Page 26 of Counting the Stars

“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 coupleof 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.”

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