Page 171 of The Love Operation

Benedict: My newest baby? Yep. It’s a disaster. I love it.

Benedict: Just stepped out into the garden. It’s wild back here—like a secret botanical wonderland. You’d love it.

Me: I wish I was there.

Benedict: Me too. I’d show you how much stamina I have. Under the gazebo.

Me: I’m going to bed.

Me: Alone.

Benedict: Tragic.

Days later . . .

Benedict: So . . . how’d the big Chief presentation go?

Me: Couldn’t have gone better. I laid out beautiful thoughts and observations about our hospital. Made it clear that I understood our mission and wanted to guide the surgical department to victory.

Me: I didn’t even call Dr. Shephard an ass in front of everyone either.

Benedict: [GIF of Will Smith biting his nails excitedly, then clapping with pride.]

Me: [GIF of Taylor Swift pulling microphone away from her face, then bowing.]

Benedict: I’m proud of you.

Me: Thank you.

Me: Do you know what I just realized?

Benedict: That the sky isn’t actually blue—we just think it is?

Benedict: That you do want to be part of the Grease Games?

Benedict: That you’re ready for us to stop texting every day and actually see each other in person?

Me: Okay. Wow.

Me: No, none of those things.

Benedict: Tragic. What did you realize then?

Me: That I’m proud of myself.

Me: But also . . .

Me: If I get chief, you’re the first person I want to tell.

Me: And I don’t know how that happened.

Benedict: [ on That I’m proud of myself.]

Benedict: [ on If I get chief, you’re the first person I want to tell.]

Benedict: I like that.

Me: Why are you willing to wait? What if I never get there?