Crystal and Devale are back! Working together at Saint Francis Hospital in Memphis, TN.
The two must navigate through their relationship as newlyweds, while they make new friends and as old friends make an appearance.
"That's what yo nasty ass get." Novi said sitting our drinks down.
It felt kind of like old times. Getting together after a shift and getting drinks. Except there were a few missing people. Michael, Morris, Zena, and Dr. Glover. He never got drunk with us but he would come and socialize. Chastised us about our relationships with each other and then he'd leave. Just like a disappointed father.
"Why am I nasty? Because I hung out with somebody I was with before Crystal— Zena and I are friends!"
"Turned lovers. After Crystal was going through the lowest point of her life. Not only that Lance was in love with Zena. You betrayed him too." Novi said looking at Lance.
He looked at me and shook his head. "I'm over it. I swear man." He said relieving me a little bit. "But it did hurt a little bit." He shrugged.
"Sorry man."
"We all good." Lance said clinking my glass.
"I admitted that I was wrong. Don't I get some points for that?" I ask them.
"Devale the damage is done." Novi said. "If you're not gonna move forward with Crystal let her move on. Don't hold that woman back." She said in a soft familiar voice.
"You sound like Whitfield..."
She smiled widely. "Really? We've been hanging out. I think her wisdom is rubbing off on me." She said proudly.
I never imagined ending things with Crystal so soon. But if she wants space I'm gonna give to her. Usually she'll threaten to leave and take me back. This time she's standing on her word. I'm kind of proud of her in a way. Just sad that she thinks there's nothing we can do to save our marriage.
"What are you gonna do why you're here in Chicago. Are you gonna pick up a couple of shifts at the hospital?" Lance asked me.
"Nah I don't need to. I got money tucked away."
"But it'll give you something to put your mind on other than your marriage." Lance tells me.
I sigh and shrug. "Who is the chief of surgery now? Who do I have to sweet talk?" I ask Novi and Lance.
They looked at each other and started cackling. Novi put her lips on her glass and continued to smile.
"What?"
"Um effective immediately after Dr. Glover's passing and your resignation, Lauren was made chief of surgery." Lance said scratching his head.
"You're joking."
"I wish." Novi said rolling her eyes. "She's been a stuck up bougie bitch ever since she got the damn job." She said with an attitude.
Lauren was always a sweet girl but right around the time Crystal left, she started to change. I found out Jayla was my daughter and she tried to make my life a living hell but I didn't allow her to. Now, I see her whenever I want. No child support either; I do for my kids without having to go through the courts.
"Look you guys I love my wife." I announce to my friends. "I won't be here too long cause I'm gonna make things right and go back home." I tell them.
Lance sighed, "It's your right to fight for your marriage but it's not gonna work if Crystal is burned out. If she's tired of fighting-"
"I think you need to just work on yourself right now." Novi said touching my hand.
•••
Memphis, TN
𝐂𝐑𝐘𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐋
"Dr. Hayslett you looking good." I hear behind me.
I look up from my clipboard and turn around.
"Christian what do you want?" I ask smiling softly.
"Now that I'm back from my Hawaii vacation I was thinking we can go out to eat." He offered making me shake my head.
Christian has been trying to get with me since I came back to Memphis. He's always up in my face spitting game. Sometimes when I'm really bored I flirt back. But most of the time I just try to have a friendly conversation. Of course nowadays, women can't have a regular conversation with a man without them thinking into it more than what it is.
Nevertheless, I enjoy talking to Christian. He's funny. He's intelligent. He's fine as hell too.
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↞𝑪𝑯𝑹𝑰𝑺𝑻𝑰𝑨𝑵 𝑲𝑬𝒀𝑬𝑺,➃➀↠
I looked at him, "I'm married." I softly let out.
"I don't see your ring. I figured you'd taken a break from Mr. Wildcard." Christian said.
I rolled my eyes at his words. That was a nickname I gave Devale when we weren't on speaking terms. When I told people about DJ and the situation that happened. I was calling Devale, "Mr. Wildcard" because some days he wanted to deal with me and other days he didn't. Nothing has changed since then.
"Okay fine you don't wanna do dinner. Let me take you out for drinks." He said softening his tone a little bit.
He became more of a gentleman and less of an annoying man I worked with.
"I have a son to go home to." I tell him.
"I know. But we won't be out for more than three hours." He said putting his hands up. "Unless we lose track of time." He said.
"Why do you wanna take me out so bad? There are a hundred other women you can be talking to right now-"
"But I'm talking to you." He quickly remarked.
I closed my mouth and put the pen I was holding into the pocket of my jacket. I turned and faced Christian, we were eye to eye. He waited patiently for my answer to his sudden invitation.
"Fine. I'll be ready at-"
"Nine." He cut me off. "Be ready at nine." He said before walking off.
"Ouweee that man is fine." Denise said sneaking up on me.
I shake my head and walk away.
"Where is your husband?" I ask her.
"Where is yours?" She shot back.
I look at her and bite my lip. "I'm not sure I even have one." I say shaking my head.
"Well you can always actually talk about it. Instead of pushing it down— you're gonna blow up one day Crys." Denise said giving me a soft look.
"I'm fine Denise. I really am." I say before walking off to finish my rounds.
