"He's had an episode early in the morning, but we'd given him a sedative. I am assuming that he is sleeping right now as it was time for his medicines."
"Good; how about Czarina? Are there any improvements in regard to her behavior?" The nurse who was on my right side shook her head with disappointment.
"She has not opened up yet, Dr. Do. I think that it would be best if we were to let her out of her room sometimes. I suggest watching the sunsets and watering the plants; those can help her loosen up some tension, and she may begin to talk more about herself." My head nodded; that was truly brilliant. Czarina was only in her teens, and doing those things could really help her feel relaxed. She might start to trust other people more if we do not force her.
"I like that idea. You can proceed with that and report it to me whenever there is an improvement."
"Yes, Dr. Do!"
They then went back to their work. I am glad to have such a dependable team. They did not need to be told what to do; they just knew. I have not scolded one of them so far, and that is good news. As I got to the door of my office, my head cocked to the side when I saw that it was slightly opened. I do not remember leaving it like this when I checked on my patients and patrolled around the hospital. Has anyone tried to enter my office? Maybe a kid who lost his way?
"Hi!" I was wrong; it was Riley. He was sitting on my chair and then quickly stood up to embrace me. "How was work? Are you tired? Do you want a massage?" I ignored him and opened up a file that was resting on my desk. I am glad to know that he has not touched anything here.
"What are you even doing here, Riley? I don't remember calling you over."
"I missed you, and I wanted to see you." I momentarily froze as my eyes shot glares at him for teasing me as soon as we saw each other. His chin was on the palm of his hand, and I wanted to swat his arm away, but I did not let my intrusive thoughts win me over. Riley could hurt himself if I did that; I do not want him to think badly of me.
"Have you got nothing better to do? You've been hanging around here often."
"This is the only place where I can meet you, Kat. Unless," he paused, averted his eyes to the ground, and finished his sentence, "you'll go on a date with me."
"You're still going on about that, I see." I continued to sign these documents splattered all over my desk as I heard him grunt.
"I don't get why you don't believe me. Is this how you normally turn down the guys that have asked you out?"
I could not answer. I had always been polite towards the guys that had tried their shots on me, saying that I've got no time for romance—the same excuse that I have been telling Riley. While my heart is overjoyed due to the fact that my long-time crush has confessed that he likes me, I don't think that his feelings and mine are the same. That is why I don't want to accept him yet.
"Just one date, Kat. I really want to go with you. I might never get another chance if I wait any longer." His voice got serious all of a sudden as my eyes traveled up to meet his hazel-brown ones. They looked sincere, which was definitely a problem because they were making me want to say yes.
I closed the folder and let out a sigh of defeat. "Fine; just one date. I don't have work for tomorrow, so we can meet."
"Can I pick you up?" If I had a drink, I would have spilled it because of the shock. Riley Martins is actually saying that he wants to pick me up—can this be reality?
"Are you serious?" He nodded his head with excitement. His eyes were sparkling, and his smile was irreplaceable; I could not help but smile. He was looking so cute, much like a puppy. "Okay, I'll give you the address to my home. Then I'll see you tomorrow, okay? Pick me up by eight, sharp."
I'm not going to lie—I am thrilled. The fact that I will be going on a date with Riley Martins, the former lead vocalist of one of the most famous bands back in the day! It is like a dream come true to be able to spend a day with my celebrity crush. Although he is no longer a celebrity, I am betting there are still some people who know him, especially those who were his fans years ago. I worry that if he goes out to the public, he will get swamped, but I do not pray for that to happen. This can be my one and only chance to go on a date with Riley. I want the two of us to have a good time together.
At five in the afternoon on that day, I was struggling with what I should wear. It was times like this that I regretted not buying enough dresses for myself. I could call my younger sister over to help me, but she must be busy right now. I settled on the white dress with puff sleeves, which rests right above my knee. I paired it up with apricot two-inch heels and a purse of the same color. I hope that I don't look overdressed. I would not like for Riley to think that I prepared for this day; although it was true, I had acted as if I was not at all interested in him. It'd blow my cover if I were to make it obvious that I like him more than he likes me.
It was nearly eight in the evening when the bell from my door rang. I peeked outside through the window and saw him standing by the door. There was a black car right behind him; it must belong to him. I swallowed deeply and hard and checked myself in the mirror for the last time before opening the door. Riley smiled at the sight of me.
"You're a doll," he praised, and my face flushed. He marched over to me as he offered his hand. "You're gorgeous, Kat. I hope you know that."
"Enough with your praises, Riley. Tell me where we're going."
"Truth be told, I reserved a table for us in a restaurant, but after seeing you like this, I wanted to just go for a drive with the windows down and let every man know I've got the prettiest woman by my side for tonight."
"You're corny. Come on, let's go to that restaurant; I am starving."
"No, but seriously, Katarina." I stopped. He seemed to have liked calling me by my first name whenever he'd got something serious to say to me. "I like you."
We arrived at the restaurant, and yet, my face was still red and hot because of Riley. He was not lying when he said that he had made a reservation for us. This was the first time that somebody had done something like that for me, and to think that it was Riley Martins. I had dreamt of this a million times, and I cannot believe it is actually happening right now. My teen self is definitely screaming.
"How are your brothers, by the way? I have not heard you mention them to me, not even once. I was your fan before, so of course, I know about them." Riley gulped his drink and put back the glass on the table.
"They're good and fine. Cameron had started a family, while Tim found something else that could help him build up his career."
I chewed and swallowed my food. "What about you? What do you do?"
"Oh, me." He chuckled. "I own a production company—music production." I nodded my head.
"So you're still in the field of music! I'm happy for you!" I removed the table napkin in front of me as I asked, "Say, would you like to drink with me? Let's go after we're done here."