Page 13 of What Should Have Been Ours

He really became a doctor. I can’t even wrap my head around everything that has happened in both of our lives since we last saw each other.

I mean, if there was anyone who could accomplish something they set their mind to, no matter how big or how crazy it sounded, Cam would be the one to do it.

The number of crazy ideas he could come up with and actually make happen always amazed me. Like when he organized the hospital’s first-ever Halloween costume parade by making all the Doctors and nurses sign a petition and then writing a speech about how healing isn’t just about medicine, it’s also about finding joy to keep you alive. (Yes, little twelve-year-old Cam did that.)

Or when he finally convinced our floor nurses to let us have an IV pole drag race. He promised them to stay out of trouble for a whole month if they let us have a secret tournament when the doctors were all away.

We put empty shoe boxes on the bottoms of the poles to make fake engines, and even gave prizes to the top winners.

Of course, first place got to have endless chocolate pudding whenever they wanted for the next week.

My favorite was his hot chocolate cart initiative. I think he made that one happen just for me, though.

He talked the cafeteria manager into running a hot chocolate cart once a week, and the nurses volunteered to wheel it around the unit, passing out drinks to patients. He even got the doctors to write us fake prescriptions that said ‘one dose of comfort, as needed.’

He’s always been a go-getter and would make whatever he dreamed up actually happen. I couldn’t be prouder of him for what he’s accomplished. And knowing why he wanted to be in Peds Oncology makes it even more special.

When are you going to stop daydreaming about the man and actually call him?

I stare at the note one last time before tucking it back into my side table drawer.

I pick up my phone and stare at his name in my contact list.

Chickening out, I scroll down and hit Kinsley’s name and then hit the FaceTime button.

Three rings later, I’m greeted with a bubbly, very pretty, little blonde woman who’s suspiciously way too happy all the time.

“Gabbyyyy!!!” She answers, just like she always does. “What’s up, boss?”

“Can you stop calling me that outside of work, Kinsley? Scratch that. Can you stop calling me that in general?” I sigh, placing a finger on my temple.

“Why? It has a ring to it.”

“Because I’m not actually your boss, and you’re my best friend, it’s weird.”

“You’re right. Your ex boo thang is ‘technically’ my boss,” she grimaces. “But you’re next in line, and you’re way more fun than him, so I just pretend that I only have to answer to you. Also…I love it when you call me your best friend,” she coos.

“Kinsley, you’re my best friend because you’re my only friend.”

“Still. It’s an honor to hold the title.”

“I don’t know why I put up with you,” I sigh.

“Because you love me. And like you said.” She cocks her head to the side and gives me a pointed look. “I’m the only friend you’ve got.” Then she shrugs, and we both laugh.

“So, really, what’s up?” she asks.

I sigh, shifting on the couch and pulling a blanket up over my legs. “I need your advice.”

Kinsley’s eyes widen in mock horror. “Is Gabrielle Voss admitting to me that she needs help? Whoa, hold on, I think I need to sit down. This feels like a big moment for our relationship.”

I roll my eyes at her. “Can you be normal for two seconds, please?”

“Absolutely not. But go on.” She leans forward, resting her chin in her hand. “What’s the problem? Do I need to help you dispose of a body? Because I’d like at least a 24-hour heads-up before we go full Bonnie and Clyde.”

I groan, continuing to rub my temples. “No. I ran into Cam last week.”

She goes silent before letting out a high-pitched screech, almost dropping her phone in the process.