I shrug, pretending to focus on stirring.“She’s really sweet.I didn’t tell her anything.”
“She is.I’ll probably have to remind her not to mention you to my parents or anyone else.”It makes sense, because it would make it something we’d have to define, something we’d have to explain.
“You said you’ve had flings before.”I wave him off, still not meeting his eyes.Because I need to know.I need to understand if I’m different.
“Yeah,” he says.“None of them have met anyone close to me.”
I blink, surprised by his honesty.My hand pauses mid-stir.“Oh.”
He straightens the stack of papers on his desk.“Once we’re back from the tour, we’ll go through the list for today.But I want you to take the lead on the patients.”
I look up, smiling.“You sure?”
He nods.“You know how I work now.I trust you.”
There it is again.That word.Trust.
I nod and carry our cups over.
I sit on the opposite side of the desk, putting a much-needed barrier between us,and we run through the patient list.
But I can feel his eyes on me when he thinks I’m not looking.
It’s Friday, the grand opening of the new pediatrics ward, and the hospital is electric.There are people everywhere, includingPulse Bulletin, who are running around, and there are even some photographers and reporters who have flown in from out of town.The energy is contagious.This is a huge deal for the hospital and for the community, and I get to be here for it.
I haven’t seen much of Brant this morning.We’re both back on day shifts, and with all the board members, chiefs, and my dad around, we’ve barely crossed paths.
The second I spot Scarlet, Dusty, and Greer walking down the corridor, I break into a light jog, weaving through people and dodging a photographer.“Hey!”I call out, throwing my arms around Scarlet.She lets out a small squeal of delight and hugs me tight.Her parents walk behind them, and I hug them, too, swept up in the moment.
“I’m so excited to see the final result,” I say, breathless with genuine joy.
Scarlet leans back, eyes wide.“You haven’t seen it yet?Not even a sneak peek?”
“I walked through it with Brant.”I smile.
Her grin stretches wide.“Dusty and I are very excited.”
I glance down, grinning.Dusty’s dressed head to toe like Buzz Lightyear.
“Well, looks like Buzz is leading the way today.”I wink at him, and he beams up at me.
Out of the corner of my eye, I catch a familiar figure.Brant.He’s standing with other department heads, arms crossed, shoulders squared.Conversation swirls around him, but his gaze is locked on me.
I look away quickly, cheeks heating.He really should stop doing that.If someone notices…
The crowd begins to gather as my dad steps forward to a long red ribbon that stretches across the entrance, followed by Dr.Gould and a few other ward chiefs, board members, and the Kings.
My dad takes the scissors and smiles for photos.I watch him, and something warm swells in my chest.I’m proud of him and proud to be here.He cuts the ribbon, and I applaud with the rest of the room.
This is what it’s all about.Knowing that lives will be saved here.And I get to be a part of it.Even if just for a few more months.
I glance around at the joy on people’s faces, noting the pride, and for some, the pure exhaustion from all the early mornings, meetings, and paperwork to get here.
Then I glance back at Brant.
He’s still watching me, but people move forward, cutting off my view.
I follow Scarlet and her family into the new wing.Light spills in from oversized windows, catching on the glossy floors.The walls are painted in warm pastels.The rooms are bright and fresh, with updated equipment and wider beds.The nurses’ station is sleek and modern, with two extra offices tucked behind glass partitions.
