The backs of my eyes sting again, but I blink hard, holding it in.They’re happy tears.That’s what I tell myself.
But if they’re happy… why does my chest ache?
We filter out of the room, everyone murmuring congratulations.I let the others surround Brant while I quietly head back to work.
Mason is reviewing charts, looking a little deflated but keeping it together.
“How’re you feeling?”I ask gently.I know what it’s like to want something and watch someone else get it… even when they deserve it.
He exhales.“It sucks.Not gonna lie.But I knew it was a long shot.I mean, Brant deserves it.He’s a machine.I’m just… wondering when my shot’ll come.”
“You’ll get there,” I say.“You’re a talented doctor, Mason.”
He nods.“Thanks.”
We finish the ward together, and by the time my shift nears the end, my stomach’s churning again.I need to talk to Brant.
I knock gently on his office door.
He looks up from his desk.“Hey.”
I step in, closing the door behind me.“Congratulations.”
He offers a small, crooked smile.“Thanks.”
God, he’s so handsome when he smiles like that.
He leans back in his chair, crossing his arms.“How’s it going with Dr.Gould?”
I laugh under my breath.“It’s… alright.”
He quirks an eyebrow.“Just alright?”
“It’s not the same.”
“No?”
I shake my head before holding his gaze.“He’s not you.”
I sit across from him, suddenly serious.My fingers twist in my lap, my gaze dropping to the desk between us.
“I need to tell you something.”
His arms unfold slowly, his hands coming to rest on the desk.I watch his Adam’s apple bob as he swallows hard.“Okay?”
“New York City Hospital called.They offered me an early position.”
His expression shifts.He leans back slowly, hand running along his jaw.“Oh.”
“My dad’s letting me break my contract,” I add.“I’m leaving this weekend.”
He goes still.His jaw works like he’s biting back words…To ask me to stay?Tell me not to go?
But he doesn’t.
He nods once.“Wow.Okay.That’s… That’s good, right?”
I force a smile.“Yeah.You got chief.I got my dream job.Everything’s falling into place.”
