Jocelyn
Your love language is physical touch.
—My Therapist
Pool Party Saturday is terrible.
Cassie Hersl is here.
It’s not Asher’s fault. He tried everything to steer the conversation away yesterday in the OR physician lounge, but she was tenacious.
What are your plans this weekend?... Oh, that sounds fun. I’d love to come... Busy? No, I’m not busy at all... I’ll bring beer.
She didn’t even bring good beer.
Having her in my domain is like letting a porcupine into my bed. Suddenly, everything is far less comfortable. Any move I make might result in bodily harm. Dark hair perfectly slicked into a bun, sun-bronzed skin gleaming in the gold light, Cassie’s like a goddess in a strappy one-piece thatsomehow shows off more skin than my bikini. The sheer white coverup I thought was so cute before feels frumpy now.
We’ve gathered at the porch table to eat, and Cassie’s crowded into Asher’s space. She keeps putting her hand on his arm.
Yes, it’s technically Asher’s house, but Asher is, like... mine. If she keeps hanging on him like that, I’ll drown her in the pool.
Gah, when did I get so possessive?
I’m jerked out of my troubled thoughts when the entire table bursts into giggles, Cassie loudest of all. “You’re kidding!” she says, beaming at Asher. “It splashed right in her eye?”
He shrugs. “I told her it isn’t wise to do spec exams in triage without eyewear. The residents don’t take me seriously. She laughed at me.”
Evie, the OB hospitalist, throws a chip at Asher. “That’s not even the funniest part. Tell her the rest.”
The entire crowd leans in, waiting for the punchline.
Asher chuckles. “The swab came back positive for gonorrhea.”
Ugh! Eyeball gonorrhea infection?
“Shit!” Cassie moves her hand to Asher’s shoulder. “What did the poor girl have to do?”
I laser focus on that red-polished hand. Grazing that lean, tanned shoulder. I’m going to maim her.
“Eyedrops.” Asher leans forward to grab his beer, effectively removing Cassie’s hand from his person.
Thank you, universe.
Geoff shudders. “That’s disgusting.”
“Yeah.” Yayoi holds a palm over her mouth, looking a tad green. “It didn’t hit me this hard the last time you told me this story.”
Geoff rubs her back.
She swallows and shakes herself. “Remind me why I wanted this baby?”
“Don’t ask me.” Geoff laughs. “I was just there for moral support.”
“And charitable donations,” Asher quips.
Everyone chuckles.
“Did you all hear what happened to Doctor Bender?” Cassie asks.
