Surely the guy wasn’t that stupid.

After a few more words—heated ones, by the looks of it—Lauren finally made her escape, glancing once more at Andrew before she disappeared.

Andrew stared at the male nurse, who suddenly turned his head and made eye contact with him. A smug grin spread across the guy’s face before he walked off.

Andrew frowned.

What the fuck was that?

…

Two weeks later, Andrew dropped his dumbbells onto the weight rack.

“I’m out, man,” he called out.

“Already?” Logan looked up from his crouched position near the bench press.

“I’m spent.” He hated that, and hated saying it out loud even more. Especially at the gym, when his regular workout buddies were around. They’d noticed the change in his physique and energy level, not to mention his lack of hair, and Andrew had eventually told them what was going on. They were good guys and were supportive, but he still hated appearing sick and weak. The fatigue worsened with each cycle, and it wasn’t just for a few days anymore. He was tired all the time.

Logan stood. “Need anything?”

“Nah. I’m heading home. I’ll talk to you later.”

“Okay. See ya.”

Andrew drove home and crashed on his couch for a few hours, a textbook open in his lap. Right when he thought he couldn’t keep his eyes open any longer, his phone dinged.

Lauren: Hi.

Andrew perked up immediately. She’d never texted him first. Plus, she’d been distant in the two weeks since his last chemo treatment, and he’d been miserable. He’d been concerned after seeing her talking to that nurse but had decided not to ask her about it. What if there was something going on between them? If there was, was it even Andrew’s business? She wasn’t his girlfriend, and he had no right to question her.

He also worried he had been too forward that day, too honest about the way he felt…and with Jeni there to hear it all. Though he’d kind of thought it would make Lauren feel better that there was a witness. To ensure he kept to his word and didn’t act on his constant desire to pull her into his arms and kiss her.

Andrew: Hey you.

Lauren: Chemo tomorrow?

Andrew: Yep. Second to last one. *fist pump*

Lauren: That’s great. I’m going to Children’s on Saturday, but in the afternoon. Did you want to come?

Andrew hadn’t been back as a volunteer since that first day with Lauren. It had gotten to him more than he thought it would, and he’d made excuses to avoid going. But he’d thought about Jasmine a lot and wanted to try again.

Andrew: Yes. What time?

Lauren: I’ll pick you up at 1:45.

Andrew: Sounds good. You doing okay? Haven’t talked to you much.