Page 53 of Dr. Intern

He studies the table, pushing his fork through his side salad. “Yep, that’s starting to become more and more evident.”

I don’t press him. I figure if he wants to tell me what’s going on, he will. But I’m happy to sit and keep him company.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned in life, it’s that silence can be a powerful tool. It gives space for those who are usually reserved, like Parker and Walker, to open up when they’re ready. Sometimes they do and sometimes they don’t, but at least I gave them the opportunity.

After a while, Walker leans back in his chair, a weight seeming to lift off his shoulders as he begins to speak. “My wife is, uh, not pleased with me at the moment.”

See?

I didn’t even know he was married.

Silence can be powerful.

Walker continues. “I got an offer to do a sports med fellowship here after residency.”

“That’s badass,” I say, raising my drink to him in a toast. “Why would she not be happy with that? Pretty sure there’s only like one spot, and you get to work with professional athletes.”

He sighs, a look of resignation crossing his face. “Yeah, well, it’s just another year that my schedule is insane and we’re away from her family.”

“Bro, it would be stupid not to do a fellowship. You’re the chief ortho resident. She has to know that. Plus, your schedule is always going to be insane. That’s what we signed up for.”

Walker nods slowly, his gaze distant. “I know, but right now, it feels like anything I do just adds to the strain in our marriage. We barely see each other as it is, and I’m working more than ever. And then when we get to spend time together, it’s awkward. How can it be awkward with someone I’ve known since I was sixteen years old?”

The sadness in Walker’s eyes is palpable as he drops his head. “I don’t know, man. It’s like we’re drifting apart, and I can’t seem to bridge the gap. She’s always been supportive, but this . . . this feels different.”

I put down my drink. “Well, you know I’m not a relationship expert, so take this with a grain of salt. But have you considered that it’s not about the fellowship?”

His brow furrows. “What in the hell is it then? The fellowship is all she’s going on about.”

“Maybe she’s just feeling neglected. And listen, I get it. You have a fuck ton of things on your plate. But have you tried talking to her about how she’s feeling? Not just about the job or the move, but about you two?”

Walker lets out a pained exhale, rubbing his temples. “I’ve tried. But it always ends in an argument, or with her giving me the silent treatment. I’m not even sure what to say anymore. It’s like she’s done.”

“Maybe start with that? Tell her you’re not sure what to say, but you want to make things right. Communication is important, even if it starts with admitting you’re at a loss for words,” I suggest.

Sometimes it’s funny how many physicians struggle with communication. I’ve never been the smartest guy in the room and have always had to work harder than everyone else to prove that I belong. But, I’ve also never once felt like I was unsure of what I felt or needed to say.

Walker looks at me, a tiny flicker of hope in his dark eyes. “You’re probably right.”

I smirk at him. “I’m always right.”

Chapter 21

Claire

“Coco,” Cassidy yells across the living room. “Kittens are friends, not food.”

The golden retriever looks up at Cass with an expression that says I can do no wrong before she lays down, keeping her eyes glued on Frosty.

We’ve been at Cassidy’s parents’ house for the past two days, lounging around in matching sweatsuits and eating all of the sweets that we can get our hands on. Because Beau’s been stuck at the hospital, I didn’t want to leave the kitten by himself, and Cass insisted that I bring him with me.Though, I now understand the phrase fighting like cats and dogs because this has not gone as smoothly as either one of us intended.

Frosty has remained cool and collected under Coco’s terror, occasionally swatting a playful paw toward the retriever, just for the fun of it. Cassidy has been watching them like a hawk, ensuring that Coco’s fascination doesn’t turn into anything more than harmless curiosity. Apparently, her parents got the dog a few months after her brother died, and they’ve been pretty relaxed about the training, so I think Cass is worried about Frosty being able to defend himself. She would probably be less concerned, though, if she knew that the kitten went up against a six-foot-four surgeon . . . and won.

Cassidy plops down next to me in the recliner. “So, how are you enjoying the burbs?” she asks, handing me a cookie. “I never thought I’d like living out here, but it’s nice not hearing sirens fly by all night.”

“I dunno what you’re talking about,” I answer with a mouth full before swallowing. “Parker’s condo is practically silent. The insulation is amazing.”

She giggles. “Probably a good thing since you have a new roommate.”

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