Chapter 20

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I entered the cafeteria, the smell of food instantly reminding me how hungry I was. My eyes scanned the room, looking for Lexi and Bree. 


I heard my name being called.

"Michaela!"


I turned to see Miguel waving me over from across the room. He was sitting with Rocky, and... Adrianna. She was draped over him, her hand resting casually on his arm. My stomach twisted, but I forced a smile.


"Grab your food first," Miguel added when he noticed me hesitate.


I nodded, trying to act casual as I made my way to the food counter. As I picked up a tray and filled it with a sandwich and some fruit, I could feel a few sets of eyes on me. The cafeteria always had that slightly claustrophobic air, where everyone knew everyone's business. I took a deep breath and decided to just go with it.


With my tray in hand, I walked toward Miguel's table, trying not to think too much about Adrianna's possessive gaze as she watched me approach.


"Hey," I greeted them, taking the empty seat across from Miguel.


Rocky gave me a broad smile. "Hey, Michaela! How's it going? You surviving this week?"


"Barely," I chuckled, placing my tray on the table. "It's been a long one, but we got through Ethan's surgery earlier, so that's something."


"That kid's tough," Miguel said, his eyes meeting mine for a moment before Adrianna shifted even closer to him. Her arm was now fully draped over his shoulder, her body practically leaning into his. I tried to focus on my food, but it was hard not to notice.


Rocky grinned and leaned back in his chair. "So, what's the next adventure, Dr. Quinn?"


I laughed, trying to ease the awkward tension. "Hopefully something quieter than a marathon of surgeries." My eyes flickered to Miguel, but I caught Adrianna staring at me, her expression unreadable.


"Yeah, it's been pretty hectic," Miguel added, nodding in agreement. "You've been handling it well, though. Not everyone can keep their cool in the OR like you did."


My heart skipped a beat at his compliment, but it quickly deflated when Adrianna interrupted.


"Of course, Miguel's great at handling stress, too," she said, her voice dripping with something that sounded like forced sweetness. She brushed a hand through his hair, her gesture casual but far too intimate for my liking.


I swallowed the discomfort and nodded, trying to smile. "Yeah, Miguel's good at what he does."


Rocky noticed the shift in the conversation and jumped in, saving the moment. "Miguel and I have been through a lot of this chaos together. Since high school, actually."


"Best friends since forever," Miguel said, his eyes lighting up as he looked at Rocky. "Couldn't have made it through med school without him."

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