Chapter One
Another Chance at Love
Part One - Mindy
Mindy Lahiri took a deep breath and smiled as her lap top came to life. It had been two weeks since she had taken her first delicate steps into the world of online chat rooms. After Gwen her best friend had created an account on her behalf, Mindy had after much careful deliberation given in and actually used the account. Mindy was now a member of the anonymous lonely doctor's chat room. On her first day in the chat room she met someone with whom she connected. His screen name mrnewyork immediately caught her attention. They had a lot in common and every night since they had been emailing back and forth. Mindy found herself checking her emails all day long just hoping for a new message from him. As she logged into her email Mindy's heart began to beat faster. She smiled as she saw the number on her inbox read one new message. She knew without even looking that it was from him.
This whole journey for Mindy had started the day after Christmas Day. She was feeling down after her man trap had failed. Mindy was now certain she was going to become one of those old crazy cat ladies. It was at this point that Gwen in her infinite wisdom decided to get Mindy a new lap top as a present.
"I don't think you can wait till your birthday for this so….ta da!" Gwen said as she pulled a carefully wrapped box with a large pink bow from behind her back.
Mindy leaned back in her desk chair and frowned at Gwen.
"I don't see how any gift is going to help me now, unless there is a man in that box" She said closing her eyes and letting out a sigh.
Gwen slid the box across the desk and waited for Mindy to open it.
"At least open it" Gwen begged.
Mindy frowned at Gwen.
"Ok fine" She said as she pulled the heavy box closer to herself.
She opened it and then looked up at Gwen, a serious expression on her face. Gwen smiled sweetly at her.
"That's not your whole present open it up" Gwen said barely able to contain her excitement.
Mindy raised an eyebrow wondering what her friend was up to. She opened the laptop lid and it came to life. On the screen was a web page with a big heading that said Lonely Doctor's Chat. Angry and upset she slammed the lid shut and got up from her desk. Without a word she walked out of the office and around to the back of the building.
Mindy couldn't believe how insensitive Gwen was being. A chat room for lonely doctors seriously? What the hell was she thinking? Mindy closed her eyes and leaned against the cool exterior of the building. There was the sudden sound of shuffling feet next to her and Mindy gritted her teeth.
"Gwen just leave me alone okay" She said trying not to yell.
Mindy opened her eyes to see Danny Castellano standing next to her a frown on his handsome face.
"Danny what are you doing sneaking up on me like that" She said feeling bad for assuming he was Gwen.
"Sorry you just looked upset and I wanted to make sure you were okay" He said sounding genuine.
Mindy was surprised that he even cared.
"I just wanna be alone okay Danny" She said not wanting to tell him why she was upset.
Danny nodded and went back into the building. Mindy continued to fume even though she knew that really Gwen was only trying to help. After a few more deep breaths Mindy headed back into the building. She knew she had overreacted to what was really a thoughtful gesture. Mindy headed back to her office ready to swallow her pride and apologize to Gwen.
Part Two– Danny
Danny slowly opened his office door and glanced around. When he saw it was empty he smiled to himself. Danny loved when the office was empty because then he had the place to himself. Lately he had been spending more time at work after hours. Now that he was single again he didn't really like going home to his empty apartment. He sat down at his desk and turned on his laptop. Lately he had been finding solace online.
Recently while browsing through Bruce Springsteen merchandise for sale he had seen an ad for a lonely doctor's chat room. At first Danny had laughed and wondered what kind of idiot would use that kind of site. But then after a few moments clicked it, he wasn't even sure why he did. After taking far too long to think of a screen name he logged in and waited. He wasn't sure exactly what to do next. Luckily he didn't have to wonder long because someone else starting talking to him. Her screen name was Beyoncé-padthai and he couldn't help but laugh when he read it. After only a few hours of chatting they changed email address. Now every night when the practice was empty Danny would sit at his computer and email back and forth with Beyoncé-padthai. He found her to not only be funny but also very intelligent and understanding.
Two weeks into their exchanges Danny fell asleep at his desk after staying up all night talking to her. He awoke with a start when someone knocked on his office door. He quickly closed his laptop and fixed his hair.
"Yeah" He said his voice husky.
The door opened and Mindy stood in the doorway. Danny couldn't help but notice how nice she looked. He didn't say anything however he simply waited for her to say something.
"Danny you missed the meeting" She said before checking her phone.
Danny swore to himself and got up from his desk. He still couldn't believe he fell asleep at his desk like an idiot.
"Sorry I…got distracted. Did I miss much?" He asked hoping Mindy wouldn't notice he was wearing the same clothes as the day before.
Mindy rolled her eyes before turning and heading over to Betsy's desk. Danny laughed a little and assumed that her reaction meant he didn't miss much. He headed back into his office and sent a quick email to his online friend. He then greeted his first patient of the day with a beaming smile on his face. It was the happiest he had been in a long time and it was all thanks to Beyoncé-padthai.
