“Just the usual drama and lack of support from the higher-ups. It’s frustrating when I’m trying to take care of fifteen patients and told I can’t even have a snack break. I’m thinking of going to another hospital or maybe private practice.” He shrugged, and I could see the exhaustion cracking through the otherwise bright expression. “But enough about my boring life. How’s everything been with the—well, you know.”

“The horror-movie-type threats? Things have been pretty quiet, actually. I’m hoping I can put it all behind me now.”

“And you deserve to. Especially now that you’ve got someone to spend your time with. Why spend that time worried and looking over your shoulder?”

“Exactly,” I said enthusiastically. I didn’t tell Robby explicitly about my new relationship with Jake, but I figured it wasn’t hard to put two and two together when Jake was coming over to my house almost every other day. “How’s your dating life going?” I asked, wanting to get off myself as the topic.

“It’s as messy as any other single guy’s dating life in Atlanta. I’ve kind of put it all on hold. I deleted the apps and stopped meeting random guys. I don’t know, I feel like my perfect match is right in front of me; I just need to open my eyes a little wider.” He rubbed at the back of his neck. A thin gold necklace hung down into his black-and-gray striped polo shirt. “Maybe I’ll date Mason from down the street. He seems interested in me.”

I cocked my head at that. “Mason? I didn’t realize you two were close.”

“Mhmm,” Robby replied. “So what if he’s a little creepy and smells like burnt steak all the time. Maybe he’ll give me what I need. I saw him on Grindr before I deleted it, so at least I know he swings for our team.”

“Robby, you don’t have to settle for anyone,” I said, and I meant it.

“Thanks, Noah, but I think I peaked after you.” He put an arm on my shoulder and smiled, a sadness reflected in his eyes as he looked at mine.

“I don’t believe that.” I wanted to be supportive, but I was also a little taken aback by Robby’s comment.