INNOCENCE

• nineteen

NELLIE

I sit in the hospital cafeteria eating my food quietly as I scrolled through my Instagram timeline. Leo wasn't capable of coming today because he was busy. He sent one of his men to drop off food & a bouquet of flowers with a cute note.

Someone takes a seat across from me & I don't dare to look up.

"Ms. Wade." The familiar manly voice called out & I sigh.

"Yes Dr. Stone?" I responded without sparing him a glance.

"I would like to speak to you." He spoke & I shut off my phone, finally looking up. His blue eyes stared intensely into my eyes.

"What'd you find now? That I bit my teacher in the 3rd grade or what?" I crossed my arms over my chest & he chuckled humorously.

"No but that's interesting." He smiled & I sigh.

"Why do you need to speak to me sir?" I questioned, wondering he wants.

"I would like to apologize." He spoke sincerely.

"Okay you're forgiven." I lied & stood up from my seat. As I'm about to walk away, he grabbed my arm. I quirked up an eyebrow & he instantly released my arm.

"I'm sorry but I would like for us to start fresh. As friends maybe?" He smiled genuinely, but something flashed in his eyes. It scared me.

"Friends?"

"Yes. Business partners & friends." He held out his hand & I stare at him in confusion then at his veiny hand.

"Business partners yes, but friends? No." I politely declined & he nodded as he pulled his hand away.

"Fair enough. I hope we can be friends in the future." He smiled, he intensely stared at me.

"Mhm." I flashed him a fake smile & walked away.

"Weird ass nigga." I whispered to myself as I walk through the corridors.

•••

I write down a few notes as Dr. Stone spoke to our boss, chief of general surgery, about his patient's condition. I observe quietly, from time to time I'd catch him sneak a few glances my way as he spoke to our boss.

A small sigh leaves my lips as I wrote in my notebook. I then glanced at the clock on the wall.

10 minutes left.

"I don't think Ms. Wade would mind working overnight with me." Dr. Stone spoke with a smile & my eyes widen.

"I beg your pardon?!" I stared at him in pure disbelief.

"Would you?" The woman questioned & I sigh.

"Yes I would mind ma'am, I have an important dinner to go to tonight." I lied & the woman nodded.

"Okay, maybe next time." She smiled as she headed out the door.

Maybe never.

"Yep." I said sarcastically as I glared at him, a smile plastered on his face. I felt the anger inside of me rise but I stopped myself from saying a word.

"Avoiding spending extra hours with me?" He chuckled & I ignore him.

"Come on, one night with me won't be so bad." He spoke again, pure amusement could be heard in the tone of his voice. I ignored him once again.