More Than a Match (Forever After)

CHAPTER 1 MINA

I fumble with my keys, muttering to myself as I step onto the porch. The air is balmy, and the sunset behind me is breathtaking, though I hardly notice. I get the door unlocked and step inside, still mumbling under my breath.

“Mina! Darling, how did it go? Calvin is perfect, no?”

My mother smiles expectantly from the couch, hands clasped. There are two cups of tea on the table in front of her: one, presumably, for me.

“I don’t want to talk about it, Mother.”

There’s a lot I could say, like the fact that he insulted women constantly throughout the evening, or that his smile never reached his cold, emotionless eyes. I could tell her that he’s obviously looking for a subservient housewife to tend his every need, not a strong woman with a mind and career of her own. I could say that his horrified expression when I ordered both an appetizer and an entrée was enough to make me order a dessert out of spite. But I won’t say all that. I’ll keep my mouth shut.

“Why not? He’s a perfect match! He’s smart, he has a wonderful career, and he’s so handsome. Any girl would be lucky to have a man like him.”

“I said I don’t want to talk about it, Mom.”

“Tch.” Mother throws her hands up and clicks her tongue at me. “What did you do to this one, Mina? You can’t keep scaring away all the eligible bachelors!”

“Why do you automatically assume I did something? Why can’t it just be a bad match, and we leave it at that?” I head to the kitchen and drop my purse and keys on the table and move back into the sitting area to face her. “Why can’t you just accept that these men you keep trying to set me up with are not the type of man I’m looking for?”

“Well, I don’t know why you’re so upset!” My mother throws her hands up again. “I only want what’s best for you!”

“Do you? Or do you want what looks best for me?”

“What on earth is that supposed to mean? It’s not my fault you approach these men like a tiger with your claws out, and then act surprised when they flee.”

I sigh deeply and press my fingers against the bridge of my nose. “I’m tired, Mother. I’m going to my room.”

“This conversation isn’t over, young lady!”

“It is. Goodnight.”

I turn on my heel and stride toward my room. As I round the corner, I nearly collide with my father.

“Mina! My princess. How did your date go?” he asks with a wink and a smile.

“Terrible, Papa. I’m going to go take a bath and go to bed.”

“But it’s so early,” he protests, his smile turning into a frown. “Stay up a little and we’ll talk about it.”

“I have rounds in the morning and I can’t be late. Work takes priority over some dumb boy.”

He smiles and pats me on the arm. “That’s my girl. I understand.”

“Goodnight, Papa.”

“Goodnight, Princess.”

I make it into my room and close the door behind me, leaning against the frame. I know my parents mean well, but they just don’t get it. They want me to marry someone ‘worthy’, but these men… scumbags and rats, the lot of them.

I check my phone and see a message from my best friend, Katie.

I shuffle to my bathroom, stripping as I go. I’ll pick up the clothes later. For now, I just need a good long soak and a restful night. I’ve got a long day tomorrow.

Rounds couldn’t have gone worse , I think as I hustle to the locker room. My scrubs are soaked with urine, thanks to a faulty catheter bag. I need to shower and change before I can move on with my day. The last thing I need is to walk around smelling like a dirty urinal. Thankfully, the lounge and adjoining locker room is usually empty this time of the morning, so my shame is most likely witnessed only by everyone who was in the room during the examination. And everyone they tell, that little voice in my head reminds me . I shake off the embarrassment creeping in. This is medicine. This kind of thing happens all the time.

I get to the locker room and strip quickly, before even opening my cubby. I have to move fast, and I can’t let a little thing like modesty slow me down. Thankfully, the room is empty. I bend over to pick up the soiled scrubs. Could you imagine if… my train of thought screeches to a halt as I hear a sharp intake of breath behind me . Fuck. I don’t have to imagine. There’s someone else in here.

I stand up and turn slowly, trying to hold the scrubs over my exposed body, though I know whoever is behind me just got a close-up view of my entire private collection as I bent over. It’s a janitor. We lock eyes, and I feel my whole body flush.

He looks to be about my age, and holy shit is he hot . His eyebrows are raised, and a slight smirk plays on his lips.

“I can come back,” he says, clearly trying not to laugh. He keeps his eyes focused on my face, which doesn’t help the blush staining my cheeks.

“S-sorry! I just needed to rinse off quick,” I manage to stammer, gesturing toward the showers. In doing so, I move the scrubs, exposing myself to him again. Dammit. Pull yourself together, Mina. “Oh god! Sorry!” I choke out again, unable to stop the fresh wave of embarrassment from turning my cheeks an even darker shade of red.

He smirks again. “No worries. Definitely not the worst thing I’ve seen since working here. I’ll come back in a few minutes.”

He turns and walks away, and I can hear him chuckling to himself. I practically sprint to the shower and turn on the faucet, praying that maybe the water will miraculously wash away the shame burning through me. I glance down at my watch and groan. I’ve only been at work for two hours. This is going to be a long day.