Sighted

Chapter 17: Hello, Doctor

Gin

      I park the van in the hospital's visitor lot before heading over to Alex. I texted him earlier, letting him   ne didn't say anything after the conversation with my parents. I know they explained all about our lives, including what my mother and I do. That led to explaining about how Alex is now connected to me. When Alex and I sat down to talk to her, Jane wouldn't even look at me. The two ended up leaving shortly after that.

      After Alex arrived home, I stayed parked down the street from him until he left for work. I stayed very near on the drive over, still shaken from this afternoon's events. I asked Owen to keep a close eye on the hospital tonight, even though I'm going to stay here the whole time. This man is like a magnet for danger and I'm going to tighten my protection.

      Alex exits and locks up the car when he sees me approaching. He doesn't seem concerned about anything and gives me a big smile when I stop in front of him. I was going to greet him, but the sight of his lips curving made my brain quit and I end up just staring at him. I don't know how he can still smile at me after everything that's happened.

"Gin," he calls, smile still in place. I shake my head a little, trying to clear it.

"Hi," I respond, a little embarrassed. "Let's go in the front, I don't want you using the back door for a while." He just nods and gestures me to go first, before falling into step with me. We make our way along through the lot and the sidewalk leading to the hospital's main entrance.

      As we head down the hallways, we pass some doctors and nurses that seem to know Alex, and he exchanges short greetings without stopping. It feels like a large number of female employees are greeting him. After one small group of nurses passes by, giving their hellos, I noticed a couple gave small waves to my doctor, too. Did they have to say Dr. Chen in that breathy little tone?

      Hearing their excited whispering after passing, I turn back, my eyebrows furrowing. I end up receiving a couple of strange looks but the nurses just scan me up and down before dismissing me. I actually stop walking, but the group keeps going, giggling.

      I look down at myself but am not sure what the problem is. My jacket had gotten blood on it from carrying Bowden earlier, so I'd exchanged it for a large, oversized sweatshirt in dark gray. Otherwise, I am still wearing my jeans and boots.

      Alex stops walking after a couple of steps and I glance at his outfit. He must have showered and changed because he looks neat, clean and absolutely delicious. He has on another pair of fitted trousers, this time in brown, with matching shoes. His dress shirt underneath his navy sweater is plaid this time, a blend of blues, brown and tan. Adorkable. With Alex's good looks, great hair and broad shoulders, he is a complete heartthrob. Now I understand the giggling. I look like a grungy child next to the doctor.

"What's wrong?" Alex asks, his face questioning. He must not have noticed the nurses, or more likely he's too used to the reactions he gets from them. I shake my head as an answer but can't say anything. I glance back frowning, but the nurses are long out of sight. "Gin, come on."

      Alex calls me again and my heart thumps happily, like it always does hearing my name on his lips. When I look at him, he steps back towards me and casually reaches out to capture my hand. He tugs me a little to start walking. I rip my hand from his as if it burns me, stalking past him. I really would look like a child if he has to walk me down the hall.

      It's easy to find the bank of elevators, Alex following behind. I hit the call button and step back to wait. I feel the tall presence next to me but refuse to look over. The next available elevator pings and the doors slide open. Stepping inside the empty space, I turn to the panel of buttons but I'm too distracted to remember what floor the witch is on. Alex leans in front of me, pressing the correct floor, before putting some space in between us again.