me. I knew coming here without my best friend would be tough, but I didn’t expect to have no one to hang out with at all. Ana’s schedule doesn’t match mine. Our hours are close, but we work opposite days, and I haven’t clicked with anyone else.
I haven’t even explored the city yet, which is unusual for me. Most of the time, I stay holed up in my hotel room. On my days off, I might hit the pool or walk to the sandwich shop across the street, but that’s about it. I haven’t actuallyseenSalt Lake City yet.
I pick up the phone and call Sophie. No answer, so I leave a voicemail.
“Hey, darlin’. You’re probably asleep. What is it, like midnight there? Anyway, it sucks that we’re on opposite shifts this time. Sucks even more that you’re not here. Salt Lake City is seriously lame without you. Like embarrassingly lame.”
I pause, trying not to sound too needy. The last thing I want is to make her feel guilty for taking a class that’ll boost her career.
“Anyway, how’s Texas? Hopefully no one is being a racist asshole. I’ll come down there and beat them up if I need to. Okay, no I won’t, but you know Iwouldin spirit. I’m here for you. I love you. Call me.”
I slide down in my seat and twirl my phone between my fingers before opening the chicken bowl and forcing myself to take a few bites. In my seven years as a travel nurse, this is only the second time I’ve taken an assignment without Sophie. The separation anxiety is tearing a hole through me, creating a void I can’t escape. Her outgoing spirit has always been the wind in my sails, making it easier to adjust to new places. Now, I just feel like I’m wandering, lost at sea.
Six months without seeing her gorgeous face seems like an eternity.
With a sigh, I swipe to unlock my phone. Facebook’s been the only thing helping me feel remotely connected lately. I head straight for the Plant Daddies group to check for any new plant-drama. It’s quickly become my favorite corner on the internet. I mean, thousands of gay men who love plants as much as I do? Hell yes!
I’m even starting to recognize a few of the names—Samson, Geoff, Jordan. Makes me wonder if any of them are in Salt Lake City.
The first few posts give me mega plant envy. I can only dream of owning that many. Like the Birds of Paradise Geoff is tending to in the grey sweatpants? Honey, I’d give anything to have some giant um…leaveslike that.
Yes, I’m here for the men too. Sue me. Everyone is. The whole room is filled with sweet, sexy, earthy vibes, and it brightens my day.
A post with bright red alarm emojis catches my attention. Below it, a picture of a beautiful white cat fills the screen, perched on a counter next to a row of potted plants. I recognize the feline from other posts shared in the group before.
Jordan Sanchez posts:Does anyone know what these plants are and if they’re toxic for cats? I adopted them from a friend’s backyard, so I’m just starting to research, but thought I’d ask here too. Thanks. Happy seeding!
I chuckle. That term has become an inside joke with our members, a clear nod toward ourotherfavorite activity.
There are already dozens of comments on his post, but I ignore them and zoom in on the plants. The purple ones are grape hyacinth—boring—but the white ones make my heart skip a beat.
I skip the comment section and go straight for the DMs.
Me:Hey, sorry for sliding into your inbox like this. Just wanted to be sure you saw my note. That white flower youposted in the Plant Daddies group? It’s star jasmine, and unfortunately, it’s toxic to cats. If your furbaby is anything like my curious menace is, I’d keep it well out of reach. Quick rundown of things to watch for: upset stomach, glassy eyes, lethargy. If she’s puking or acting weird at all, definitely get her checked out. If she stops eating or drinking, don’t wait! (Sorry if I sound like a walking vet manual. Both of my parents are veterinarians, so I grew up hearing about this stuff on the daily.) Also, I totally guessed on the gender—she just looks like a princess. Anyway, happy to help if I can. Ta for now!
I hit send, then set my phone aside. It’s been two hours since Jordan posted. He probably already got an answer.
Looking out the window, I admire the bright moon high in the sky. If Sophie were here, she’d drag me outside to go look at it. Maybe I should go anyway, just to get some fresh air.
