The Best Mistakes

25. Nolan

I cursed under my breath when I saw Ethan already sitting in the café. He was painfully prompt even outside his job. "You're late."

"By four minutes." I grabbed the seat next to him as he lifted his head up from the magazine. Chiseled jawline, piercing eyes topped by furrowed brows, and a firm set to his lips, exuding an air of rugged attractiveness, not much suitable for a doctor. It was hard to tell if he was a doctor without his white coat. He was the spitting image of our Dad in his 30s.

"Four minutes are enough to lose or save lives,” he said while putting down the magazine. Ethan was a cardiologist by profession and successful at that. He was among the top 10 best cardiologists in the country.

"Your hospital is right next to this café and I drove thirty kilometers to get here. So, we'll see when we meet up at a place near my campus." But I doubt he'd ever be late. Meeting Ethan outside the hospital premises on weekdays was nearly impossible, that's why I was here.

We continued our sibling talk (mostly him nagging me) for a while. But his words faltered when a dulcet voice called for us. It was Ruth, Ethan's wife.

Despite the stern facade, a subtle warmth softened his gaze, and there was a gentle curve to his lips that hinted at a compassionate nature beneath his firm exterior. Even after four years of marriage, their love was still fresh and thriving.

"Am I late? Did he nag you alot?" Ruth took off her white coat and placed it on the chair along with her bag. She was a doctor as well, in fact they both worked in the same hospital. Their work-place romance was still a hot topic.

"Thank you for coming to my rescue." I winked at Ruth, who just chuckled. I first met Ruth when Ethan introduced her to us during family dinner. But we grew close while pranking and annoying Ethan together. She was warm and kind-hearted and the only person who could keep Ethan on his toes.

"Theo's birthday is next month. At ours. Don't bring a gift." It sounded as if I was called to the court and not to my nephew's birthday. Ethan was always curt and straight to the point, it was his very personality. Ruth nudged him with her elbow while he was wiping his mouth.

"It won't hurt to say it nicely," she said glaring at him. Ruth turned to look at me and smiled. "Make sure to come. Oh- and bring your girlfriend as well."

"Girlfriend?" Ethan and I said in unison. Surprise plastered over our faces. Confusion plastered over Ruth's face after seeing our reactions. "Theo told me that you have one, do you not?"

Ethan glared at me from beside Ruth. I mouthed to him that it's not true. I had told him a few minutes earlier that I was not in a relationship and given my history of relationships, his concern and irk was understandable. They always ended badly.

"He must've misunderstood something." I shook my head. I had to have a talk with my little buddy. "Okay, girlfriend or not, but you have to come. Mom and Dad will be there as well." Ruth smiled.

"Of course, I will. Well then-" I said, returning the smile and standing up. I grabbed my things and turned to look at Ethan. He had his cold demeanor back on again, "and I will definitely bring a gift. An expensive one at that," saying I hurried to leave before he could catch me. I hold my life dear.

•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•

I walked down the same old paths of the campus. I had post lunch lectures to attend but I knew my mind wouldn't let me. It was already preoccupied by someone. Like a child, I anticipated bumping into Kayra and I couldn't suppress the playful grin which surfaced at the thought of her.

As if the heavens listened to my thoughts and answered- There she was, coming towards me with her head hung low, engaged in her phone. Light wind blew the stray strands of hair away from her face, while I stood still on my spot admiring the view of Kayra looking more than just beautiful. But she suddenly turned the other way. I knew she saw me and purposely turned to avoid me. Like I'd let her do that.