Her lips twist up in a silent tease because I haven’t been paying attention to the conversation taking place in the locker room. “Some pizza place nearby.” She shrugs. “Chris said he knows of a good place.”

I’m tempted to beg off. I haven’t slept well the past two nights—my brain has been too busy replaying a certain interaction on repeat. I never told Sloane what happened with Gray, just listened to the recap of her night with Todd.

Everyone else just finished the same long shift that I did, though. And I don’t want to be known as the responsible, studious girl I was in med school and college. Graduating and beginning my residency is supposed to be a fresh start.

“Yeah, sure. That sounds good.” The chicken salad sandwich I wolfed down feels like a distant memory.

Rose smiles. “Great. Do you need a ride? Stephanie said she has room.”

“No, I have a car today, thanks. Just text me the address, and I’ll meet you guys there.”

We all exchanged cell and pager numbers the first day of residency in case of any emergencies.

She nods. “Okay.”

Most of the other residents have changed into street clothes, but I didn’t pack any in my bag earlier. I was planning to go straight home and shower. I’ve got clean outfits in my suitcase in the car, but my desire to go get them and then come back in here to change is pretty much nonexistent. I brush my teeth, use the bathroom, and head outside, still wearing my blue scrubs.

The air is cool, and the sun is sinking down. A whole day gone that I barely got a glimpse of.

You wanted this, Evie. More than wanted—I worked my ass off to get here.

I knew the long hours would test me and the sad outcomes would haunt me. I don’t have any regrets about my choice of profession. It’s just an adjustment. A steep curve with no flatness in sight.

I’m home, but it doesn’t fully feel like it. The last time I lived in Charleston, I was eighteen. Focused on preparing for college and my summer job. Filled with minimal responsibilities and lofty dreams.

My phone buzzes as I enter the garage. Rose texted me the address for the pizza place. I’ve never been there before, but I know how to get there. I also have two unread texts from Logan, which I ignore. I call Noah instead.

He answers on the third ring. “Hey, Leigh-Leigh.”

I groan. “Notice how I never call you No-No?”

Noah laughs. “Oh, wait. Hang on a sec.”

The second turns into two minutes. I cross the lot and climb in the Subaru before he’s back on the line.

“Sorry. Emmett was calling to see if I was watching the game tonight.”

“It’s fine. I’m actually calling to ask a favor…”