“Four, maybe?” He shrugged.
“That’s real progress, Oliver.”
“I was still slightly tender last night when the doc poked at my abdomen.”
“That will get better, promise.” I nodded. “I’m hopeful once your labs are updated and good, today could be the day the doctor gives us the clearance to start increasing your selection of foods in your diet.”
“I’d kill for a steak.”
“I have a sneaking suspicion that won’t be on the menu, and if it were, I can only imagine how rubbery it would be.” My body shuddered just thinking about it. “Ick. Yeah, no. Let’s not even go there.”
“Has anyone ever told you you’re a real gem, Lily?”
“Ah, no.”
“Then let me be the first. You’re one of the special ones who genuinely care about your patients, which is why I cooperatewith you. You’ve been the only bright spot in what has been an otherwise awful situation.”
My heart swelled. “That’s very kind of you to say, thank you.” Knowing I was making a difference meant the world to me. If I could help make someone’s day a little brighter, then the stress of the job was more than worth it. “Now, how about before you take your pill, you let me check your vitals so we can get the ball rolling on this fine morning.”
“Have at it. Better you than Nurse Grouchy at three in the morning.”
“So, did Jaxon go all out for Valentine’s, or what?” Erica asked, pinning her badge to the pocket on her scrubs.
“He was working, so we’re doing our official celebration tonight.”
“Good thing you’re off for the next few days,” she said with a telling smirk.
“Why? What are you implying?” I narrowed my eyes, already knowing exactly what she was hinting at, but I wanted to hear her say it.
“Because, girl, you won’t be walking straight tomorrow,” she cocked her head to the side.
I burst out laughing and shook my head. “You’re ridiculous. But also accurate.” I couldn’t stop myself from grinning.
“Damn, I’m just going to live vicariously through you if you don’t mind.”
“What happened to the guy you were seeing, Darius, was it?”
“The sex was great, but it was just casual in the end. I didn’t see it going anywhere, so I thought it was best we moved on.”
“Gotcha. I honestly don’t know how you do it with the dating apps.”
“Yeah, dating isn’t what it used to be, or so my mom keeps telling me. I leave my location services on for my parents still.”
“That’s smart,” I said.
“Gotta be safe out there.”
I knew that all too well.
I woke my phone’s screen to check the time. “All right, I’m officially off the clock.”
“Sounds good. Enjoy your evening.”
“Thanks, and here’s hoping the call bells are few and far between.”
“One can only dream.”
I took the stairs to the main level, exited the building, and headed to the employee parking lot, texting Jaxon along the way.
