Page 90 of Clinically Awkward

I wanted to argue. I wanted to tell Colton that Vivian was busy. That she left early. That she had joined a convent and taken a vow of celibacy. Instead, I grumbled something unintelligible, handed Winnie my files with more force than necessary, and strode away, mumbling mainly to myself about the injustice of being sent on errands like some kind of medical messenger boy.

I bumped into Fitz in the hallway. “Whoa, mate,” he said, steadying himself. “What’s got your knickers in a twist?”

“Vivian’s boyfriend is here,” I said through gritted teeth.

Fitz’s eyes lit up like Christmas morning. “The infamous Colton? The gym selfie king himself?”

“That’s the one.”

“Oh, this I have to see.” He slapped me on the back with far too much enthusiasm. “Don’t worry, mate. I’ll take care of it.”

I should have questioned that. I should have asked what “take care of it” meant. But I was too busy being irrationally jealous to think straight, so I just nodded and went to find Vivian. I located her just as she was leaving the stockroom, clipboard in hand, looking absolutely beautiful in her scrubs and completely unaware of the disaster waiting for her in the lobby.

Upon seeing me, she frowned. “What’s wrong?”

“Your boyfriend is here.”

Her eyes widened. “What?”

“Colton. He’s in the lobby. Hitting on Winnie.”

“Oh God.” She looked genuinely panicked for a moment, then seemed to steel herself. “Okay. Okay, this is fine. I was going to do this tomorrow, but—” She leaned up and gave me a quick kiss.

Right there in the hallway. Where anyone could see.

I didn’t care.

“Give me a few minutes,” she said quietly. “I’ll get rid of him.”

I watched her walk away, her shoulders squared with determination, and felt a surge of pride mixed with anxiety.

This was it.

She was actually going to do it.

“Quinton?”

I turned to find Gabriel, Hayden, and Nathan all stepping out of their offices, looking curious.

“What’s going on?” Gabriel asked.

“Vivian’s boyfriend just showed up.”

“The steroid guy?” Nathan asked.

“That’s the one.”

“And Vivian’s going to—” Hayden started.

“Break up with him,” I confirmed. “Right now.”

“Where’s Fitz?”

“He went to, and I quote, ‘take care of it.’”

Gabriel’s eyes went wide. “You sent Fitz to deal with him!”

I nodded.