November 8 2020
The hospital cafeteria smelled like burnt coffee and stale sandwiches, but Gabriel hardly noticed. His mind was still spinning from AJ's words—sharp as a scalpel, yet softened in a way that felt almost... personal.
Camilla was busy dissecting him instead.
Camilla - You've got it *bad,*
she said, stabbing her salad with unnecessary violence.
Camilla -I mean, you'd think after that scolding, you'd be cured, but nope. Still pining.
Gabriel groaned, dropping his tray.
Gabriel - Can you not narrate my entire emotional downfall in public?
Before she could reply, the elevator doors opened—and in walked a tall man carrying a brown paper bag. Casual suit, warm smile, an ease that contrasted AJ's clinical precision.
Nurse - Dave
One of the nurses greeted.
Nurse - Dropping off lunch again?
Dave - Yeah
he said, grinning.
Dave- She'd work through meals if I didn't show up. Someone's gotta keep her human.
Gabriel froze mid-bite. His fork clattered onto the tray.
Camilla, of course, noticed immediately. Her eyes lit up with pure mischief.
Camilla - Ohhh
she whispered, leaning across the table.
Camilla - there she is
Gabriel didn't need clarification. He already knew.
Dave.
Dr. AJ Brewster's husband.
The man who had what Gabriel secretly, pathetically, wanted.
Dave spotted them at the table and headed over with a friendly wave.
Dave - You must be new AJ's interns. Gabriel, right?
Camilla practically purred.
Camilla - That's him. Hey David
Dave - hey Camilla
She nudged Gabriel under the table when he didn't respond fast enough.
Gabriel cleared his throat.
Gabriel - Uh—yes. That's me.
Dave chuckled, easygoing.
Dave - She's tough on you, isn't she?
Camilla smirked.
Camilla- That's one way to put it. Though some of us don't *mind* the tough-love approach.
Gabriel kicked her under the table, but she only bit back laughter.
Dave placed the paper bag on the counter, clearly used to AJ's reputation.
Dave's She's brilliant, but she forgets to eat. Happens every week.
He smiled like it was an inside joke he'd been in on for years.
Gabriel forced a polite smile back, but his stomach churned. Something about seeing Dave—so casually woven into AJ's life—made the unspoken ache sharper.
Camilla leaned in, whispering once Dave was out of earshot, heading toward AJ's office.
Camila -You're doomed.
Gabriel -Camilla
Gabriel muttered through gritted teeth.
Camilla - What? I'm just saying—he's handsome, sweet, and he remembers her lunch. Meanwhile, you're here looking like you got hit by a truck just because she said your name in full sentences.
Gabriel rubbed his temples.
Gabriel - You're enjoying this too much.
Camilla- Oh, absolutely
she said, grinning.
Camilla - But don't worry. I'll be your wingwoman... even if the woman has a wedding ring.
