Sweet Nothing(22)

“Well,” she hesitated. “I know you’re sort of into him, and …”

“And what?”

“He doesn’t … You know I tell you straight, Avery.”

“Just say it!”

“He doesn’t seem to be that into you,” she blurted out.

I sat up. “What makes you say that? Did Quinn say something to you?”

“No, but he didn’t even attempt to sleep with you, and he’s slept with Carissa Ashton. I mean, dear God. That’s like dipping your stick into a rancid whale. It’s not even that she’s fat, because—” she ran her hands over her own enormous breasts “—you know I feel sorry for you skinny bitches with no curves. But Ashton’s a heinous bitch and fat. Do you know why McHale was fired? Ashton told McHale she’d take her shift and then didn’t show and claimed not to know what McHale was talking about. McHale just smiled at Josh. Just smiled. Ashton got her fired for that. She’s a jealous, weeping, rotten cun—”

“Deb! Stop!” I snapped.

She was taken aback. “I call people names, Avery. You know it’s my thing. I enjoy it. I—”

“No. Stop talking about Josh and the other nurses.”

“Wow, I mean … I’m sorry. I didn’t realize how much you liked him. Already.”

“We’re going out again, okay? Just because he didn’t one-night me, doesn’t mean he’s not interested. Can we please just drop it?”

She grinned. “He asked you out again already? That’s good, right?”

“Yes,” I breathed. “Yes. It’s very good.”

A deep voice spoke behind me. “Well, that’s a relief.”

I winced. Josh’s fingers cupped my shoulders and sunk in just enough to massage my sore muscles. I didn’t dare turn around. My cheeks caught fire and my eyes glossed over. How much did he hear?

Deb nodded once and then looked up with her fakest smile. “We were just finishing up.”

“Me too,” Josh said. He didn’t sound offended or creeped out, both good signs, but not enough for me to turn around. “Just thought I’d stop in and say hi.”

I didn’t respond. My brain couldn’t form a single syllable.

“Pick you up at eight thirty?” he asked.

“Yes,” I managed to say without vomiting all over my shoes. “Sounds … sounds great.” I closed my eyes tight, grateful he was behind me and couldn’t see the mortification on my face.

He pecked the top of my hair and then Deb nodded, signaling he was gone.

Deb raised an eyebrow. “He seems awfully handsy for not even getting a good-night kiss.”

“You couldn’t warn me?” I whined.

She held up her hands. “I honestly didn’t hear him. The door is propped open. Anyway, he looked absolutely thrilled about what you said. You should have seen the shit-eating grin on his face. And I was wrong. He definitely likes you. Josh Avery doesn’t go looking for nurses. He … shit,” she whispered, sitting up and smoothing her face.

“He … shit?” I asked.

“Doc Rose,” she mouthed.

“Avery,” Dr. Rosenberg said, setting a white box on the table. He removed a pair of chopsticks and a napkin from a long, translucent package.

He opened the box, and a waft of steam and soy sauce filled the room. Doctors had their own lounge, so it wasn’t typical for him to be rubbing elbows with the peasants.

“That looks much better than the rubber chicken I’m having,” Deb said, standing to retrieve her frozen entrée from the microwave.

“Have you noticed any soreness or experienced any headaches since the accident?” He reached over, gently massaging my shoulder near my neck. I stiffened. “You seem to be just fine, but I worry you’re not complaining so you don’t miss work.”

He looked down on me with his big blue eyes, which set off the specks of silver in the patch of hair above his ears. He was so beautiful, like he just played a doctor on TV. Once I might have stumbled over my answer, but he didn’t make me nervous anymore. I shrugged away from his touch. “Just the first week. Thanks for checking on me.”

He glanced over his shoulder and then looked back at me, keeping his voice low. “I’ve been worried about you a lot, actually. I apologize if I’m overstepping, but I’ve heard some whispers that you and one of the paramedics have started spending time together, and—”

“Dr. Rosenberg,” I interrupted. “I really don’t think we should be—”

“I understand,” he said with a wink. That move would have made me giddy once. Now it made me want to cringe. “But guys talk. I consider you a friend. We’ve worked together almost two years now, and … I just don’t want to see you get hurt. Josh Avery has built quite the reputation in his short time here. Just … be careful. I care about you.”

I realized my mouth was hanging open, and I snapped it shut. Dr. Rosenberg had always been on a friendlier basis with me than the other nurses, but this didn’t feel friendly. “Thank you,” I said. I blinked and righted my posture as Deb joined us.

Dr. Rosenberg checked his watch. “Oops. I forgot a meeting. Enjoy your chicken, Hamata.” He stood, gathered his things, and left us alone.