Page 128 of Love Sick

I hear rumors all the time. Not just about me. Talk of residents dating who aren’t. People cheating when they haven’t. Interns screwing up when they never did.

Where do the rumors start? How do they grow?

My reputation is in such tatters that my name is dragged into any speculation about sex in the hospital. Witnesses immediately assume I’m involved.

Weird noise in the surgery call room? Probably Sapphire Rose blowing a plastics fellow.

Provocative laughter in a stairwell? Definitely Sapphire Rose leading a pediatrics resident to his downfall.

I’m sure those radiology residents were caught alone, then someone joked, “I’m surprised Sapphire Rose wasn’t with them” and off flew the newest rumor.

I wipe my face.

Oh god.

What if Julian hears it?

I yank my phone from my white coat pocket.

Me:It isn’t true.

Julian:I know.

I stare at his answer. My chest hollows.

Me:you already heard?

Julian:it doesn’t matter grace

Me:what exactly did you hear?

The three dots appear, then disappear.

Me:what did you hear julian

Julian:grace

Julian:it doesn’t matter

Julian:it isn’t true, right?

Ice freezes my fingers as I stare at that question, and my steps slow to a stop. Texts lack tone. He could be stating that it doesn’t matter because it’s not true, or he could be genuinely asking if it’s true.

My gaze lifts to the floor-to-ceiling sky bridge windows, looking over a parking lot.

Does he really think I’d—

The screen flashes with his contact photo when he calls me.

I sniffle and hold the phone to my ear. “Hello?”

His tone is gentle. “Gracey, listen. It isn’t even true, so why does it matter? It’s never mattered.”

Oh thank god. He didn’t believe it. Of course he didn’t believe it! What was I thinking?

“What did you hear?” I ask.

He’s silent for several seconds. “Grace—”

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