Page 18 of Doctor Mile High
“Doctor.” I have to hold in my smile every time she greets me like that.
Dr. Greene is in her seventies, and she isn’t showing any signs of stopping. The Warrick Group has tests for all doctors when they reach a certain age to prove they still know their medicine and that physically they’re still up to the task of being a doctor. Dr. Greene has yet to fail. She isn’t old-school. She likes to learn new medical knowledge, so she always stays up-to-date.
But.
She greets every doctor in the way she just greeted me. One word. Nothing else. Just a head nod. Then, we’re trapped in silence for the elevator ride down. Luckily, there’s bad jazz music playing through the speakers, so I guess I’m not in complete silence.
Curious, I check the social media app that Olivia made, and notice I already have ninety-nine plus notifications. My brows rise.
The video already has seventy thousand views with so many comments and messages. I have to check them to see if any belong to Dove.
The elevator door opens and Dr. Greene steps out first.
“Doctor.” She gives a half bow.
“Doctor.”
She scurries down the hall while I take a right, pushing the revolving doors to allow me outside. The sun is setting and I check my watch to make sure I’m on time.
“That’s a relief,” I say to myself.
I tend to lose track of time in the hospital. Sometimes, I don’t even remember the day. I’m just surviving and getting by until I have a day off to recalibrate.
“Sorry.” Someone accidentally bumps into me on the sidewalk, a woman with dark hair who seems to be in a hurry.
I step toward her, wondering if she’s my Dove, but stop myself. I’m being ridiculous. Of course that isn’t her. She doesn’t live in New York City. I’m losing my damn mind now if I’m hoping she’s a stranger who will bump into me.
Tucking my hands into my pockets, I head to the Italian restaurant my mom loves so much. The air is a bit sticky with humidity but there’s a small breeze that brings a little relief. A couple walks by me with their two dogs, smiling and laughing at whatever they’re saying to each other. A father walks by next with his toddler on his shoulders. His son is giggling up a storm. Anyone who doesn’t smile from a baby laughing, they must be heartless.
I didn’t realize how much I wanted a partner or a child until I met Dove. Before, I was only work driven. I wanted to pursue my career. That was all that mattered to me. Then, I was the youngest appointed chief of surgery, and I didn’t know what other goals to make.
I do now.
I’m so lost in thought, I almost pass the restaurant. The moment I enter, I walk by the hostess stand and to the back where we always sit. We’re here so much, we always have a table reserved. They never know when the Warricks will pop in.
“Winston!” My mom beams when she sees me, and damn, that has me feeling good. “Oh, it’s so good to see you. How was your day? You three have to tell me all about your jobs. What’s new?” Mary Elizabeth Warrick is a retired nurse who worked for my dad, Winston Gabriel Warrick Sr.
“Yes, you three never call us anymore. How are we supposed to know if you’re making good decisions?” Dad gruffs just before taking a sip of red wine.
“I just got off an eighteen-hour shift. You’re lucky I’m here,” I tease, bumping my mom’s arm. “Not that that would ever stop me.”
Mom grips my chin, giving it a slight shake. “That’s my boy. At least my oldest son loves me.”
I pat her winkled hand, hating how frail she’s getting. I’ll never miss a dinner with my parents. I’ll never miss any time I have left. They saved my life. Saved me from the system. Gave me love and a home that I thought I’d never have. The least I can do is show up when they want to see me.
“Come on, Mom. Waylon and I were here beforeDoctor Silver Fox.” Wyatt winks at me before tearing off a piece of bread.
I groan, forgetting my younger brothers are on social media. “Seriously, Wyatt? You’re going to bring that up now?”
“Absolutely. And I’m never going to let you forget it.”
“Wyatt, be nice to your brother. You’ll need to be in his will one day.” Mom snickers at her own joke and Dad smiles down at her as if she’s the funniest person who ever lived.
I want a love like they have.
“Her name is Dove,” Waylon spills my secret.
“Waylon,” I seethe between tight teeth. “Not here. Not now.”
