The Doctor's Choice

Chapter Four

"You okay there, Evan?" Dana asked as he absently flipped through a file.

"Huh?"

Dana rolled her eyes. "You've been in a daze all week." She took the file from him and plopped it unceremoniously on top of the printer. From the front desk, Lucy cleared her throat. Evan could see the poorly hidden smirk as she continued typing on the computer.

"Of course he's in good spirits." David clapped Evan on the shoulder. "He's got a date this weekend with one lucky lady." Dana rolled her eyes.

"I still think it's a bad idea to date your boss's niece."

"It's only dinner," Evan said. "I'm not getting married Saturday night."

"Sure would make her mother happy!" David laughed. "You do know that if you hurt her, I'm obligated to make your untimely death look like an accident."

"Understood."

"I don't know about you all, but I'm ready to go home and prop my feet up." Liam shrugged out of his white coat. "This week has been crazy."

"Right behind you." Dana threw on her jacket and grabbed her handbag. "I've got Sarah and Michael this weekend. We should set up a playdate soon, Evan. It's been awhile."

"I'll send you a message, we'll set something up."

"Alright." David gathered his belongings. "Are you good to lock up, Evan?"

"Yeah, I've got to finish this report for my last appointment and then I'll head out."

"I'll be out of here in a couple of minutes," Lucy added. "Still have to close the batch and run the backup."

"See you both Monday then."

The door shut behind the trio as they exited, Lucy following behind to twist the door lock.

"How much longer on that report?"

"Depends. How much longer on closing down the system?"

"Done."

"Me too."

Lucy sauntered up to Evan, leaning over the desk and revealing how low-cut her work-appropriate shirt could become at the right angle. Evan loosened the buttons on his shirt.

"I don't have long before I have to pick up Abby from daycare."

"We'll have to make it quick then." She released her hair from its messy bun and walked behind the desk, into Evan's waiting arms.

*

Solstice was definitely overkill for a first date, especially a blind date, but Evan was also certain that anything less would have gotten him a disapproving look when he arrived at work on Monday. Solstice was a French bistro in the downtown mall that boasted a large patio with ample seating under the glow of lights strung overhead. The outdoor mall hosted storefronts that had been there for decades that lined the cobblestone pedestrian street. He had been looking over the menu when he first saw Izzy approaching the hostess, who turned and pointed to Evan's table. Izzy turned, giving him his first clear look. The picture he'd seen was not nearly as flattering as the real thing. Izzy was tall and slender, with short dark waves bouncing around her face as she walked. Evan stood.

"Nice to meet you." He extended his hand. "I'm Evan."

"Izzy." She accepted the offered hand. Evan pulled out her chair for her, and Izzy sat. "I'm glad we were able to get together. I've been enjoying our conversations this week."

"Me too. How's the dissertation coming along?"

The pair shared a bottle of wine, quickly losing themselves in conversation. Izzy was going for her doctorate in Psychology and, like her uncle, wanted her own practice some day. Her mother, however, had some rather outdated ideas.