Hello and happy Thursday! Thank you to everyone who is still reading, reviewing, following, favorite and supporting this story. Big things to come!

Oasis29: I know, I feel you. Here you go!

daghely: I know and yep!

ViaNearth11: Thank you for both reviews, I'm glad you like it and I updated LVL the other day!

beatzlc: Yes, new boy! I could both of those and thank you! I'm excited too!

violet1429: Haha, you know, I was sadly leaning towards that until someone else helped me out. So, you're safe…lol. Exactly! Perfect way to look at it. But, just hang tight.

Enjoy!


Weeks go by and the stranger I met is still on my mind. He was very charming and his smile did something to me. Made me feel weak in the knees and blush, the only way I thought Lucas could. But, it's not like anything is going to happen between us. Especially since I haven't seen him since that night. He wasn't a figure of my imagination, right? He was real, right?

Of course I'm right. I mean, you can never dream or make up someone that good-looking. And maybe, this was a sign that I needed to start opening myself to the idea of a real relationship.

Maybe Maya was right.

Well, only time will tell.

OoOoOoOo

Six months have gone by and I only have a year and a half left of my residency. This whole experience has been remarkable and I've met so many awe-inspiring people, we're like family now. A huge, crazy family.

I didn't keep my word to Lucas about not being a stranger, but thanks to Zay, who told him a ballpark of my schedule, Lucas started showing up in the cafeteria and second floor a lot more often.

I, of course, was polite and welcoming, playing it cool and keeping it professional. But in my head, I was giddy and confused. What was he doing? Why was he doing this? And, just when I thought things couldn't get any worse, they do.

OoOoOoOo

It's early in the morning, a little after 5 AM when the peds department and other doctors met in the conference room for an 'important meeting'. "Good morning everyone," the Chief greets once the room is packed. "I know you're all busy so, I'll make this quick. We have a new doctor and surgeon joining our team. He came all the way from Florida General so please, help me in welcoming, Dr. Brad Stevenson. He'll be in pediatrics. Dr. Mack, make him feel at home. Everyone else, on your downtime show Dr. Stevenson around make him feel comfortable because after all, we're all family here. Thank you and again, Dr. Stevenson welcome aboard."

I could only see his head during Dr. Perlman's and speech, but once people start moving around, I feel myself freeze.

The guy I've been thinking about is here. In this room. My head is spinning and before I can duck out and leave, he catches my stare and gives me a big smile. He starts moving towards me, saying hello to everyone he's passing and as soon as he's right in front of me, I feel extremely nervous. "I told you we'd see each other again," Brad grins.

"Yes, yes you did," I blushed. "So, what were you doing here when we first met?"

"Just checking on the place. Trying to get a feel of my new home. And of course, meeting a beautiful woman like yourself made me even happy about the move," Brad shares, still smiling that flirty smile.

"Well, aren't you sweet," I giggle. "Welcome to New York General. I'm Riley, Riley Matthews."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Riley. And, I can only hope that since I saw you on this floor that you're in Peds as well?" Brad questions with optimism.

"Yes, you'd be correct," I smile.

"Good. I look forward to working with you and getting to know you better. Walk with me to the nurses' station?" Brad asks.

"Me too and sure," I nod as we exit the room.

During my whole conversation with Brad, it felt like I was being watched. But I ignored it, figuring it was just my mind playing tricks on me.

OoOoOoOo

For the rest of the day, I was busy with patients and didn't see Brad. Which, was a small breath of relief as I had to keep myself in check.

Though Brad was handsome; his dark hair in a nice clean cut, blue eyes that shine, strong build and good height. I sadly find myself comparing him to Lucas and it's not fair. It's a major problem in my book. Lucas made his choice and now, it's my turn.

I had just changed back into my street clothes when Brad comes walking in my direction. "Riley, do you have a second?" he calls out, increasing his speed.

"What can I help you with, Dr. Stevenson?" I answer professionally.

"Dr. Mack and I have talked this over and I would like it if you were in my lineup for this major surgery coming up. I've heard you're an exceptional doctor and surgeon and it only makes since to have the best on my team. I know it's a lot to ask, especially since we don't know each other, but I would very much like it if you would accept this," Brad explains, his smile making me melt, little by little.

"Wow, Dr. Stevenson, this is a great honor and though I appreciate it-", I start off before getting cut off.

"Hey Riles," I hear from behind me.

My body stiffens and my heart rate increases as Lucas is now standing beside me, very closely I might add. "Hi, Lucas," I reply, giving him a fake smile.

"So, what's going on here?" Lucas wonders, looking between me and Brad.

"Riley and I were just having a work conversation. Are a friend? Boyfriend or something?" Brad answers before I have a chance to, the two of them, sizing each other up.

"Oh, that's cool. And no, Riley and I aren't dating. We're friends and use to work together," Lucas responds, in a way marking his place.

"Oh, you work here too?" Brad continues, his interest rising.

"Yeah, I work in Neurology. Wait? Are you the new doctor that was announced today?" Lucas questions.

"Neurology, impressive. And yes, that's me. Brad Stevenson," Brad introduces, extending a hand.

"Lucas, Lucas Friar. It's nice to meet you. Welcome to NYG," Lucas politely smiles.

"Thank you. I'm already liking it here. And, it doesn't hurt that I get to work with this lovely gem," Brad compliments me, making me blush.

"Oh, you two work together?" Lucas probes, his jaw tightening.

"Yes. And, Brad and I may be working a lot closer over the next few months," I jump in, sharing more information and marking my position in this whole thing.

"That's great. Riley, I'll walk you out. Brad, it was nice meeting you," Lucas finishes abruptly, putting his arm around my shoulders and ushering me to the elevator.

I quickly look over my shoulder and yell to Brad, "Well talk about it tomorrow, okay? I'm sorry."

Brad smiles understandingly and nods before walking away and as soon as he rounds the corner, I pull myself away from Lucas and speed walk to the elevator, alone.

"Riley," I hear Lucas behind me. "Wait!"

I ignore his plea, increasing my pace without being too obvious and once I'm at the elevator, the doors don't open.

Of course they don't. I impatiently and continuously hit the button, praying for the doors to open and when don't after a few seconds, I go for option two.

Wanting and needing to get away from Lucas, I take the stairs. But damn Lucas and his long legs as he catches up to me in only a few steps, still calling my name.

When we're in the lobby, we slow our pace, give polite smiles to the individuals we pass and only when we're outside, I'm start running to my car.

I don't make it far before I hear Lucas shout, "Stop running away, Riley!"

That phrase stops me dead in my tracks as I spin around, glaring at Lucas with a new sense of despise. "No, you don't get to say that! I'm not running away. I just want to get away from you!" I hiss.

"Me? I didn't do anything," Lucas fires back, taking a step closer to me.

"You didn't do anything? Are you freaking kidding me?" I shriek, balling my hands into fists. "You just interrupted my conversation with Brad, acted jealous and became protective over me."

"I didn't know you were in a conversation with him," Lucas groans.

"Bullshit!" I snap, my furious side coming out. "You intentionally interrupted us!"

"Okay, so what if I did? I was just looking out for you. How well do you even know this Brad guy anyways?" Lucas retorts with a stern glare.

"I can't believe you! I don't need you looking out for me," I scream heatedly. "And, if you really want to know, I don't know Brad at that well. But, we'll be working together now. I'm sure we'll become good friends."

"I can't help it, Riley. I'll always look out for you. And, you and Brad won't be 'just friends'."

"No, stop. You can't keep saying those things," I warn him, knowing all too well that we can't go down that road again. "And what are you even talking about?"

"Come on, Riley. Think about it. Brad's a guy and is new. You're a woman. He's into you," Lucas clarifies, clenching his jaw.

"Okay, so he's into me. What's the big deal?" I question with a raised eyebrow.

"The big deal is that he's a guy and I know how guys think. I know what guys want," Lucas sneers, taking another step closer to me.

"Who cares what he want? I make my own decisions. You made your choice. And this, this is mine," I counter, locking eyes with Lucas. The memorizing green eyes holding so many emotions.

"It was – you know what, never mind," Lucas sighs, stepping back and dropping his gaze.

"What, Lucas? I push, intrigued by what he's going to say.

"Nothing, Riley. Just, be careful," Lucas advises before turning around and walking away.

I watch him away and then quickly go to my car as once I'm inside, I let out a frustrated scream. Why do I always have to get into messes like this? Why can't I have normal issues?

The whole drive home, my mind keeps juggling the possibility of Lucas's words meaning more than they let on and the possibility of giving Brad a chance. They are two totally different situations and ones I'm not sure I want to face. I know it seems cowardly, but with me not knowing what I want to, it's a risky move to make.

When I pull into my parking space and exit my car, all I want to do is eat ice cream and not leave my apartment for a few days. But, I can't. Because I have a job where people depend on me. However, the ice cream thought is still available and I start to jog inside.

I'm digging around in my bag for my keys when a tantalizing smell grabs my attention. Swiftly opening my door, the lights are on and the aroma is amazing. Dropping my bag by the door, I walk further into my apartment to see Farkle and Isadora moving around with ease in my kitchen, looking quite at home. "Hey guys!" I greet happily.

"Riley!" Smakle smiles, dropping the spoon in her hand and waling over to give me a hug. "Welcome home. We apologize for the intrusion."

"Thank you and don't apologize. You two are more than welcome to come by. Though, I may need to rethink you having your own key, Farkle," I tease, releasing from the hug.

"I told you we should have asked her before coming over," Smakle scolds Farkle.

"Relax, Smakle. Riley's just kidding. She loves the surprise and home cooked meals," Farkle replies with a grin as we hug.

"Farkle's right, Smakle. Don't worry about it. I love the company," I assure her.

Smakle smiles and nods tentatively before going back to the meal. Farkle gives me a wink and I give a soft giggle before excusing myself so I could change into something more comfortable.

I strip my top off as a gentle knock comes from my bedroom door as the door slowly opens and Farkle pokes his head in. Thank goodness I have a tank top on as Farkle just enters my room without an invitation. "Farkle!" I cry out.

"Oh, calm down Riles. It's nothing I haven't seen before," Farkle waves off without care.

"Yeah, yeah," I roll my eyes, grabbing a random shirt out of my drawer. "What's up?"

"Dinner is almost ready. And, I wanted to make sure you were okay," Farkle responds, staring at me intensely.

"Thank you for dinner, Farkle. It means a lot. And don't worry, I'm fine," I answer, trying to sound cheerful.

"Riley, I've known you since we were kids. I know when something's wrong and is bothering you. And, it's been a while, well over a month since that very interesting dinner. So, I know things have happened since then. What's going on?" Farkle inquires smoothly.

"A whole lot of drama is what's going on!" I grunt bluntly.

"Well lucky for you, we have all night to talk about it. And, don't worry about Isadora repeating this to Maya. She's always liked you better," Farkle tells me with a genuine smile that makes me very happy to hear.

"Thank you. I'm glad to hear that and I appreciate it. I'm not too worry Maya, she's going to know eventually. It's just, I don't want her hearing about it just yet considering I have no idea what to do," I sigh, rubbing my temples.

"Of course. You know I'm always here for you. I'm here to lend an ear," Farkle reminds me.

"I know. You're the absolute best, Farkle. I don't know what I'd do without you. And, since you kindly just volunteered to hear my dramafied, sob story, just a heads up, it's going to be a long night," I share, needing to get everything, and I mean everything off my chest.


And, there you go folks. Please, R&R and let me know what you think!

Thanks and until next time,

Missy xx