Page 96 of The Exception

She must have struck a nerve because Trav’s slightly annoyed expression transformed into something else completely.

“Whoa. I did the right thing here, and deep down you know it.” His words were a harsh whisper, challenging her to disagree with him.

“If you were so confident that you did the right thing, why didn’t you tell me?”

He blinked at her question like he didn’t want to admit the reason. “Because I knew you’d react like this instead of just being happy he’s back. You overthink things way too much.”

“And you don’t think enough! As frustrating as it is, once a patient leaves this hospital we can’t interfere with their personal lives, and we especially don’t make house calls.”

He chuckled bitterly. “I’m studying to be a paramedic, Sonya. Making house calls is exactly what I’m being trained to do.”

That sarcasm was back and it grated at her nerves just like it had the last time they’d argued. This time she wasn’t so worried about analyzing what was behind it.

“Is this funny to you? Do you understand how bad it would be for both of us if anyone finds out what you did?”

Trav ran a hand over his face. “Christ, you sound just like my dad. Don’t worry. If anyone finds out, I’ll do whatever I can to keep your reputation intact. I wouldn’t want you to take the blame for saving someone’s life the wrong way.”

“You know that’s not it… ” Her words trailed off and she pinched the bridge of her nose. “I know you meant well, but you don’t get to decide what’s best for patients. We have a chain of command for a reason and as your preceptor, you should’ve come to me.”

Trav folded his arms over his chest. “Look, Sonya, I value your opinion but I did what I did on my own time and the only place you’re in charge is inside this hospital.”

Her back stiffened. No, she wasn’t in charge outside of the hospital but that was because outside, they were supposed to be partners. She wasn’t sure if she was more upset over what he’d done or over the fact that he hadn’t even talked about it with her. Was this what being with him would be like? Him going off and breaking things while leaving her to figure out how to fix them? The worst part was, it had only been a matter of weeks and it had already happened again.

She took a step back and folded her arms across her chest. “You don’t value my opinion too much because you didn’t think to ask for it.”

“Shit, I didn’t mean it like that,” Trav said, reaching for her hand, but she snatched it away.

“Maybe the only relationship we should have is inside this hospital as well, Intern Travis.”

“Sonya—”

Unable to look at him, she turned around and grabbed the doorknob. “Before this conversation gets any less productive, we should both get back to work.”

“I’ll come by later so we can work this out.”

It was as close to a plea as she’d ever heard from him and it stilled her hand. Maybe she should just be happy Frank was back and stop letting this come between them.

No. Trav put it between you when he did this without talking to you.

Sonya opened the door just a crack.

“Not tonight.”

Thirty-seven

Trav tossed back the rest of his coffee, stuffing his travel mug in his backpack. Last night his body had begged for sleep after his third shift of the week, but his mind wouldn’t hear it. He’d tossed and turned well-past a chance at eight hours, and he’d ended up sleeping on the couch to avoid Sonya’s pillow. Now he was paying for it.

He knew Sonya would be unhappy about him going to see Frank, butthat… that reaction had caught him off guard. And it had his stomach twisted.

The thing was, she was right. About some of it. He knew what he was doing was walking a line. That’s why he hadn’t told her. He could admit that, but for fuck’s sake, didn’t he get any credit for helping a guy who obviously needed it? And for recognizing the way to get through to him?

Sonya was always going on about tailoring the treatment to the patient. He’d learned that from her, and this was no different.

Except apparently he didn’t get to make those calls, at work or on his own time. Because that’s what she was saying—even outside those walls, it was her way or nothing. And as soon as they had a disagreement, she’d drawn a line. She didn’t even want to talk about it.

It was all very familiar.

He threw his stuff in his locker and headed to the sixth floor, bracing himself to see her. By the time he’d made it to the nurse’s station, he’d decided he was being unfair. Not telling her about Frank had been untruthful at best and he needed to own up to that. He’d catch her before the day got started and they’d talk.

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