Page 44 of Deep Down

“You can. And you can eatwhatyou want to eat.” Amanda nodded.

“Alright.” Craig glanced back at Amanda and nodded.

Craig wandered to the hospital restaurant, intent on buying a hot drink for the journey home. He needed the caffeine pick-me-up of a tea or coffee after rehashing everything with Amanda. Paying for his coffee, he pivoted towards the exit, spying Alex entering seconds before Alex saw him.

“Hey. Nice to see you again.” Alex smiled, and Craig saw his front teeth were crooked. He didn’t know why the observation had shown so strongly at that point.

“Hi.”

Alex indicated Craig’s cup. “Coffee here is better than the machine’s upstairs.” He faked a shiver of disgust, or at least Craig thought Alex faked it.

“Good to know.” Craig wanted to say something else. “How’s work?”

“Same old. Long, busy hours.” Alex hesitated. “Hey, I was coming in to grab a snack before the next rush starts. Would you like to join me?”

Craig pinched his bottom lip between his thumb and forefinger as he inspected the floor.

“It’s okay. Another time.” Alex’s voice held a hint of disappointment, which was what cemented Craig’s answer.

“No. I’d like that. Thanks.”

Alex’s answering beam made Craig’s pulse surge. Craig followed as Alex picked up his food and strode over to a window table.

“Hope this is alright.” Alex indicated the table.

“Fine.” Craig nodded.

He sat opposite Alex and studied his cup, fiddling with the lid.

“How have you been?” Alex’s voice was pitched at the careful tone doctors always seem to be able to master. The tone which made you want to word-vomit your whole disastrous life.

But Craig couldn’t do that, could he? No. Alex couldn’t be interested in him as a friend, not with all the issues he came with. Plus, Craig didn’t want to be a burden to anyone. It would be better if he quit speaking to Alex instead of encouraging him. He decided to leave.

Unfortunately, his mouth had other ideas.