Chapter 26

I finally returned to the clinic, and Louis made a surprised visit. He knew my break time at lunch, and we sat with my co-workers, though I felt awkward when I introduced him as my friend.

“So, you’re a business owner? You’re a CEO of your own company?” asks one dental aid, Nikki.

“I don’t want to boast.” Louis slightly smiled.

“But you are, right?”

“I- Yes.”

“Cool,” said another dental aide, Naomi, who winked at me.

“Will he be your plus one at Dr. Staten’s wedding?” Nikki straightly asks out of the blue.

That took me by surprise, though I’m not sure if Louis was more stunned than me, and looking at him, he seemed to anticipate my answer. “I’m not sure. We’ll see.”

I took a second to glance at him, and he seemed disappointed. I wanted to add something, but Dr. Staten joined us. I introduced her to Louis and vice versa. We talked about our complaints about the hospital system and even politics. Though I secretly enjoyed a few chats abo