Page 17 of No Pucks

“Is that the excuse for smoking now?”

“I thought I’d have more time to put it out.” She rolls her eyes.

“You’re a damn trauma surgeon. I thought you quit.”

“We both have vices to get through our lives. I did quit for a while, but my job is stressful.” She softens and then pulls me in for a hug. “I’ve missed you. I’m glad you’re back.”

I squeeze her. “Maybe not for long.”

She pulls back with a questioning look.

I shrug and nod to go inside. I hold the door, and she follows. It’s a nice little place, kind of a cross between a coffee shop and a bar, with big armchairs and bookshelves. I instantly feel at home. We sink into seats in the back near a large fireplace, and I pick up the menu.

“What’s up? You’ve been back for weeks and you just call me?” She doesn’t bother with a menu.

“Not even letting me get a drink before you quiz me?”

“Their espresso martinis are great.” Krista looks up as the waiter approaches. “Can I have a triple espresso?”

“Damn, trying to be up all night?” The guy blinks at her. “It’s eight P.M. Are you sure?”

“I’m on call at the hospital.” She gives him a tight smile, as if she has to do this all the time.

“What department?” the waiter asks.

“Emergency.”

“So you really mean it.” He jots it down on the little paper then turns to me. “And for you?”

“I’ll take an espresso martini.”I toss the menu on the table and pull off my coat, quickly getting too warm by the fire.

“You trying to stay up too?” the server asks.

“Damn, so much judgement. No…but my friend said they’re good.” I make a face at Krista when he leaves. “Talk about the third degree.”

“He must be new. They’ve never given me a hard time here before. If the place serves coffee this late, can’t they just assume people want it at this hour? They aren’t hurting for business.” Krista leans over, eyeing the waiter’s ass. “He looks like your type.”

I glare. “What makes you say that?”

“Because he’d be mean to you like your ex-wife.” She grins the entire time she’s saying it, smug as fuck.

I hold up my middle finger. “I’ve turned over a new leaf, and I’m only accepting applications from nice, optimistic people, like me.” I cringe, realizing I’m describing Logan.

She laughs. “What took you so long to call?”

“Don’t act like time means anything to you. I’m not even sure you know it’s been a couple of weeks.”

“It’s not my fault I have time blindness and work weird, long hours so days blend into one another. I did have your move in date circled on the calendar. Why are you being a recluse?”

“I’ve been trying to get my head ‘round being back.”

“How’s that going?” She searches my face.

I lift a shoulder. “I might have fucked it up already.”I’d considered not telling her, but what was the point? She’d get it out of me eventually.

She sits up, frowning as she looks me over. “What could you have done in a couple of weeks? The term just started! Wasn’t your first practice…” She checks her watch. “Today?!”

I wipe a hand over my face, shutting up because the judge-y waiter is back.

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