“No,” he said, shaking his head. “I always went straight home.”
When I looked at him, a little confused, he added with a softer gaze, “I want you always to know where I am.”
His response caught me off guard. For a moment, I couldn’t find the words. He never said anything to me about it. He just did it, whether I was aware of it or not.
“Busy day for you too today,” he said. His eyes held mine for a moment, and I knew he had heard about the two code blues I responded to this afternoon. Both patients were in critical condition, barely clinging to stability. And I knew then, he paid attention. He always did. “Get some rest,” he told me gently.
“Okay,” I nodded, a lump rising in my throat for no apparent reason. The emotion suddenly caught me off guard.
He opened the front door and stepped outside. “Night, Sloane.”
Iwas watching Cameron. I found myself doing it all the time now. My eyes would search for him without meaning to, and my chest wouldn’t unclench until I saw him somewhere in the room.
And he was still watching me, too. We kept catching each other’s eyes, trading small, unspoken smiles before looking away, and every time, my heart would beat just a little faster.
Right now, he was talking to another doctor, his face focused, likely reviewing the details of his next surgery. I knew his schedule. I still kept track. And I still worried if he skipped meals or pushed himself too hard.
It was ridiculous. I was confusing myself, going in circles.
“It’s like the roles reversed,” came a voice beside me. I turned to find Gabriel standing there, a half-smile on his face. Then he shook his head and corrected himself. “No, that’s not right. You’re both playing the same role now.” He gave a short laugh. “You’re just stalking each other.”
I didn’t answer, just let out a sigh. Still, I had to give it to Gabriel. He always picked up on things.
“Any plans for tonight?” he asked.
“No,” I said. “Why?”
“Want to go out?” he asked with a smile. “I just found the best kebab place in town.”
I paused, thinking it over. Harper would be with Cameron tonight.
Maybe a break wouldn’t hurt. Maybe Gabriel was right. I could use a friend.
“Okay,” I nodded.
“Great,” he said, his voice lifting with an easy grin.
Later that evening, before heading out, I sent Cameron a quick message to let him know I was going out. He once said he wanted me always to know where he was, and I realized I wanted to do the same for him, too.
I hesitated over whether to mention I was going out with Gabriel, but I didn’t. I told myself it didn’t matter. Those small steps were enough for now.
But it turned out I didn’t need to say anything. We ran into each other in the lobby.
Cameron’s eyes flicked to Gabriel, then back to me. We stood facing each other, Gabriel still at my side.
“Going out?” he asked.
“Yes,” I said. “We’re grabbing some dinner.”
His expression shifted slightly. But there was no anger or judgment. Just something crossed his face that looked like sadness, then disappeared under a small smile.
“Okay,” he said with a nod. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
I felt something stir in my chest. A pull I couldn’t ignore.
“Gabriel,” I said quietly, turning to him. “Go ahead. I need a minute.”
He gave me a knowing look. “I’ll wait in the car.”
