Joe’s face told me he agreed, and then he admitted, “You know, my marriage is a fucking mess because of my job.” He got up and grabbed another piece from the counter, giving us one as well.

“Things must be good with Whitney, then?” Smith asked.

I nodded, biting the end of the new slice, washing it down with a sip. “I’m meeting her for dinner tonight. First time I’m going out on my own, wheeling there all by myself.” I laughed. “Words I never thought I’d say.”

Smith gently grabbed my shoulder. “That’s a big step; you’re doing great.”

I felt my lips pull into a grin, remembering the feel of her mouth when she had kissed me good-bye yesterday. “She’s the unexpected surprise in all of this.”

“What’s she going to do when she’s off the payroll?” Joe asked.

I shrugged as Smith’s hand left me. “I don’t think she’s decided.”

But I had a feeling she would be making that decision soon, especially now that I was more mobile with my walker. I wasn’t going to put any pressure on her; she knew the timeline better than me.

“With her talent, it won’t be hard for her to find a job,” Smith said.

I set my plate on the cushion next to me. “She just has to figure out what she wants. I know the hospital isn’t it.”

“You’ve got yourself a good one there,” Joe said. “Do me a favor and don’t fuck it up.”

“I’ve already warned his ass,” Smith bellowed.

“Listen,” I said, chuckling, “I’m doing the best I can.” I pointed at Smith. “Now, it’s your turn because no one wants to be a fifth wheel.”

Joe pounded my fist. “Ain’t that the fucking truth?”

The restaurant I’d chosen for dinner was only two blocks from my condo. I’d told Whitney to meet me there, so it would feel more like a date than a duty. It had the best sushi in the Back Bay, and hearing her mention once that it was her favorite cuisine was the reason I’d picked it.

Veronica helped me shower and get dressed, and I wheeled myself down the sidewalk. I spotted Whitney at the table I’d reserved for us outside. I’d selected the outdoors over the dining room because I wanted her to enjoy the sounds of the city as she ate, and I wanted to see the breeze blow through her hair, the lights of the adjacent buildings glowing on her skin.

When she noticed me, I was a few buildings down, and she rushed over. “I can’t believe you wouldn’t let me pick you up on my way,” she said, her mouth finding mine.

I licked her gloss off my lips. “I got here just fine.”