November 20 2020
After AJ walked Mateo back to daycare, the room felt quieter. Almost too quiet.
Simone closed her notebook with a sharp snap. Her gaze lingered on Gabriel, who was staring at the spot where AJ had just stood, eyes distant, jaw tight.
She smirked.
Simone - You've got it bad.
Gabriel blinked, pulled from his thoughts.
Gabriel - What?
Simone - Oh, come on.
Simone leaned back in her chair, arms folded.
Simone - I might be new to the Neuro program, but I'm not blind. Every time Dr. Brewster talks, your ears turn redder than the MRI contrast dye.
Gabriel shifted uncomfortably, fiddling with his pen.
Gabriel - It's not like that.
Simone - Uh-huh. Sure. And I don't mainline espresso to survive night shifts.
Simone arched a brow.
Simone -Look, I get it. She's... Medusa.
Parker , who'd just sat down and been scribbling notes until now, looked up.
Parker- Medusa?
Parker looked up because he still hasn't finished writing up the post op. And Gabriel looked confused Simone smirked.
Simone - Yeah. That's what some of the residents call her. One look, and you're frozen. The woman's terrifying and magnetic at the same time. People either fear her or... well—
She gave Gabriel a pointed look.
Simone - Fall for her.
She whispered
Gabriel's ears burned.
Gabriel- That's—ridiculous.
Simone - Is it?
Simone pressed, tilting her head.
Simone - You didn't breathe for a full thirty seconds when her kid ran in here. And don't think I didn't notice the way you looked at her while she was holding him.
Gabriel clenched his jaw.
Gabriel -Drop it, Simone.
But Simone only grinned wider, sensing she was right.
Simone - Relax. Your secret's safe with me. Just... maybe be careful. Medusa's married. And she doesn't need her interns turning to stone over her.
Parker chuckled under his breath.
Parker - Brutal.
Simone shrugged, standing.
Simone - Brutal, but true.
As she left the conference room, Gabriel stayed rooted in his chair, heart hammering. He knew Simone was right—he just wished she wasn't.
Because if AJ was Medusa...
Then Gabriel Luiz was already stone.
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