Ever since he started here, he’s been nice and has gone out of his way to help me. The other day, I needed the approval to give a patient some Tylenol, and he did it within minutes. There have been times with other doctors when I’ve waited hours, but he makes it happen without question. He doesn’t hover either. Some doctors are assholes and expect nurses to kiss the ground they walk on. Aiden’s been a pleasant surprise to have around here.

Abbie and I go to the cafeteria when lunch rolls around and grab our usual. This time, Aiden comes over.

“Can I eat with you?”

“Sure,” Abbie says, and I nod, trying to chew the bite I just took.

“Today has been crazy, hasn’t it?” He removes all the croutons from his salad.

I snag one and pop it in my mouth. “Those are the best part,” I say, then realize I should’ve asked.

“Help yourself,” he tells me with amusement.

A few more minutes pass, and we continue with our small talk. Abbie has barely eaten half her food and gives me a smirk before clearing her throat. “I’m sorry, I need to give my husband a call. I’ll catch up with you two after lunch.”

I stare her down because I see right through what she’s doing.

“That’s perfectly fine,” Aiden says, and I force a smile.

“Yep! Have fun,” I tell her, and she gives me a wink when Aiden looks down at his phone. I shake my head at her as she waves and walks away. I could kill her.

“How are you likin’ it here so far?” I ask him, needing to fill the silence.

“It’s great. Much better than where I did my residency. I enjoy the smaller town life. It’s different than what I’m used to.”

“Where are you from?” I ask, taking a sip of my tea.

“Houston, but I did my residency in Austin. It was somewhat of a shock moving here, but I’m getting used to it,” he states. “What about you?”

“Oh, I’ve lived in the area all my life. Honestly, I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else.”

He grins. “I can see why.”

A few doctors pass us by, and he says hello to them.

“This might seem abrupt, but do you have plans this weekend or the following?”

I meet his brown eyes as my heart pounds in my chest. I’m somewhat taken off guard by his question because I know what’s coming. We’ve hardly spoken about anything other than work.

“Actually, I do. But I’m free next weekend,” I admit, curious about what he’s going to ask.

He grins. “Oh, that’s perfect. I really want to see The Nutcracker, but I don’t want to go alone. I don’t have any family or friends here yet.”