"Come on, Maddie, you know I can't resist a good scare", instantly, I startle, dropping the pens and files I had been searching for in the medical records department. But, of course the records department at Evergreen Memorial Hospital would be the size of a warehouse, filled with row upon row and racks of storage units piled with aged paper documents, devoid of windows, and dimly lit, creating an atmosphere eerier than a ghost story. Each step to retrieve records sends shivers down my spine.
"Zoe, you nearly scared me out of my skin! Couldn't you have waited until I returned to my station for whatever discussion you have?" My heart still pounding, I reach down to retrieve the files I dropped. It's no surprise that the flimsy folder would spill its contents, forcing me to spend more time in this cramped medical records department. Seriously, this hospital invests millions, yet this room feels like a forgotten corner. I glance up to find Zoe peering at me with a smirk.
"Are you just going to watch me clean up this mess? You're partly to blame, you know," I grumble as I hastily gather the scattered files.
Zoe taps her foot impatiently before replying, "I would lend a hand, but I need to speak with you. Letting you clean this mess means I'll have your full attention a little longer."
"Whatever you have to say better be worth it. These are brand-new scrubs I'm wearing, and kneeling on this filthy floor was not part of my shift. So, if it's not worth it, you owe me a new set of scrubs," I retort, shooting her a pointed look.
With a hearty laugh that fills the room. I swear she has the most resonant voice of anyone I know. It's one of those infectious and hearty voices that carries and commands attention effortlessly, no matter how hard she tries to hold back. Sometimes envious of her, have always been the one asked to speak up, Zoe responds, "You always have the best comebacks, Maddie. Now, let's chat."
"Well, whether you're ready to hear what I'm about to say is up for debate. I reminded you a month ago about my medical-themed bash for my twentieth. That event is happening this Saturday, and you assured me you'd be there."
I collect the final batch of countless patient files, then stand to face her big meadow earnest, inquisitive gaze. Her eyes possess a sincerity akin to those of a pleading puppy. She's imploring me, but for what reason, I can't discern.
"Yes, and a month ago, I confirmed my attendance. We've even discussed it multiple times during our lunch breaks," I remind her, arching a brow in curiosity. After placing the files on a nearby shelf, I brush off my attire. Unfortunately, my hands now bear the grime from the floor. Once satisfied that I have rid my knees of dust, I cautiously readjust my white lab coat, being careful not to soil its pristine fabric. I invest considerable funds into my professional attire, recognizing the importance of dressing appropriately, especially as a woman in a predominantly male environment. A polished appearance goes a long way in commanding respect
"Madison, you're overthinking it. You can relax about your attire for a moment." Letting my hands fall to my sides, I purse my lips and assess Zoe's outfit. "Easy for you to say. You just have to flaunt a bit of cleavage, and men flock to you." She's donned form-fitting blue scrubs, revealing enough to draw attention without crossing the line into impropriety. Zoe was blessed with a bust that turned heads effortlessly. Meanwhile, I was bestowed with just enough to fill out a standard uniform.
"You're exaggerating. I see most of the doctors eyeing you up daily. Every man in this department does a double-take when they pass your desk. But let's focus on something more important. I don't want you to be upset, but—" I hold up my hand, cutting her off. "That sentence never leads to anything good. Whatever you're about to suggest, I'm not interested."
Gathering the medical files, I begin to make my way toward the exit. That's when Zoe grips my shoulder. "Maddie, hold on. Just listen before you decline. One of my close friends, who happens to be a basket baller, will be attending. He hasn't socialized much lately, but he confirmed this morning that he'll be there. It occurred to me that the two of you should meet. I hadn't considered him for you—"
"Zoe, hold. Why are you even considering me or setting me up with someone? You know I'm not interested, off-limit, unfazed."
"Yes, but it's been a long time, I haven't seen you with anyone really since we met. And maybe it's a good idea to meet someone you know, it wouldn't be that bad, just friends, probably."
"That's not the point. I promised to attend your birthday party yeah. I didn't agree to a blind date." I observe as her excitement dwindles. Furthermore, I'm not sure what she expected from this conversation. Who gets excited about blind dates anyway? I make my way back to the pediatrics department, Zoe trailing behind me in unusual silence. She's usually quite the chatterbox, which leaves me wondering.
"You've already committed me to attending, haven't you?" I halt abruptly, turning to face her, and she offers a sheepish smile.
"Okay, okay. I might have mentioned your presence as an incentive for him to show up at the party," she admits, her lips thinning into an apologetic curve. My eyes widen in disbelief.
"You did what? Do you realize how awkward that makes things for me? Saying you want me to meet someone is one thing, but implying I'm there for him is entirely different," I retort, my frustration simmering. Inside, I'm seething. The last thing I need right now is a romantic entanglement. Relationships and Men are complicated enough, and I have my problems to deal with without adding someone else's to the mix.
"I understand. It's just that Theodore is a remarkable guy. One of the kindest. But he's been hurt badly by an ex, not an ex because they weren't a thing but yeah, they were together and haven't dated since then. I honestly thought he had given up on dating altogether, considering it's been years. He's been pouring himself into basketball, work, and school, shutting out everyone else in the process. Your presence at the party was my final attempt to convince him to come out. I didn't think it would work, but it did." I feel a weight settle on my shoulders as she confesses.
"Fantastic. I'm thrilled to be someone's Plan B. Sounds like he's just looking for a casual fling," I mutter as I head back to my department. To my relief, she doesn't follow me. Thank goodness for small mercies.
Zoe just started working here a little over some months ago. Her aunt, Justina, being the Senior Consultant got her on as a temporary role for the summer. Despite our brief acquaintance, we quickly bonded and became close. Zoe Brooks has an affable nature, though she tends to dominate conversations with her candidness. While her openness is refreshing, her penchant for speaking without a filter occasionally lands her in hot water. Case in point: the situation I currently find myself in. I'm certain that Zoe didn't intend to set me up; rather, she likely acted on a fleeting idea without fully considering the consequences.
Now, I'm left to navigate the aftermath of her impulsive actions. Just splendid.