Hello and happy Tuesday! I'm sorry for not updating as often, I have terrible time management. I'll try to update more and thank you for all the support. It truly means the world.

Also, if you want, you can check out any of my other stories.

societyrejected: Patience my friend. I can totally see that and OMG, stop it. You're better than me. Haha, nice names and yay, look at you!

daghely: I don't know for sure and thank you. I also reread it and it kind of looks like it's about 8 mounts…

Guest: Sorry to hear that and I know…I'm happy too and that made sense, no worries.

violet1429: Exactly! Me too and haha…I'm sorry and I like it! Thank you for that idea! And yes, I'm glad too!

Enjoy!

The week goes by like normal. Patients coming and going. Along with a surgery or two.

I've kept busy, but managed to run into Brad every day. And every day, he's gives me a warm smile that makes me blush like a schoolgirl. I didn't know what was going to happen between us, but if I always feel this way around him, I'm not too worried.

OoOoOoOo

It's Friday afternoon and Sarah and I are having lunch and catching up on random gossip and talking about our departments.

"You know, Dr. Cross would definitely take you if you wanted to switch," Sarah grins widely.

I let out a very un-lady like chuckle and reply, "Thanks for the offer. But, I'm happy where I'm at."

"Okay, if you say so," she shrugs her shoulders casually. "So did you-."

"Uh, Sarah?" I say softly, as she just stops talking and is looking at something behind me.

"Sorry," she apologizes, shaking her head. "But, um, Dr. Friar is staring at you. Like intensely staring."

"What?" I choke out, swiftly turning around to see piercing green eyes catch my dark brown ones. "I'll be right back."

I let out a sigh and get up from my chair as on my walk over to Lucas, my knees feel like they could buckle anytime. But, I keep my strength up and calmness in check, needing to be civil and getting this over with.

"Dr. Friar," I greet semi politely.

"Dr. Matthews," Lucas copies. "What can I help you with?"

"Nothing important. Just curious on why you're staring at the back of my head," I mentioned straightforwardly.

"Oh, was I?" he questions with no emotion.

"Yes," I answer bluntly. "What's going on Lucas?"

"I miss you," he whispers honestly.

"Lucas-," I breathe out, but am stopped by the raise of his hand.

"I know. Now's not the time. Also, Maya is worried about you. She said she's called you handful of times over the week and you haven't gotten back to her," Lucas moves on.

I look off to the side, trying to remember when quickly a few calls do come back to me.

"Yes, I remember," I nod. "I'm sorry she's sent you on a search to find me. I'll call her after my shift today."

"It's no problem," Lucas weeks off. "Are you okay though, Riley?"

"Yeah, I'm good. I've just been busier than usual. I've taken a few double shifts over the past week so, whenever I get home, I just crash," I explain.

"Good for you. Just, don't work too hard. I'll see you later," Lucas finishes, giving me a small smile.

"Bye," I smiled back and then go back to Sarah who has her eyebrows raised in curiosity.

"So, what was that about?" She probes, being her nosy self.

"Nothing of importance. Maya's called me a lot over the week and I haven't gotten back her," I state calmly.

"Ah, got you," Sarah nods as we go back to our lunch and gossip.

The rest of the day goes by without any more problems and as soon as I get home, I call Maya.

But fortunately and unfortunately it goes straight to voicemail and I'll leave a quick message, apologizing for not calling her back sooner.

I fix a quick dinner and then draw myself a bath, looking forward to a relaxing evening, the weekend and my date.

OoOoOoOo

It's now Saturday morning and as I'm drinking hot chocolate and reading the paper, my phone vibrates on the counter, startling my quietness.

Quickly grabbing it and not looking at the screen I answer, "Hello?"

"Honey! How are you?" The voice of my best friend comes from the other side.

"Good morning, Peaches. I'm doing great. How are you?"

"That's good to hear, Riles and I'm awesome! I got your message last night and Lucas told me, so, I forgive you. Just don't work too much. You're still young and hot. You need to go out and have some fun," Maya expresses with a hint of seriousness.

"Thanks," I chuckle. "And, I know. Don't worry about me."

"I always worry about you. You're Riley and always put others before yourself," Maya tells me gently. Which, it's kind of true.

"You know I can't help it. That's just how I am," I sigh.

"I know. And, we love that about you," Maya giggles. "Which, is why I called you so early this morning. I need your help."

"Is everything okay, Maya?" I question with concern in my voice.

"Don't worry Riley, everything's fine. I just need your help in deciding what to wear tonight for this dinner meeting I have with potential clients and maybe business partners," Maya tells me in a rush.

"Oh my gosh, Maya! That's fantastic. I'm so excited for you," I cheer, feeling calm again.

"Thanks, Riles. I'm excited too. Nervous as hell, but excited. So, can you help your best friend out?" Maya pleads.

"Um, of course. You don't need to ask me twice. What do you have so far?" I start off, walking around the kitchen with a smile on my face.

"I have a black dress; you know the one I got last year when we went on our shopping binge. And, black slacks," Maya replies.

"And?" I push.

"And, that's it. You know I don't dress up much," Maya groans.

"I know, Peaches. And that's okay. Let's start off this way. Is the restaurant or place you're meeting at fancy? And is it a business, business meeting? Or, more of a casual, just talking and getting to know each other meeting?" I being to list off.

"I think the place is fancy enough and I don't know for sure about the meeting. I talked to an assistant who mention a Mr. Scott and a Mrs. Bernstein," Maya recalls, getting slightly frustrated.

"Breath, Maya. Everything's going to be fine. Since you're not sure, go with something in between. Wear your nude pumps, your beige skirt, your light blue button up blouse, because it'll bring out your eyes and your white blazer. It's fancy-ish, but not over-the-top. You'll look professional and casual at the same time," I advise.

The line is silent for a second or two before Maya cries out, "Thank you, thank you, thank you, Riley. That's perfect. I owe you. Coffee tomorrow morning?"

"Coffee sounds great," I accept.

"Awesome! I'll see you tomorrow, honey," Maya exclaims before hanging up.

I exhale a deep breath and plop down on my sofa, enjoying and savoring the quietness.

An hour passes and though I'm excited about my date tonight, I go for a quick run to steady my nerves.

OoOoOoOo

The afternoon goes by too quick for my liking and before I know it, I'm in my dark red, three fourths sleeve lace dress with an accented sweetheart neckline and black flats.

We decided to meet at the restaurant and when I see you Brad pull in right next to me, the butterflies seem to be having a party.

I see him quickly get out of his car and rush over to mine, wanting to be a gentlemen and open my door. With a small nod, he opens my door and extends a hand.

"Wow, Riley. You look absolutely stunning," he compliments as he kisses my cheek.

I, of course blush and then take in his appearance as in a suit. Well? Hot damn does he clean up nicely.

"Thank you and you look very handsome," I smile.

"Thank you," Brad winks as he closes my door and we make our way inside.

Brad gives the host his name and were being seated almost immediately.

As soon as the host leaves, a waiter appears and takes our drink order. "I'll have a water," I respond softly.

"Yeah, water is fine with me too," Brad adds.

The waiter gives a polite nod and then leave as I ask Brad curiously, "so, have you been here before?"

"Just once when I first arrived in New York. I parents are on the fancier scale of things," Brad answers with displeasure.

"My mother's coworkers are like that too. What do you parents do?" I inquire, striking up a conversation while deciding on what to order.

"My father is a businessman and my mother was a doctor," brad shares with a small smile. "What about your parents?"

I open my mouth, ready to reply when our waiter returns with our drinks and we place our orders. Me, the chicken cordon bleu with roasted veggies and Brad, the filet mignon.

After we're alone again, I focus my attention back to Brad and reply, "I father's a teacher and my mother's a lawyer."

"Wow, you've got some big shoes to fill. No wonder you're so driven and passionate about your work," Brad beams with a sense of astonishment.

"You do too. I guess were in the same boat," I point out.

Brad gives me a smile and settles, "Maybe we are. Maybe that's why we connect so well. We understand each other in a certain way. Riley, you're an amazing woman and I would really like to get to know you more."

"Maybe so and thank you. You're a terrific guy and I would like that too," I agree.

We make small talk and shortly after, as our food arrives and my mouth instantly starts to water.

Everything is delicious. My chicken is so flavorful and moist. And Brad's filet is a nice medium-rare. I've been on dates before but nothing compares to the easiness and comfort I feel with Brad.

Also during our meal, Brad tells me more about his sibling and shares that he's the middle child. Which, in a weird way, makes me giggle.

He talks about his brother, who is two years older than him, lives in Miami and works for their father. And his sister, who's only a year younger than me is a writer, loves to travel and experience new things.

They both sound awe-inspiring and I can see that they have a great relationship.

"Your siblings sound like amazing people. I hope to meet them one day," I smile.

"Thanks. We're a crazy bunch, but I love them. I hope you met then too. They'd like you, especially my sister Beatriz," Brad affirms, smiling back at me.

I feel my cheeks heating up as Brad turns the talk to me and wants to know about my brother.

I grin widely and go into a full life story of my little brother who loves life and is now an adult, way taller than me and is making his own path to his life.

At nineteen, almost twenty, he's in college and doing his own thing. You know, studying, parties and girls. The normal college experience for males.

"You're brother sounds like a cool dude," Brad chuckles.

"Thank you. Auggie's the best. Hopefully you'll meet one day soon. And, I'd like to think that since I'm older than him, me and my friends helped shape him in a way," I dream, hoping I was a good sister to him.

"With you as his sister, I wouldn't doubt it. I'm sure you affected him in more ways than you imagine," Brad applauses tenderly.

"I swear, your compliments are going to kill me one of these days," I tease.

"Well, we can't let that happen. But luckily for you, I'm a doctor and can save your life," Brad winks as we both break out into hysterical laughter.

We continue talking about our high school and college days, order dessert and coffee for him and I'm so happy right now it's ridiculous.

We're laughing so hard we're crying and smiling with such admiration I know we can have something amazing and to top it all off, I'm in love with this chocolate soufflé.

Our conversation only develops as we talk about medical school and work, different parts of our personalities shining through and our interests in one another only grow.

With dessert finished and light conversation flowing between us, Brad holds my hand across the table and wonders, "Are you ready to be complete with your residency?"

"Yes, more than you know. I'm ready to be Dr. Matthews to my own patients," I grin.

"I'm excited for you too. So listen Riley, I really like you and I want to continue this. I know I'm not your boss, but I'm still above you in position. Would you be uncomfortable with us being together?" Brad questions with nervousness and seriousness in his eyes.

"I like you too, Brad. Really, I do. But to be honest, I'm not sure. I don't think it would bother me, but I quickly realized that hospital gossip is worse than regular gossip. I have thick skin, but I don't want people thinking differently of you and me. I know that sounds childish, but-," I start to explain before getting cut off.

"Riley, you don't need to justify your opinion. I totally understand. And, I don't mean to be jumping the gun, particularly because this is our first date, but wanted to know so I wouldn't overstep my boundaries," Brad clarifies.

"Why don't we compromise? We continue seeing one another without titles or expectations, and I'll let you know if you cross the line," I propositions.

"I think that's doable," Brad agrees with a smirk, squeezing my hand and then placing a soft kiss to the back of it.

We talk for a few more minutes and then decide to call it a night as Brad pulls out my chair for me and extends his hand.

We're exiting the restaurant; full, happy and hand in hand when we hear, "Riley?" from behind us.

Cursing under my breath and feeling the evening breeze, I pray that it's not who I think it is as I slowly turn around to see Maya and Lucas feet behind us.

She's dressed in exactly what I suggested and looks amazing and Lucas? Well kill me now. He looks very sexy in his suit.

"Hi, Maya," I try to smile as I see her grinning from ear to ear and then look to Lucas who has a blank and almost angry expression on his face. "Lucas."

I feel Brad's hand tighten around mine as Maya ignores the unfriendliness between us and continues on. "Hello, Brad. It's nice to see you again."

"It's nice to see you too, Maya," Brad smiles as the night just took a turn for the worst.

And, there you go folks. Please, let me know what you think.

Thanks and until next time.

Missy xx