COFFEE
My feet hurt, and my back ached. The double shifts at the hospital had started to wear me down.
I was nearing the end of my residency and determined to make New York my new home.
Although my residency was here, I still had to apply, which I did, and I was currently waiting for a response.
I applied to two other hospitals. One was out of state, and the other was here in New York.
I received an offer from one, and I was still waiting to hear back from the other.
My nerves have been on edge since I applied because I wasn’t sure which direction my life was heading.
So, to have the moment Chase and I shared, I needed a bit of relief.
Since returning to the hospital, I had back-to-back patients to see.
There was finally a small break, and I decided to step outside and enjoy some of the winter air.
I only had a few hours left in my shift before my Christmas weekend started.
Chase and Gucci decided to spend the holidays at a cabin in the woods; however, I would much rather spend them at home with my family.
I laughed out loud at the thought. I had a fucking family— a husband, a son, and now a daughter.
I still wasn’t sure how I felt about having Kira around.
Babysitting her from time to time was one thing but calling her permanently mine felt different.
Part of me was still mad at Chase for how he handled things.
I’ve been trying to find ways to get over it, but knowing that we were stepping into a role as parents to a little girl who already had a parent felt wrong.
I promised myself I wouldn’t mess up the holidays this year because last year, I reminded Chase every day that he forced something on me without even talking to me about it.
The cold breeze and snow started to give me the chills, so I knew it was time to go back inside.
Before I could re-enter the hospital, the director approached me.
He had become my mentor during my time here.
Dr. Fredrick Lucas was one of the youngest directors in the state.
So, seeing him navigate a hospital was a big deal.
He tucked his hands into his pockets as he turned to me, “Dr. Carter, don’t you think it's a little too cold for you to be standing out here?” he asked.
I looked around and then over his shoulders, peering through the window at the people moving inside the hospital. “I don’t think anything is colder than what’s beyond those walls.” I laughed.
He nodded slowly. Dr. Lucas is a handsome man.
His height suggested he might have been a basketball player, but his physique showed he took care of himself in the best possible way.
His skin is the color of a chestnut; his smile is that of someone who never had to lift a finger.
His mind is that of a genius. However, he lacked something that didn’t give him that extra push.
He lowered his head and laughed, “You always know how to come up with a clever comeback. I must admit that was a good one. Walk with me, will you?” he asked as he pulled his hand from his pocket and opened the door for me.
Before I stepped inside, I looked back at the busy streets, feeling a familiar rush of emotions that warm sense of love and the darker feeling of obsession. Chase was nearby.
I took a deep breath and stepped into the hospital.
As we walked through, Dr. Lucas gestured around.
“This hospital has come a long way. We’ve gone from having the worst save rate to the highest. I pride myself on keeping doctors and surgeons who I think are capable and the best,” he paused, stopping and turning to me.
“I think you should make this your permanent home. You are incredible,” he paused again as his eyes lowered to me.
“Smart,” his voice softened. “And beautiful as hell. I would love it. Hell, it would make me a happy ma- I mean director if you stay after your residency.”
My head tilted slightly to the side as I looked at him.
A waste of a man who couldn’t find any other woman to pursue than a married one.
A man who probably does this often with women doctors, nurses, techs, and whoever else catches his eye.
I knew he had been wanting to say things to me, but he had kept things professional so far, so I let it go, but he had the wrong girl.
I smiled. “The offer,” I paused. “Sounds good. However, Dr. Lucas, I can assure you it’s not my time here that you should be worried about, but your time breathing that should be a concern. The answer is no, so please, while you can, enjoy your holiday.”
With that, I walked away. I hated knowing what was coming next for him, but the thought of men like that made me sick.
Even if he lost his job or vanished during the holiday season, someone else would be put right in his place.
Dr. Lucas’s doing exactly what he did made my decision about what I should do easier.
I pulled out my phone, opened an email, and accepted the out-of-state offer.
I knew this was my farewell to New York, but convincing Chase to move again would be a challenge.