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I nodded. “He did, actually. He gets the transplant next month. A perfect match.”

He smiled. “Good.” Then he paused. “Hey. It’s really good to see you.”

I nodded. “Yeah, you too.”

“I’m not saying that I stabbed myself on purpose just to have an excuse to come track you down, but it’s definitely been the highlight of my day. I bet Cindy would like to hang out too. Get the band back together.”

I was cracking up at this when the door slid open again. It wasn’t Hector, though—it was Jacob. “Hey, I was wondering if I could get a consult,” he said, leaning into the room.

“Sure.” I looked at Levi. “I’ll be right back.”

I came out into the hallway. “What’s up, whatcha got?”

He nodded over his shoulder. “I’m about to drain an abscess the size of an orange in room six. I thought you might want to watch.”

I grinned. “Awwww, you come bearing gifts? I can’t, though. I’m going to do these stitches.” I nodded over my shoulder.

“Just have a resident do it.”

“Nah, I’m gonna do this one.”

He nodded slowly. “Do you know him or…”

“Yeah, remember I told you about the family my mom worked for when I was growing up? The one that hired her as a nurse for their grandma? This is their youngest son. We sort of grew up together.”

“Oh. Can I meet him?”

I laughed. “You want to meet him?”

He crossed his arms. “Yeah, why not. I want to meet someone you grew up with.”

“He’s a stranger. You are aware of that.”

“I think I can handle it.”

I shrugged. “Okay. Come on.”

We went back into the room and Levi sat up straighter as we came in. “Levi, this is my friend Jacob. Jacob, this is my childhood friend Levi Olsen.”

“I’d shake your hand but…” Levi said, holding up his injury.

“Levi had a run-in with a paring knife,” I explained.

Jacob nodded and slipped his fists into his pockets. “Well. You’re in good hands.”

And then he just…stood there.

“Well,” Jacob said again after a moment. “Nice to meet you.” Then he looked at me. “Eight for dinner tonight at my parents’.”

“Yup…” I gave him a slightly confused look, since the dinner was for my mom and my brother, so of course I knew what time it was.

He stood there just long enough for it to be weird. Then he left.

I looked back at Levi.

“Is that your boyfriend?” he asked.

I laughed a little. “Yes. It’s a long story.”