Whirlwind

CHAPTER 2

"I'd bet a million pounds you're daydreaming about little Missy in ward 18C," Matt sat in the chair opposite Brad's across the desk.

Sitting up straight in his chair, Brad removed his legs from the desk, where he'd crossed them at the ankles while reclining in his seat.

"Dude, you're like a bad breath. You're everywhere," he drawled in a bored tone. "And her name is Rosaline."

Matt smiled coyly, "I'm right, aren't I?"

Brad needed someone to talk to anyway, so who better than his nosy yet sweet friend?

"Okay. I've never felt about anyone as I feel about Rosaline, man." He cut off Matt as he opened his mouth to say something. "And before you judge me, I'm not sure I can stay away from her."

Matt was silent for a moment. "Why would you stay away? You've been out of the game for...what? Three years?" He sat forward and folded his arms on the desk. "I've been looking forward to this day for so long. If you don't claim her, I will."

"I'd kill you," he smiled and grabbed his keys and bag. "Let's go grab something to eat before heading home."

Following Brad out of the office, Matt smacked his shoulder. "You're paying."

Brad laughed at his friend. "Why do I always have to pay?"

"Because you're rich. And you have to pay for services rendered."

"What services?"

"Keeping you company." He rolled his eyes as if Brad is the dumbest of them all. "My wife and kids are waiting for me at home, you know?"

"How can I forget? You remind me every second."

"Glad we understand each other."

Laughing at their usual brawl about who pays, they walked across the street to their favourite hotdog restaurant.

"So, what are you going to do about Rosaline?" Matt asked as soon as they took their seats in the corner booth of the restaurant.

Brad looked at him in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"I'm talking about when you leave for Stellenbosch."

Open-mouthed Brad said, "How did you...?"

"The day you got called to the ER I went looking for you and was about to stick a note to your computer screen when I saw the email," Matt cut him mid question.

Elbows on the table, head in his hands, Brad groaned. "I don't know. And sorry for not telling you. It totally skipped my mind."

"It's okay," he sighed heavily. "But we have to come up with something."

"I'm thinking of just leaving her alone. I mean, I can't ask her out then leave. I think it's better if I just let this whole thing go." His voice was weak. "Plus, it's unethical."

The waiter brought their hotdogs and they ate in silence for a few minutes.

Snapping his head up, Matt smiled mischievously.

"What?"

"I just had an idea!" Matt practically jumped in his seat.

Brad snorted, "A bizarre one, I bet."

"What if you take her with you?"

Brad laughed. Actually laughed. "You never disappoint!"

"But it could work!"

"What do I say? 'Hey, Shorty! I like you and would like you to come with me to Stellenbosch'?" Brad scoffed. "You're out of your goddamn mind, man."