Chapter 21

★★★ MONDAY MORNING ★★★

★★★ Hope Memorial Hospital★★★

Jessica stepped out of the passenger side of the car, smoothing her dress as she did so. Davis was right behind her, holding the door open for her before closing it with a gentle click. They stood side by side in front of the hospital, gazing up at the imposing building. The sun was shining brightly, but the air had a chill to it. Davis reached out and took Jessica's hand in his, squeezing it reassuringly.

"Ready?" he asked, with a gentle voice. Jessica nodded with a smile. This is her time coming to a hospital to work, though she studied medicine in school but her father made her work in his company. And for the first time she's pursuing her dreams.

As Jessica and Davis approached the entrance of the hospital, the automatic doors slid open with a swish, welcoming them in. The air inside the hospital was warmer, and Jessica felt herself relax a little but was marveled at the beauty of the hospital.

It's a large, modern facility with a sleek, contemporary design. The exterior is mostly glass and steel, with a few accents of brick. The interior is bright and airy, with lots of natural light and soothing colors. There's a large lobby with a reception desk and comfortable seating, and the hallways are wide and well-lit. There's a variety of waiting areas.

" Wow , this is place is beautiful" Jessica exclaimed, still gazing around.

" Yeah, I know" He replied, with a hint of pride in his voice. Jessica rolled her eyes at his proud voice.

"What's the first stop?" Davis asked, glancing at the directory on the wall.

"We need to check in at the front desk, right?" Jessica replied, and Davis nodded in agreement. They made their way to the front desk, where a kind-looking woman greeted them with a smile.

"Excuse me, ma'am," Davis said, addressing the woman at the front desk.

"We're here to see Dr. Andy. Is he in his office?" The woman smiled and nodded.

"Yes, Dr. Andy is in his office. May I ask who you are and what you're here for?" she asked, her eyes glancing between Davis and Jessica. Davis cleared his throat.

"We're friends of Dr. Andy. We're just here to say hello." The woman's smile widened.

"Ah, I see. Well, Dr. Andy will be happy to see you".

Davis and Jessica followed the woman's directions to Dr. Andy's office. They walked down a long, brightly lit hallway, passing various rooms and offices. The door to Dr. Andy's office was open, and they could see him sitting behind his desk, working on something. He looked up as they entered, a smile spreading across his face.

"Hey, guys!" he exclaimed, standing up to greet them. His office was cozy and well-organized, with bookshelves lining the walls and a large window overlooking the city.

"Come in, come in!" he said, gesturing for them to take a seat.

Jessica smiled, and Davis scoffed.

Davis looked at Dr. Andy with a mock-stern expression.

"You know, Andy, it's been a while since we've talked. You're not very good at keeping in touch," he said with a laugh. Andy put a hand to his chest, feigning offense.

"You wound me, my friend! I've just been so busy," he said, his eyes sparkling with mischief. Davis shook his head, a smile tugging at his lips. "I know, I know. You've got a lot on your plate," he said, softening his tone.

Dr. Andy looked at Davis and Jessica, his expression turned serious.

"All joking aside, though, I'm glad you're here. I've been thinking about you both, and I'm glad to see you. And I'm sorry I haven't reached out more." Davis nodded, with a grateful expression .

"We appreciate that," he said. "But don't worry about us. We're doing okay. We just wanted to check in with you, too." Dr. Andy gave them both a warm smile.

"Thank you," he said.

Davis looked at Jessica and smiled. Davis stood up and put an arm around Jessica's shoulders, turning to Dr. Andy.

"Andy, I'd like you to meet my wife, Jessica," he said. Jessica smiled and extended her hand to Dr. Andy.

"It's so nice to meet you," she said. Dr. Andy took her hand and shook it warmly.

"It's my pleasure," he said, grinning. "And please, call me Andy. No need to be so formal." Davis laughed.

"Well, since we're doing introductions, let me introduce you to my buddy, Andy," he said.

"Buddy, huh?" he said. "I never knew that I was someone's buddy. But it feels to be remembered by a full time bastard." Davis chuckled and clapped a hand on Andy's shoulder.

"Don't worry, buddy," he said, his tone light and teasing.

"I'll treat you almost as well as I treat my wife." Andy gave Davis a mock-sour look. "Gee, no thanks, I'll pass" he said, feigning offense.

"I feel so loved already, don't add to it" They all laughed, the mood light and playful. As they all sat down, Davis decided to tell Andy the real reason why they were there.

"Andy, why don't you let Jessica work with you for a while?" he asked.

"She's got a background in nursing, and she will be able to help out." Dr. Andy's eyes lit up at the suggestion.

"That's a great idea," he said, turning to Jessica.

"Would you be interested in that?" Jessica nodded, her face glowing with excitement.

"I'd love to!" she said. Dr. Andy beamed.

"That's settled, then" he said.

Davis and Jessica talked for time, laughing. After the laughter died down, the three of them stood up. Andy shook hands with both Davis and Jessica.

"It was great to meet you," he said to Jessica. "I look forward to working with you."

Jessica smiled and nodded.

"The feeling is mutual, I'll see you tomorrow!" She said. Andy nodded.

"Looking forward to it," he said. Davis gave Andy a pat on the back.

"Thanks for having us. We'll see you later" And with that, Davis and Jessica left the office.

As Davis and Jessica walked down the hall, side by side, they chatted.

"Well, that went well," Davis said, a grin on his face. Jessica nodded.

"I really like him. He seems like a great guy". She said, Davis smiled and looked at Jessica.

"Yeah, he's the best," he said. "I'm glad you two hit it off." Jessica grinned.

"It'll be nice to work with someone who's not you for a change," she said, teasing. Davis feigned shock.

"Ouch!" Davis said, pretending to be hurt.

"That's cold, Jessica. Cold!" He clutched his heart, as if wounded by her words. Jessica chuckled and nudged him with her elbow.

"You know I'm kidding," she said.

"I love working with you." Davis grinned and nudged her back.

"I know you do," he said, with a playful tone.

"I'm just playing along." They reached the door, and as they stepped outside, the late afternoon sun greeted them.

As they strolled to the car, Davis and Jessica continued to chat.

"So, you really think you'll like working with Andy?" Davis asked. Jessica nodded.

"I think so," she said. "He seems knowledgeable and friendly. And it'll be nice to use my nursing skills in a new way." Davis nodded.

"It's a good opportunity for you," he said.

"I'm glad you're getting the chance to branch out." Jessica smiled.

"I appreciate you recommending me," she said.