Page 38 of Clinically Awkward

“You’re so funny, babe.”

I wasn’t joking. I took another sip of my drink and wondered what Quinton was doing.

Probably eating Thai food.

Alone.

Because I’d canceled on him.

For this.

Dinner arrived.

Colton had ordered steak. Rare. Because “that’s how real men eat steak.” I ordered salmon because it was the first thing on the menu and I genuinely didn’t care.

“So,” Colton said, cutting into his steak, “I’ve been thinking about us.”

I looked up. “Yeah?”

“Yeah. I think we should take a trip together. Maybe somewhere tropical. I could use a vacation, and you could definitely use some sun. You’re looking a little pale.”

I blinked. “I work in a medical clinic. I’m always pale.”

“Exactly. That’s why you need a vacation.” He took a bite of steak, chewed thoughtfully, and continued, “I was thinking of the Bahamas. Or maybe Turks and Caicos. Somewhere with a nice resort. I need to work on my tan, anyway.”

“Right,” I said, pushing my salmon around my plate.

Quinton would’ve asked me where I wanted to go.

Quinton would’ve made a spreadsheet comparing resort amenities and flight costs.

Quinton would’ve—I stopped myself.

Why was I thinking about Quinton?

I was on a date with my boyfriend. My boyfriend, who was currently explaining the difference between various Caribbean islands based on their gym facilities.

“The thing about Turks and Caicos,” Colton was saying, “is that the resorts there have better fitness centers. I can’t just stop working out for a week. That’s how you lose progress.”

I nodded.

I wasn’t listening.

I was thinking about last Sunday when Quinton and I went hiking. Six miles. Elevation gain that made my calves scream. And the entire time, he had been making jokes about his own lack of cardio fitness, asking me questions about the trail, pointing out birds he couldn’t identify, and genuinely seeming interested in everything I had to say. When we reached the summit, we sat there for an hour. Just talking. About everything. About nothing.

And it had been the best part of my week.

“Babe?”

I looked up to find Colton staring at me.

“You okay?” he asked. “You seem distracted.”

“I’m fine,” I lied. “Just tired. Long day.”

“You should take better care of yourself,” he said. “Maybe start going to the gym more. I could get you a guest pass to my gym.”

I took another sip of my drink.