AllFreeNovel
Share Us
"Cheers," everyone chorused, clinking their glasses together. As I took a sip of my drink, I couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation settle over me. Was inviting Calla to the gala as my date really such a good idea? On one hand, I wanted to. We had become a couple even if we didn't really want to admit it, but taking the extra step to admit it in a work setting is a huge step. I was risking the very professionalism I had worked so hard to maintain—not just with Calla, but with everyone at the medical center. The last thing I wanted to do was jeopardize my career or reputation for the sake of an attraction. She was going to be there anyway, so did I really have to make it official?
"Dom, you're overthinking this," Logan piped up, interrupting my internal dilemma with his uncanny ability to read my thoughts. "Just take it one step at a time, and see where it leads. Who knows? You might just have a damn good time."
"Besides," Serena added with a wink, "it's not like we're telling you that you have to marry her. It's just one evening. What could possibly go wrong?"
"Thanks for the vote of confidence," I muttered, rolling my eyes. My desire to take Calla hugely outweighed my reservations, and I knew I was going to ask her, but I was apparently finding it hard to admit to my friends. Maybe it was time to stop hiding behind my professionalism and take a chance, even if it meant stepping outside my comfort zone. After all, life was too short to let opportunities pass us by—especially when it came to matters of the heart.
"Alright," I conceded, taking a deep breath as I mentally prepared myself for the task ahead. "I'll invite Calla. But just remember, this is still a professional event, and I fully intend to keep it that way." Gotta hold some cards close to my chest. At least with these bastards.
"Of course, Dom," Aunt Charlotte said, smiling warmly at me. "Now, why don't you tell us about that new surgical technique you were so excited about last week?"
"Finally, something I can talk about without feeling like I'm walking on eggshells," I sighed in relief, more than happy to shift the conversation back to safer territory. As we delved into discussions of work, life, and everything in between, I couldn't help but feel like everything would be better if I didn’t have to hide my feelings for Calla.
Little did I know, though, that inviting Calla to the gala would prove to be both the best and most challenging decision I'd ever made.
"Anyway," Aunt Charlotte chimed in, directing the conversation away from our dull medical talk, "have any of you made plans for the summer holidays yet? It's fast approaching and it’s a good idea to plan ahead."
"Serena and I are heading to Canada for a week," Austin shared, wrapping his arm around Serena's waist, who beamed at the mention of their upcoming vacation.
"Sounds amazing," I admitted, genuinely excited for them. "I've always wanted to go camping there."
"Maybe next year you can join us, Doc," Austin offered with a friendly smile. "Or better yet, bring Calla along!" He couldn't resist throwing in one last jab, eliciting groans and laughter from the rest of us.
"Very funny," I retorted, shaking my head. "But seriously, I might consider taking a break and go for a road trip sometime. It's been ages since I just unplugged and drove. This past weekend, going to my mom's was a great reminder of how much I love to just turn off my brain and drive."
"Speaking of breaks," Logan added, "I've decided to follow Hugo's vacation planning services and go see Italy. I've been meaning to do that for years. Two weeks exploring Rome, Florence, and Venice – I can't wait."
Hugo beamed. "Yes, and I have some cute cousins to introduce you to." Logan raised his glass as thanks.
"Wow, that sounds incredible," Aunt Charlotte gushed, her eyes lighting up at the thought of such a romantic adventure. "You deserve it after all your hard work."
"Thanks, Aunt Charlotte. I'm really looking forward to it," Logan replied, his excitement palpable.
"Good for you, man," I congratulated him. It was nice to see my friends enjoying life outside of our medical center grind. In a way, their happiness and plans served as a reminder that maybe I needed to step back and find a better balance between work and play.
"Alright, Doc, your turn," Hugo said, turning the spotlight back on me. "Any plans or are you going to spend another holiday season buried in patient files?"
"Hey, I took that trip to Belize last year, remember?" I defended myself, though I couldn't deny that my vacations were few and far between.
"True, but that was F2 work. You worked the whole week and longer hours than you usually do. Plus, you didn't unplug. We all know you spent half the time checking emails and calling the office," Serena teased with an affectionate smile. "But seriously, Dominic, you should take some time off. We can handle things without you."
"Maybe you're right," I conceded, finally allowing myself to consider the possibility of a real break from work. "I'll think about it."
"Promise?" Aunt Charlotte asked, her gaze filled with genuine concern.
"Promise," I confirmed, nodding solemnly. As the conversation flowed around me, my thoughts drifted back to Calla. If I could find a better balance in my life, perhaps there would be room for something – or someone – more. "Actually, I've started feeling that I need to go to Somalia. It would be a great week to…"
Everyone looked at me with eyes rolling in unison. "F2 work, Dom." Sigh. Yeah, it would be. I guess I'm not good at planning "off" time.
As the laughter and teasing continued, I couldn't help but feel a knot of tension growing in my chest. Being out in public with Calla as my date was starting to make everything official. I didn't want anyone to think that I wasn't serious about my job and that I only hire people I want to have sex with.
I took a long sip of my drink to wash away the doubts that threatened to consume me.
"Everything alright there, Dominic? You've suddenly grown quiet," Aunt Charlotte asked, her eyes narrowing with concern.
"Fine, just... lost in thought," I replied, forcing a smile. "You know how it is."
"Of course, dear," she said, nodding knowingly.
