Page 105 of Strictly Against Policy

CHAPTER 42

Lina

My throat was dry as I took a sip of my extra-dark coffee. I was alone in the break room of the pharmacy far earlier than necessary. Coming in this early reminded me of my first few weeks working here. It brought back the memories of when Jonathan was the opening pharmacist, and I would come in just as early to prove that I could be there on time. Most mornings, I’d dread the entire drive here. While other mornings, I’d sharpen my composure or even my tongue for the day ahead—preparing myself for the remarks he’d make.

Today, however, was different.

Jonathan wasn’t going to walk in with his brisk footsteps. He wasn’t even going to get a chance to savor the strong coffee I made.

For the first time in over a month, the daily ritual I’d built around the pharmacy—and even Jonathan—changed.

Jonathan was getting his sutures taken out today, and he wouldn’t be here until mid-morning. Anxiety pulled lightly at my chest and buzzed at my fingertips, begging me to chew on my nails. It almost felt strange, knowing I wouldn’t see him at all this morning. This realization suddenly made me feel out of place. Since the coffee probably wasn’t doing me any good in that department, I poured out the rest of the ultra-strong coffee in my cup, watching the dark liquid disappear down the drain. I got myself a mug of hot water instead.

It had been five days since Neng threw the chair into the glass divider in the pharmacy. It had been five days since Jonathan’s gash was sutured up. It had also been five days since I’d been riddled with guilt whenever I helped him clean his stitches and wounds.

The bloodstains he left behind on the pharmacy’s carpeted floors were immediately cleaned up by a carpet cleaning company hired by John. A new Plexiglas screen will be installed this week. Despite everyone moving on as if I hadn’t been the one who brought all this on Jonathan and the team, I still felt that nagging guilt.

The back door suddenly opened, and the sounds of footsteps echoed down the hallway. As much as I wanted to set my cup down and run out to see if it were Jonathan, I didn’t.

“Good morning,” Carmen greeted as she came into the break room. She glanced at the pink box I brought in this morning with a soft grin. “Thanks for the doughnuts, Lina.”

I smiled back. “You’re welcome. It’s the least I can do to thank you all for helping me hold down the fort until Jonathan comes in the afternoon.”

She waved her hand dismissively as her unbound, long black hair cascaded over her shoulders. I watched as she put her belongings away in her locker. “We’ll be fine,” she said, “I hope.”

I let out a soft chuckle as my phone started ringing from the break room table. Jonathan’s name flashed across the screen, and I suppose that was Carmen’s cue to bounce to the bathroom.

I picked it up and answered, “Hello?”

“Wow,” Jonathan mumbled, voice groggy. “Your early-morning voice sounds so sexy over the phone.”

“Jonathan,” I greeted, shaking my head.

He hummed. “Yeah, Darling, keep saying my name like that.”

I sighed. “Stop it. Why are you even calling?”

I could hear the corners of his lips curling into an amused smirk. “To tell you I’ll be there soon.”

“You have an appointment to remove your sutures,” I stated.

“I’m aware.” He chuckled softly. “When we talked last night, you sounded anxious. You’ll do well by yourself, Dr. Lee. I’m certain.”

A scoff bubbled out of me. “I’m not anxious about being on the floor alone. I’m just . . . worried about you.”

“What about me?” he quickly asked.

“Your safety,” I muttered.

“I’m good, Lina. You know that. I’m more worried about your safety.” He inhaled and exhaled a long breath, allowing us to take a moment to just breathe. “The suture removal should be quick. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

“I know.”

“I know we’re not technically allowed to do this. But I want to give you a kiss when I see you.” His voice was playful and mischievous.

“Dr. Lo, we are at work.” My words came out sharply, and I heard him sigh begrudgingly on the other end of the call. “You need to be professional.”

“Well, I’m begging you, Dr. Lee. At least one kiss. I’ve been such a good boy. Eating balanced meals, healing well, and going to the doctor’s and all,” he mumbled. “Please. We can kiss in my car in the parking lot.”