Page 14 of Under Southern Stars
After cleanup, I make my move. The coffee shop in the hospital lobby knows me now—one of the perks of running to Metro constantly.
I ordered a flat white. The Metro General café gave it a decent crack, all things considered. Then, casual as I canmanage: “Actually, quick question. The charge nurse from the ER—dark hair, always looks like she needs more caffeine?”
The barista grins. “Sophia? Oh yeah, she’s a regular. Why?”
“Thought I’d bring her one. Been a rough shift.” I lean on the counter, friendly but not creepy. “What’s her usual?”
“Red-eye, no cream, no sugar.” She shakes her head. “That woman drinks jet fuel, I swear. Sometimes asks for an extra shot when it’s really bad.”
“Better make it with the extra shot then.” I slide a twenty across the counter for a six-dollar coffee. “Keep the change, yeah? Appreciate the help.”
“Trying to impress the ice queen?” She winks as she adds the extra shot. “Good luck with that.”
Ice queen. Not the first time I’ve heard that. But I remember her voice on the phone—flustered, warm, definitely not frozen.
I carry both coffees back to the ER. She’s still at the nurses’ station, now frowning at what looks like a staffing grid. Her cheeks are slightly pink—still thinking about our phone call, maybe? I set the red-eye on the desk next to her.
“Figured you might need this, Charge Nurse.” I keep my tone light, testing the waters after our earlier…moment. “Heard it’s been a busy one.”
She stares at the cup like it might explode. “How did you…”
“The barista was very helpful.” I sip my flat white innocently. “Apparently you’re famous for your coffee orders. Something about jet fuel?”
Her eyes narrow. “You bribed the barista for my coffee order?”
“Bribed is a strong word. I prefer ‘tipped generously for information.’”
The tiniest smile tugs at her mouth before she suppresses it. “That’s…thank you.” She picks up the cup carefully, inhales the aroma. “Extra shot?”
“Barista’s recommendation for rough shifts.”
She takes a sip, and her eyes close for just a second. Worth every penny of that twenty.
“Well, well.” Dr. Cameron Lee materializes like smoke. Always does have terrible timing. “Mitchell, about that dinner we discussed…”
Sophia’s eyes snap open. “We’ve never discussed dinner, Dr. Lee.”
“We should rectify that.” He leans on the counter, completely ignoring me. “Tonight? That new French place downtown? I’ve got reservations.”
“I don’t—”
“Come on.” His smile would probably work on someone who hadn’t been dealing with him for years. “One dinner. What’s the harm?”
Before I can step back, before I can make a graceful exit, Sophia’s hand lands on my forearm. Her fingers are cool through my uniform sleeve.
“Actually, I already have dinner plans.” Her voice is steady, but I feel the slight tremor in her grip.
Cameron’s eyebrows rise. “Oh? With who?”
Her fingers tighten almost imperceptibly. Here it comes.
“Jack here just asked me out on a date.” She glances at me, and something in her eyes is half challenge, half plea. “Didn’t you, Jack?”
The ER seems to pause. Even the monitors sound quieter. I can feel everyone within earshot holding their breath.
“That’s right.” I set down my coffee, turn to face her fully. If we’re doing this, we’re doing it properly. “Tonight, actually. Hope you haven’t changed your mind?”
Her eyes widen slightly—surprise that I’m playing along? Relief? Something else?
