“But . . . I have to be back on set. I can’t let . . .” Charlie swallowed hard. With Bake My Day on the line, I can’t let Austin win this round.

“I understand completely. It’s a great show. And you’re the best part of it.” Miguel cleared his throat and looked away from her, back down at his notes. Now Charlie was sure of it: he was blushing. It had been a while since she’d had this sort of attention, mostly because she was so busy working—first at Souci and then on Sweet & Salty—that she almost never went out. Her last date had been . . . she couldn’t even remember. And she had to admit that, even under the circumstances, being complimented by this cute medical professional was gratifying.

“She really is,” Priya said, looking between the clearly flustered Miguel and Charlie.

“Which means, they’re going to understand the need to alter the production schedule for a few days,” Miguel continued, the moment over. “This is your brain, Charlie.”

“But, it’s only a twelve-episode Christmas special and I can’t—” she began, but Miguel put a gentle hand on her shoulder.

“Trust me. If you can limit your activity now you’ll feel a lot better, more quickly,” Miguel said. “And if anything—anything at all—gets worse, or you have new symptoms, you need to come back. Otherwise follow up with your family physician in about two weeks.”

Priya gave Charlie a knowing look: if she couldn’t get back on set, Sasha would have no choice but to hand the reins fully to Austin. No. That couldn’t happen. Her chance to host her own show would be obliterated if she couldn’t finish the special.

“Any questions, or anything else I can help you with?” Miguel asked.

Charlie considered her more concerning symptoms, but then replied, “No thanks.”

“I’m going to write up your discharge papers and I’ll include the concussion protocol,” he said, reaching out to shake Charlie’s hand first, and then Priya’s. “Pleasure to meet both of you. And remember, the only job you have for the next week or two is to rest. Got it?”

“Got it!” Priya said. “I’ll make sure she follows doctor’s orders, Miguel.”

“You have a great friend there,” Miguel said, flashing that dazzling smile one last time. Beside her, Priya sighed. “Okay. All the best, Charlie,” Miguel continued. “Hope I don’t see you again—except on television, of course.”

“Thank you,” Charlie said. Miguel gave a wave and then was out the door.

“I wouldn’t mind if you got hit on the head every day if it meant coming back here to see Dr. Miguel on a regular basis,” Priya said, before adding, “Obviously I don’t want you to get hurt! But, wow, he made this whole experience much more fun.”

Charlie gingerly got off the gurney, gathering her things so they could leave the moment she got her discharge papers. “Priya, I need what happened here to be kept between us.”