Page 32 of Dr. Lillian Harrington
"Because you’re not," Lillian replied, her voice firm but gentle. "I know you like to think you are, but you’re just as human as the rest of us. I see that, Rebecca."
For the briefest moment, Rebecca’s expression softened completely. Her usual sharp edges seemed to dull and Lillian could see the vulnerability hiding behind them. But just as quickly as it had appeared, the moment passed, and Rebecca’s cool, composed demeanor slipped back into place.
"I’ve spent a long time building walls," Rebecca admitted, her fingers absentmindedly tracing the edge of the napkin in front of her. "It’s easier that way. Less messy. Less risk."
Lillian reached across the table, her fingers brushing against Rebecca’s hand. The touch was light, tentative, but it was enough to make Rebecca still, her gaze dropping to their hands for a moment before flicking back up to meet Lillian’s eyes.
"It doesn’t have to be messy," Lillian said softly. "Not with me."
Rebecca didn’t pull away, but she didn’t say anything either. The silence between them was thick, charged with unspoken words, but Lillian didn’t push. She knew Rebecca wasn’t the type to open up easily, and she wasn’t about to force it. But the fact that she was sitting here, talking about her walls, her fears—that was a start.
Rebecca finally let out a breath she had been holding, her eyes softening slightly as she looked at Lillian. "You’re relentless, you know that?"
Lillian grinned, giving Rebecca’s hand a playful squeeze before pulling back. "I’ve been told."
The waitress returned, refilling their water glasses and giving them a warm smile as she asked if they needed anything else. Lillian shook her head, thanking her, while Rebecca seemed to relax a little more, settling back into the booth.
"You know," Rebecca said after the waitress had walked away, "this place is kind of growing on me."
Lillian laughed, taking a sip of her water. "Told you it wasn’t so bad. Sometimes, the best places are the ones that surprise you."
Rebecca gave a small nod, her eyes scanning the diner before landing back on Lillian. "I guess I don’t let myself be surprised often enough."
Lillian raised an eyebrow, her voice teasing. "Well, you’re in luck, because I’m full of surprises."
Rebecca’s lips curved into a soft smile, her eyes twinkling with something that looked dangerously close to affection. "I’m beginning to see that."
For the first time all night, the tension between them seemed to fade, replaced by something lighter, warmer. They continued to eat, the conversation flowing more easily now. Lillian told astory about one of her first days as an intern, how she had gotten lost in the hospital and ended up assisting in the wrong surgery. Rebecca laughed, and Lillian was struck by how beautiful she looked when she wasn’t guarded, when she was just...Rebecca.
As the evening wore on, Lillian found herself relaxing into the moment, enjoying the easy back-and-forth between them. It wasn’t perfect—there was still a distance between them, still walls that hadn’t fully come down—but it was a start. And for now, that was enough.
When they finished their food, Lillian glanced at Rebecca, a playful glint in her eyes. "So, how does this compare to your fancy dinners with clients or at those elite galas?"
Rebecca pretended to think for a moment, her lips quirking into a smirk. "Honestly? This burger might be better than half the food I’ve had at those stuffy events."
Lillian chuckled, raising her glass of water in a mock toast. "To cheap diners and greasy burgers."
Rebecca clinked her glass against Lillian’s, her smile softening. "To cheap diners and greasy burgers," she repeated, her eyes lingering on Lillian’s for a moment longer than necessary.
For the first time since they had started whatever it was between them, Lillian felt something shift. This wasn’t just a physical connection anymore. This was something more—something that scared her, but excited her at the same time.
As they stood to leave the diner, Rebecca brushed her hand against Lillian’s arm, a subtle gesture, but one that sent a thrill through her. They stepped outside into the cool night air, and for the first time all day, Lillian felt like maybe things were going to be okay.
They walked to Lillian’s car, the night quiet around them. As they reached the passenger side, Rebecca paused, turning to face Lillian.
"Thank you," she said quietly, her voice sincere. "For tonight."
Lillian smiled, her heart fluttering in her chest. "Anytime."
Rebecca hesitated for a moment, her eyes searching Lillian’s, before she leaned in, pressing a soft, lingering kiss to Lillian’s cheek.
It was simple, understated, but it was enough to send Lillian’s heart racing.
As Rebecca pulled back, her usual guarded expression flickered, replaced with something softer, more vulnerable.
"Goodnight, Lillian."
"Goodnight, Rebecca."
