Page 33 of Love Medley
He told me to go for Lucy, but it’s clear from this conversation that she’s not interested in dating me. Still, I can’t turn away from an opportunity to spend more time with her, even though the likelihood I’ll end up hurt is increasing by the second.
I clear my throat. “No, you’re right. I just needed to wrap my head around this. I think this could really help both of us.”
God, how do I get myself into situations like this?
But then Lucy beams, unfurling like a flower turning to the sun, and all of my misgivings fall away at her upturned lips. I’d do a lot to keep that smile on her face.
“It sounds like most of the ER thinks we’re already dating anyway, so now we just have to figure out ways to showcase our relationship in front of Sam,” Lucy says, pulling out her phone. “I spotted Sam’s schedule behind the nurse’s station earlier.”
This is moving a lot faster than I expected. But I decide as long as Lucy is excited about this, I’ll just go along with it. “Yeah, I guess we’d have to find a time where all of our shifts overlap.”
“Let’s exchange shift schedules,” Lucy says, already typing. “What’s your email address? That might be easiest so I can just forward you mine.”
Okay, this was an unexpected benefit to our crazy fake-dating scheme. My spirits rise slightly from the fact I’ll know exactly when I’m going to see Lucy Chang next. Of course, all of this is just pretend, but maybe at least we can be friends? Regardless of how this turns out, I just want the chance to get to know her better.
After telling Lucy my email, I scan through my phone for this month’s schedule.
“Sent!” Lucy says, her eyes dancing.
I haven’t seen her this pumped since that resident told her she could assist with an I and D. I’ll do anything to preserve that light in her eyes. “I sent you mine back.”
“Perfect. I’ll create a spreadsheet with all three of our schedules and send you access.” Lucy scans down my schedule quickly. “Actually, what would you say to meeting up for coffee on Friday? Itlooks like we both have the morning free. That way we can talk a little more about this when we aren’t at work. We need to get to know each other better so we can sell this to both Sam and Weston.”
Even as I’m still caught in the eye of Lucy’s tornado, my body recognizes what my brain does not—I'm seeing her again soon…outside of the hospital. Endorphins flood my body as I stutter out, “Uh, sure. That makes sense.”
“Great! I’ll see you at 10am at Coffee Conglomerate?” Lucy picks up her food container. She barely even ate a bite of her sandwich.
“You didn’t eat your lunch,” I protest.
“I didn’t need the calories anyway,” Lucy says, shrugging, as she throws it away. “If I don’t see you before the end of your shift, I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Wait, Lucy thinks she needs to lose weight? She’s fucking tiny!
But the swinging door in her wake is the only response I get to my unasked question.
Chapter eleven
Lucy
On Friday morning, I’m fiddling with my coffee cup at Coffee Conglomerate waiting for Jake. Why am I so nervous? It’s not like this is a real date. We’re just two coworkers working towards a common goal.
This coffee shop is one of my favorites—the coffee is fantastic, the staff super friendly, and they carry fresh scones from Bakery Bonanza, Dessert Debauchery’s daytime counterpart, not that I eatthose anymore.
Coffee Conglomerate is emblazoned with orange and brown colors, glass cases filled with baked goods, and cans of coffee beans. The aromas of the brewing dark liquid and the sounds of the heating cream fill my senses. I’m sitting at one of the scattered tables in the side room while the buzz of conversations rise and fall around me.
Glancing at my watch, I see that it’s a couple of minutes after ten. Maybe Jake got confused about the time? How long should I wait before I give up?
But just as I’m wondering if I should text him, Jake bursts through the front door, out of breath. “Oh my God, Lucy, I’m so sorry. I hope I didn’t keep you waiting too long.”
I take a minute to take him in. Jake’s cheeks are rosy from exertion, and there’s a sheepish smile on his face. His dark hair is mussed, like he only had time to run his fingers through it, and his earring winks in the light.
Ignoring the butterflies swirling in my stomach, I wave at him dismissively. “No, you’re fine! Go get some coffee if you want.”
Jake shakes his head. “I downed some before I left my apartment. Just a warning, I’m horrible at being on time. I’ll try hard not to be late, but it’s one of my worst habits.”
Grinning, I think to myself that if being late is Jake’s biggest shortcoming, then he’s exactly as sweet as I think he is. “That’s okay. As long as I know you’re not ghosting me, it’s all good.”
Jake’s gray eyes turn serious. “Lucy, I’ll always show up. You never have to worry about that.”
