Mandi nodded, unconvincingly in Andrew’s opinion, but he wouldn’t push it. Mandi accessed his port and started a saline drip, and disappeared to get his premedications. Andrew’s gaze swept the surrounding area while he waited, hoping to see the person he thought about constantly.

They hadn’t spoken once since that day on the phone. No texts, no phone calls, no cordial Hello at The Grind House. Andrew had gone there nearly every morning for coffee, hoping to see her, but she hadn’t been there.

Jeni pinched his arm and he flinched, moving away from her. “What was that for?”

She angled her head to the left, a meaningful look in her eye. Andrew followed the direction of her gesture, and that’s when he saw her.

Lauren walked down the hallway, wearing a dark green dress underneath her long white coat, both hands tucked into the front pockets. Her hair was in a loose braid, curving over one shoulder, like the first time she’d visited him in the infusion center.

His heart surged to life, like it had been lying dormant and brought back by the beauty before him. He couldn’t take his eyes off her.

She came around the corner, saw him, and stopped. A flush spread up her neck as her eyes drank him in, and he took a small measure of consolation that she seemed as affected as he was—to be in the same room, mere yards apart, though it may as well have been miles. Although he felt the connection deep in his core, he knew nothing would happen.

Not right now.

Their eyes met and held for a long moment. Hers reflected a deep sadness and yearning that made him ache. He didn’t look away and didn’t care if it was awkward or if anyone noticed. He never wanted to take his eyes from her again.

“For the love of Saint Mary,” Jeni’s voice reached his ear. “Get a room.”

He replied to his sister, his attention on Lauren never wavering. “Believe me, I would.”

“Gross,” Jeni said. “You’re my brother.”

“You brought it up.”

He watched Lauren’s shoulders rise and fall with a deep breath, and she broke eye contact. She turned and walked up behind a nurse sitting at a computer and leaned over to speak to her, pointing at the screen.

Mandi returned, blocking his view as she hung the small bags of fluid on the IV pole. “Same premeds as usual,” she said, pushing buttons on the pump. “You know the drill.”

Andrew nodded, trying not to be too obvious as he leaned to the side.

“Looking for someone?” Mandi asked.

Andrew straightened. “No.”

Mandi stood there for a moment with one eyebrow raised. They both knew he was lying.

“Have you talked to Lauren lately, Mandi?” Jeni asked. “How is she?”

Andrew shot his twin a glare that said, Great job. That wasn’t obvious at all.