“Again?”
“I’m sorry.Why don’t you just talk to him honestly?”
I shrug.
“Are you afraid?”
“I don’t want to pressure him.We’ve only been seeing each other for a short time, and he’s so hard to read…”
“Then start with this dinner.See how he responds, and then decide if you want to ask for more or…”
“Or...?”
“I don’t know, Martin.You’re not someone who settles for scraps.”
I sigh.
“And you don’t deserve that.You deserve someone who’s all in, whether it’s for sex, dates, or family dinners.”
“What if he only wants something casual?”
“Would that really be enough for you?”
“Probably not.”
“See?Talking to Dr Madigan really helped you.”
“I smile at her.“I have to go now.Break’s over.”
“Are you going to make that call, or are you going to chicken out?”
“See you later, Casey.”
I leave her room and walk down the corridor, my stomach in knots.Casey’s right.There’s no use putting things off or pretending.I shouldn't keep torturing myself over this.It’s just dinner.No big deal.
I pull out my phone and call him.
“Hey, Doctor.”
“Hi.”
“Are you at the hospital?”
“Yes.I was on a break and so…”
“Did you already miss me?”
“Fuck you.”
“I’ll take that as a yes.”
“I called you because there’s this thing tonight, at Chris’ house, you know, for Evan.He turned eighteen.”
“Uh-huh.”
“I was wondering if by any chance, you…”
“Ryan invited me.”
