63. Aiyana

Chapter sixty-three

Aiyana

Monday, January 8, 2024

I can't believe I forgot to allow time to make myself a damn coffee this morning. Normally, I'd just slip out and grab one, but the whole point of me being here this early is to finish a really time-sensitive process, so I can't right now.

If I see Rose anytime soon, I'll ask her to grab me a coffee and a scone or something real quick.

My stomach rumbles in protest at the thought, but I can't step away from this. It's too important.

***

"Hi, are you Aiyana Kaan?"

I jolt out of my seat, nearly knocking my chair over in surprise. Clutching my chest and righting myself, I look up at the startled man wearing a familiar take-out uniform.

"Uh, yes, but I didn't order anything," I tell him, though I might just take whatever he's got anyway, I'm so damn hungry.

He looks at the bag in his hand and back at me. "No offense, but your name isn't exactly common. So if you're Aiyana Kaan, I'd really appreciate it if you'd just take the food so I can get back to work." Clearly, this guy won't be winning any congeniality awards.

I resist the urge to roll my eyes at him. Instead, I give him a blinding smile and gladly accept the food and drink he hands me, thanking him as he turns and jogs away.

I take a long swig of the coffee, the caffeinated goodness buzzing around on my tongue. Fuck, that's good. White chocolate mocha—my favorite.

Pulling the bag into my lap and peeling the sticker with the receipt off, I tear into it like a wild animal, hunger surging me forward. There's a sandwich wrapped in very familiar paper from my favorite bagel place, and I'm immediately giddy with excitement.

I fucking love bagels. I unwrap the sandwich, and I'm greeted with a smell that makes me moan in pleasure; inside the folded white paper is a giant Asiago everything bagel with smoked salmon, cream cheese, red onion, cucumber, tomato, and extra capers. Shaking my head, I smile down at the sandwich and take a massive bite, my eyes rolling to the back of my head. I chew, savoring the delicious flavors, and once I swallow, I can't help but lean forward and do a little seated dance with my feet, making a "tippy tap" sound on the linoleum flooring beneath me.

I text Kat to thank her for the breakfast and go on with my day. She must've known I'd need the pick-me-up, and it's already looking much brighter.

***

My Wifey For Lifey

Hey, I hope your day's been good so far! But that wasn't me. Sorry, I'm just not that thoughtful haha.

Really? Who the hell else could it be?

I almost send the text, like an idiot, before realizing exactly who it must've been that sent it.

I delete the message to Kat and send something else instead.

Huh, so weird, hey, if it's free, it's for ME!

I hope your day is amazing! See you tonight, love you!

She doesn't respond, probably seeing patients and being the badass physician assistant I know and love.

Thank you for the breakfast!

It was much needed!

Kas

Any time. Don't need my little viper striking on some unsuspecting soul at work ;) We both know how hangry you get.

Ah, I see.

So this was an act of kindness for my coworkers, got it.

Kas

Exactly ;)

I shake my head and the resulting smile off my face. He needs to stop being so damn perfect, or I'll never get over him. I'm already convinced I'll never move on, but he doesn't make it any easier. Not that he's trying.