He smirks at what I’m guessing is a lustful, confused expression, then reaches for the handle by my hip. I shift to the side so he can open the door. Noise and activity spill in from the hallway. He walks out, and I trail behind, trying to figure out what to do or say now. Some stupid, idiotic part of me wants to prolong this somehow.

“Gray?”

We both turn to see Henry walking toward us.

Fuck.

“Dad.”

Henry glances at me. “Dr. Collins.”

“Chief.”

Gray makes a small, amused sound in his throat at the formal greetings. That draws his father’s attention back to him.

“What are you doing here, Grayson?”

Although I doubt Gray expected to run into his father on this visit, he takes the question in stride. “Thought I’d see what sort of job you’re doing, running this place. I know how much you love constructive criticism.”

Henry’s jaw tightens. So does Gray’s.

They look a lot alike, especially in this moment.

“Chief?”

I straighten as my boss’s boss approaches. Dr. Watson is the head of the Cardiac Unit. He’s in his late forties with a perpetual cheerfulness that’s rare to retain in a profession that sees a lot of sad endings.

“Sorry, John. I was just headed upstairs for the meeting,” Henry says, glancing away from Gray.

Dr. Watson looks to me. “Dr. Collins.”

“Dr. Watson.” I nod respectfully.

“And who’s this?” Dr. Watson is looking at Gray.

“This is my son, Grayson,” Henry answers.

Dr. Watson holds out a hand, which Gray shakes. “Nice to meet you. Navy?” He’s squinting at Gray’s uniform, trying to make out the stitched letters.

“Air Force.”

“Thank you for your service.”

Gray smiles and nods. Henry looks more uncomfortable than I’ve ever seen him. I wonder if he’s ever said anything similar to Gray. Ever acknowledged the fact that while his son took a different path than he wanted him to, it’s still an admirable one.

My pager goes off. I glance at Gray and state the obvious. “I have to go.”

He nods.

I don’t know what else to say. Thanks for coming? See you around? Sorry for leaving you with your dad?

I settle on a small smile before I spin and sprint in the direction of the stairwell.

CHAPTER FIVE

The Subaru’s engine clicks off. I stare at my parents’ home. Climbing out of the car sounds like a lot of effort, so I just sit here and look at the house where I grew up.

When did I grow up? I feel like a great-aunt at a family reunion. I blinked, and I’m twenty-five. In some ways, I’m further than I thought I might be. In others, I’m way behind.