“Fleur?” I repeat. “Her name is Fleur?”
“It’s pretty, right?” Her eyes widen. “You’ve never met a Fleur before, have you?”
Before I can respond, my name echoes over the intercom system. “Dr. Hawthorne to exam room three.”
I start toward the door. “I need to run.”
“Just say yes,” Tilly says softly. “I already told Fleur all about you. She’s dying to meet you.”
One drink can’t hurt, so I nod. “Text me the time and place. No promises beyond that, Tilly.”
“Understood.” She tucks a wayward strand of her brown hair back into the messy bun at the nape of her neck. “I think I just made a match for the ages.”
I don’t have the heart to tell her she didn’t.
This city is filled with beautiful single women, but I’ve yet to meet one that is fascinating enough to capture my attention beyond a night or two. Something tells me that Fleur won’t be any different.
Chapter Five
Faith
Dear Diary,
I’m in the market for a new best friend.
Guess who showed up in the lobby of my building tonight with roses in one hand and a box of condoms in the other?
Gwynn gave Rich my address and told him to make a house call. She thinks he’s in medical school. He confessed to me that he dropped out because he couldn’t cut it.
I can’t judge him for that, but I can judge him for thinking that I’d be willing to jump into bed with him without so much as a conversation.
The only good part of the evening was when Dr. Hawthorne came home just as Rich was leaving with the box of unopened condoms still in his hand.
Not that it mattered.
Dr. H didn’t even notice us.
I noticed him. How could I not? He was dressed to perfection in a black T-shirt and dark jeans.
I swear I forgot my name for a second when I was staring at him.
-F.U.
I slam the cover to my diary shut and toss it on the bed next to me.
I thought when I walked out of the coffee shop this morning that I’d never see Rich Rochester again.
Seething, I pick up my phone, intending to give Gwynn a piece of my mind. She once asked me if she’s my best friend by default because she was the first person I met during my very first class at NYU.
I’ve always told her that’s a silly assumption, but I’m starting to wonder if she’s right.
We’re very different people, and until now, I thought that was a good thing. Handing my address to her cousin crossed a line though, and, I have to make that clear to her.
It’s not that I don’t trust Gwynn’s judgment, but I’ve learned the hard way that people don’t always show their true selves to those around them.
Rich is lying to his family about being in medical school. Maybe Gwynn shouldn’t trust him as much as she does.
I stare at my phone’s screen, debating what I want to say to my best friend when a text message pops up.
Sadie: Hey, Faith! How are you? How’s school?
An instant smile spreads over my lips.
Dr. Sadie Reynolds was the attending physician when I went into the emergency room one night a few months ago with a high fever.
She was thorough as she worked with me to determine what was causing the spike in my temperature.
It turned out I had an ear infection.
She prescribed antibiotics, and after listening to me talk about how I was studying pre-med, she invited me to have lunch with her.
I went, and we formed a fast friendship.
She’s several years older than me and eager to offer advice when I need it. She’s intuitive that way. She always seems to know when I need a boost of positivity in my life.
I type back a response.
Faith: I’m good. School is school. You know all about that.
After I press send, her reply is almost instant.
Sadie: I’ll never forget my pre-med days. I thought we could meet up for an early dinner at Axel NY next Monday if you can spare the time. They’re previewing a few new menu items. Are you interested in sampling them?
Seeing as how her husband, Hunter, owns the restaurant and it’s one of the best in Manhattan, I don’t have to give it a second thought.
I can always make time for free food.
Faith: I’m in. What time should I meet you there?
Sadie: Let’s make it at 8. I want to cook dinner for the kids before I head out.
Sadie is a devoted mom. I met her kids once when she brought them to a diner where we all had lunch together. I haven’t hung out with many kids, but I enjoyed my time with them.
I quickly respond.
Faith: I’ll be there. I’m looking forward to it.
Sadie: Me too.
Smiling, I set my phone back down and snuggle under the covers of my bed. Today may have started on a sour note, but it’s ending the right way.