Emily sighed as she leaned against the nurses' station, exhaustion settling deep in her bones. It was her first twelve-hour shift of the week, and the steady hum of the hospital around her did little to quiet the thoughts still lingering from last night.
"So… how was the date?" Kia's voice broke through the monotony.
Emily glanced up to see her best friend standing across from her, holding a clipboard but looking far more interested in her response than in whatever was on the paper.
"It was fine," Emily answered quickly, keeping her tone even.
Kia raised an eyebrow. "Just fine?"
"Yeah, we talked, had dinner. It was nice," Emily added, hoping that would be enough to satisfy her.
But Kia wasn't buying it. She had known Emily too long, had been there through the diagnosis, through the struggles, through everything. She could see right through every carefully placed mask.
"You switched, didn't you?" Kia asked, her voice softer now.
Emily tensed but forced a small laugh. "What? No. Why would you—"
"Em," Kia cut her off, her expression gentle but firm. "It's okay. If he's the right person, he won't care. And from what I saw last night, he really likes you."
Emily swallowed, the words both comforting and terrifying. "He didn't say anything."
Kia shrugged. "Maybe he didn't want to make you uncomfortable."
Emily sighed, looking away. "I just… I don't want him to see me like that."
Kia placed a reassuring hand on her arm. "You're not something to hide, Em. And honestly… I think you should give him a chance."
Emily offered a small smile, but inside, her stomach twisted. Kia's reassurance should have made her feel better, but instead, it only made her more anxious.
Because if Ryan did notice, if he truly did like her… how much did he already know?
And what if he wanted to know more?
"By the way," Kia added casually, "I gave him your number."
Emily's head snapped up. "You what?"
Kia grinned. "Oops. Too late now."
Emily groaned, burying her face in her hands as Kia laughed beside her. But beneath the embarrassment, something else lingered—anticipation.
Because now, it was only a matter of time before Ryan reached out.