14. Gabby
14
Gabby
“ H ow’d it go?” Michelle puts out a plate of freshly baked cranberry orange muffins on our farmhouse-style table. The citrusy sweet smell makes it feel like an autumn day, even though we’re still several months off.
“Great. Just fan-freaking-tastic.” I grab my coffee mug and take a seat across from Aly. Thanks to my work schedule, I haven’t had the chance to update the girls on the disaster dinner. This wasn’t something I could explain over a group text and I wanted to make sure they were both present when I told them. Telling the story twice would have been torturous, although with Travis being Jax’s best friend, I’m sure Aly is aware of some of it.
“Uh-oh. Did he get mad when you told him you found out about his plan?” Michelle asks while placing a muffin on her plate. Her freshly manicured nails match the pink hearts on her coffee cup. Even in jeans and a T-shirt, she always looks so put together—a trait, she says, of being a member of her prestigious family .
“I didn’t have a chance.” I add way too much sugar to my extra-large coffee. I’m going to need all the caffeine I can get today. “First, he gave me a gift for starting my new job, so I waited a bit because that just seemed like awful timing. Then the dinner, which I expected to be subpar, turned out to be a repulsive mess. So, we ordered pizza and watched a movie. I figured once things settled down, I’d tell him. But then Gus got into the garbage—”
“Oh no!” Michelle gasps.
“Yeah.” Aly winces. “Jax told me about that part. He said that Travis was pretty pissed that he had to sleep with all his windows open and fans on,” Aly explains to Michelle. “Gus had a major case of flatulence that stunk up the entire house.”
“Oh my gosh! I’m sorry, but that’s so funny.” Michelle cracks up.
“You should’ve seen Alex when he tried to pull Gus away from the garbage and tugged on his stomach too hard.” The memory stirs up some giggles. I don’t think it would’ve been as funny had it happened to someone else in our group of friends. There’s just something special about Alex. It’s impossible to say his name without smiling.
“But in all seriousness.” I look at Aly. “Do you know if Gus is okay?” I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if I caused any pain or suffering to the furry guy. Granted, it was accidental, but we still should’ve paid more attention to where he was.
“He’s completely fine. I saw him the other day when I went to the house to drop off paint samples for the baby’s nursery.” Aly places her hand over her stomach. She’s finally starting to show.
“Why would Alex bring Gus over?” Michelle asks. “I thought he and Travis were attached at the hip.”
“It was part of Alex’s plan to prove to Gabby that he’s responsible.” Aly picks at her muffin. “I also thought it was weird Travis would let Alex take Gus, so I pressed Jax for more information.”
“I’m surprised Jax gave that knowledge up so willingly.” Michelle looks at Aly.
“Oh, he didn’t…at first.” A mischievous grin spreads across Aly’s face. “But I’ve found ways to persuade him.”
“Aly! That’s so underhanded.” I reach across the table to high-five her. “I love it!”
“I’m not going to lie, I had fun. Next time, I’m going to try to figure out what he got me for my birthday.” She tilts her head to the side as if in deep thought. “I think he’s hiding it at his sister’s house. But anyway, if there’s anything else you want to find out, just let me know.”
“Not right now. It makes sense that he was trying to check things off his list.” I look at Aly. “I’m glad to know I have a secret weapon in case I have more questions.”
“Happy to help.” She gives a fake salute.
“What are you going to do now?” Michelle stirs her coffee.
“I have no idea.” I shake my head, defeated. “Did I tell you that I agreed to be his plus-one at his parents’ anniversary party? It was before I found the list.”
“Are you going to cancel on him?” Aly gives me a melancholy look. I’m sure she thinks I’m being ridiculous about this whole thing. I mean, who in their right mind would give up an opportunity to be with a man like Alex?
“No. If I had found his list beforehand, I would’ve made up an excuse that I couldn’t get out of work. He was so excited when I told him I’d go. I can’t do that to him.”
“Maybe that’s when you can have a talk with him,” Michelle suggests. “Isn’t it a long car ride?”
“About three hours each way. But I can’t do it then. I don’t want to make the trip awkward.” I rest my chin on my hand and let out a sigh. “It just seems like it’s never the right time. ”
“Have you considered there’s a reason why it’s never the right time?” Aly asks.
“What do you mean?”
“Maybe it’s never a good time to have a talk with him because you’re supposed to be together.”
I’d be lying if I said that hasn’t crossed my mind.
***
I shuffle my feet while waiting in line at the hospital cafeteria. Starboard Beach Community Hospital isn’t known for their stellar selection of food, but they do make a decent buffalo chicken salad. I planned on having leftover chili, but someone must’ve beat me to it. I smile to myself thinking of Alex—it had to be him—although Carter would eat us out of the condo if we let him. I really don’t mind it. It’s in my nature to take care of people and cooking is sort of my love language. I might not be able to give my heart to anyone, but I can show I care with a home-cooked meal.
“What do you recommend?” a voice says, startling me.
“Excuse me?” I turn to see a slender, fair-haired man standing next to me in dark dress pants and a crisp gray button-down shirt. His name tag reads Dr. Joshua Payne, Proctology.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you. I never eat here, but I forgot my lunch. I was wondering if you have any recommendations.” He smiles. It’s a nice smile, but nothing compared to Alex’s megawatt smile. I’m a sucker for those dimples of his.
Dammit, I have to stop thinking about him .
“Oh, well, I’m getting the buffalo chicken salad. The turkey club is okay too. But stay away from the meatloaf and roast beef.” I scrunch up my nose and shake my head.
“Got it. Stick with the food that clucks.”
“Pretty much.” I laugh and size him up again. “I haven’t seen you around. Are you new here?” Our hospital is small compared to others, but it’s still big enough that you can work in the same building for years and not know everyone.
“Sorta.” He grabs a turkey club sandwich and places it on his tray as we make our way through the cafeteria line. “I was a resident here a few years ago, then I worked as a traveling doctor for a bit. That contract ended, so I decided to come back to where I started. I’m Josh, by the way.” He extends his hand to shake mine.
“I’m Gabriella, but most of my friends call me Gabby.” I return his handshake.
“Can I call you Gabriella or Gabby?” He gives a little wink.
“You seem friendly enough. I guess you can call me Gabby.”
“Well, it’s nice to meet you, Gabby. Can I join you for lunch?” he asks as we scan our ID cards to pay for our meals.
“Sure,” I reply. I usually sit alone on my lunch break and read, but I guess I can make an exception today. Especially if he’s new…or sort of new. I know what it feels like to be in a place where you don’t know anyone. Although, lucky for me, it didn’t take as long as I thought it would to adjust. I glance around the cafeteria and spot an empty table that overlooks the courtyard. “How about we grab that spot over there?” I point.
“Looks great,” Josh replies and makes a sweeping movement with his hands. “Ladies first.”
As soon as I settle in at the table, I realize I’ve made a terrible mistake. On sunny days, the crew from the firehouse and first aid squad like to relax in the courtyard for some fresh air in between calls. Looking out the window, I see a couple of guys wearing matching Starboard Beach Fire Department shirts gathered round a table. My eyes fixate on a tall, dark, and handsome man holding what looks to be an energy drink in one hand while his other hand waves frantically in the air. No doubt, he’s telling some elaborate story to his buddies.
The sound of Josh’s tray hitting the table snaps me back to reality. He sits down across from me, completely oblivious to the crowd in the courtyard.
“I don’t remember you from last time I was here. Although you might not have been old enough to work here a few years ago. Are you new?” Josh asks while unwrapping his sandwich.
“I’m twenty-seven.” I pop open my can of Diet Coke. I know I look younger. I’ve had patients ask me if I was even old enough to be a nurse. My short stature doesn’t help either. “I moved here from Arizona a little over a year ago.”
“Oh yeah, what part?”
“Phoenix.”
“Ah, that’s a great area.” Josh sits back in his chair. “I went to a conference in Sedona a few years back and stayed a week longer to explore. Red Rock State Park was captivating and the weather was fantastic. I’m surprised you’d want to leave.”
“It’s a gorgeous place,” I agree. My parents couldn’t afford to take us on big vacations like some of my classmates. While my peers recounted stories of summers spent at Disney or on a cruise, we stayed within driving distance of our apartment. I never minded or felt like I was missing out. Arizona has plenty to explore, and my family always had a blast on our road trips. It’s probably why I was so quick to accept Alex’s offer when he asked me to take the ride with him.
“What brought you here? A significant other, perhaps?” His eyes home in on my left hand, presumably looking for a ring .
“Oh no. Nothing like that. I just…needed a change.” I grab my fork and start picking at my salad, then subtly change the subject. “You mentioned you traveled. Tell me about where else you’ve gone.”
Josh takes the bait and excitedly tells me about the places he’s seen, people he’s met, and food he’s tried. I half listen, trying to keep my focus on my company in front of me and not out the window. From the angle I’m sitting, I can see Alex perfectly, but he can’t see me. I kind of like this advantage.
The guys from the station gather up their lunch, and I’m disappointed that they’re leaving so soon. Alex stands and tosses his drink into a trash can like he’s sinking a basketball into a net. He does a small celebration dance when the can hits its intended target. I try to pull my eyes away, but then he lifts the hem of his shirt and uses it to wipe some sweat above his brow. I see him with less clothes on all the time, but it’s a view I don’t think I’ll ever tire of. His defined abs make a perfect “V” that leads straight to his—
“Are you free Saturday night?” Josh asks.
I snap my gaze from the window so fast, I feel like I’ve given myself a minor case of whiplash.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t hear you.” I flush, thinking I’ve been caught ogling my neighbor, but Josh seems completely oblivious.
“I asked if you were free Saturday night.” He gives a pleasant smile. “I’d love to take you out to dinner.”
“Oh, umm.” I chew on my lower lip.
“I’m sorry.” Josh’s face falters. “Is there someone else?”
“Oh no,” I stammer and wave my hand around nonchalantly. “Nothing like that.” My immediate reaction is to turn him down. I’ve never had trouble turning down other offers in the past. But an idea pops in my head. If I go on a date with Josh, maybe Alex will move on from me and find someone else. Someone he deserves. Someone who’s not broken and who’s capable of loving him with their whole heart. My stomach sinks thinking of what I’m about to do, but I’m doing this for him.
Josh watches me with bated breath.
“I’m actually working Saturday night.” I fidget with my napkin. “But I’m free on Friday.”
Josh’s hazel eyes light up at my response. He pulls out his phone and taps it a few times. “I have a late meeting on Friday, but if you don’t mind, I can leave from there and meet you somewhere. Have you ever eaten at The Lighthouse?”
“No, but I’ve heard good things about it.” I know it’s slightly more upscale than The Local, which is my friends’ usual go-to. And though I love the food there, it might be nice to try something different. Maybe this will turn out okay after all.
“Perfect!” Josh says gleefully. “Want to meet there at seven?”
“Sure. That will work.” I force a smile, convincing myself this is for the best.
“Then it’s a date!” Josh winks.
We say our goodbyes. I throw out my barely touched lunch and head back to my department. My stomach feels like I’m on the downside of a roller coaster and there’s no end in sight. I try to convince myself that I’m doing the best thing for my heart. The best thing for me, so I don’t have to go through that pain of losing someone again. But the pain I’m feeling now, with the potential of hurting Alex all for the purpose of getting him to move on and find someone else, completely destroys me.
If I’m being truthful with myself, I’m not sure whether I hope this will work or not.