Becky sat cross-legged outside the clinic door, engrossed in a fashion magazine. The glossy pages showcased supermodels in exotic attire, and she was momentarily lost in the world of high fashion.
Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed someone approaching.
Recognizing who it was, she stood up abruptly, her eyes locked on Ortega as he neared. The suited man gave her a brief glance, to which she responded with a nod.
As she returned to her seat, she noticed Ortega hadn't walked past her. Her curiosity piqued, she turned to face him.
What she saw next made her panic.
Ortega was about to knock on the clinic door when a slender hand clasped around his wrist and jerked him around. He found himself facing a petite, light-skinned nurse with big brown eyes.
"You can't go in. She's busy," Becky stated, glancing nervously at the clinic door.
Ortega looked at the name tag on her chest that read "Becky." His gaze returned to her reddened face, her eyes wide with realization.
"I was going to knock, you know," he said, a playful smile curving his lips as he pocketed his free hand. "I'm a gentleman, trust me."
"She specifically instructed that no one knock on her door. The sound bothers her," Becky explained, avoiding Ortega's intense gaze.
"Ah, my bad," Ortega nodded. "Alright, let's start over." He flashed her a wide grin. "Morning, Becky. The name's Ortega, and I would like to see the doctor."
"I know who you are," she blurted out, earning a raised eyebrow from Ortega. "I mean, how are you feeling?" she diverted, her tiny voice sounding like music to Ortega's ears.
"I feel better, thanks to you," he said, his voice deep and raspy.
"Oh, that's good to know." She straightened up. "And you're here for an appointment, correct?"
"Yeah," he replied simply, not wanting to explain the ornate flower pot in his left hand.
"And that?" Becky quipped, gesturing at the blooming orchid.
"Ah, this." Ortega raised the pot tentatively. "It's a gift. Just my humble little way of saying thanks," he said, smiling.
"Oh, well thought out!" Becky beamed, startling Ortega.
"She'll love it." She smiled, much to Ortega's elation.
He knew it! What lady doesn't like flowers? Initially, he feared Sylvia was an oddball, but it now seemed he made the right choice.
"Cool! So, can I get in?"
"Not yet. But I'll let her know you're here."
"Sure... You're cute, by the way," he said suddenly, surprising Becky.
"W-what?" Becky parted her lips, almost speechless, the heat creeping up her cheeks.
"I said you're cute..." Ortega looked her up and down, shamelessly.
She was a few inches shorter than him, with a slender, hourglass build. Her curves, flawless skin, and shy mannerisms were not only natural but dangerously seductive as well. Ortega couldn't help but compliment her.
"I'll get back to you," she stuttered, then opened the door and rushed into the clinic.
Before closing the door, she added, "Wait here, sit. If you must." She peeked out from behind the doorframe, then slammed the door in his face.
Ortega blinked. "... okay."
He could've sworn he heard her muttering a near-mute "Fuck" as the door closed.
"Ortega's here," Becky announced the moment the door closed behind her, leaning against it as if she were a character in a horror movie trying to bar the entrance from a pursuing monster. She faced the confident doctor with a mix of urgency and apprehension.
"Let him in," came the emotionless reply.
Sylvia stood with her back to Becky, her freshly pressed lab coat draped over her shoulders like a regal cloak. She remained still, her arms pocketed, as she gazed out the window.
The gentle morning breeze played with her curly hair, sending stray tendrils dancing.
If Becky could see the doctor's face, she'd do a double take, for etched on Sylvia's features was a dubious, almost maniacal smile—she had found dirt on Ortega.
Becky nodded, holding her breath.
Something was not right, she could sense it, but working for the turbulent doctor for almost a year and a half had taught her never to question Sylvia's whims.
Sylvia had a temper, yes. Arrogant? Oh, she was. But never this aloof. Becky swallowed hard as she half turned to open the door.
For a moment, she was tempted to tell the doctor about the gift Ortega had for her. But she quickly decided against it, realizing that doing so wouldn't cheer her up and would only ruin the surprise.
As Becky reached for the door, she didn't notice Ortega's nimble fingers slipping into the pocket of her scrubs, deftly retrieving her keys without her noticing. Ortega stepped back just as the door began to creak open.
He caught Becky's eye, his expression filled with curiosity.
"Come in," she said, earning a small smile from Ortega. As he walked past Becky, he couldn't shake off the expectant look she gave him. So he stopped and looked at her.
Her eyes were soft as she spoke, "I hope you truly are a gentleman, Ortega. Don't make her angry." Those were her last words as the door shut behind him once more.
This time, he was inside the clinic.
The sudden shift in temperature caught him unawares. It was colder here, but at the same time, hardly uncomfortable. The soothing scent of lavender permeated the cool air, creating a perfectly relaxed atmosphere.
Ortega exhaled, "Sorry about last time," he began, walking towards where Sylvia stood, her back still facing him.
The doctor remained silent, not like he expected her to be in the mood for talking anyway.
"I got you this," he continued, making a beeline for the window, standing beside her as they gazed out at the bustling city below.
He placed the flowerpot on a small table beside the windowsill, the light thud causing Sylvia to look at it.
However, her stony expression didn't falter, and no words left her mouth.
Ortega smiled, unbothered by the silent treatment. The blooming orchid was a nice addition to Sylvia's otherwise modern clinic decor.
Though the paintings, lush furniture, and ambient lighting made for an aesthetic display, Ortega felt the clinic needed nature's touch.
The simple elegance of the fragrant orchid was a good start.
Then he looked at her, "Did you find what you were looking for?" He said, earning a subtle reaction from Sylvia.
The corner of her lips twitched and she couldn't help wearing a scowl.
"How'd you know?"