Chapter 360
Hayden, quick as ever, caught my juice before it spilled. Before I could turn around, I heard Lena's voice.
โKiki, youโre something else. Maybe I should start taking notes,โ she teased, sliding beside me with a mischievous grin.
I swatted her arm lightly. โScaring people isnโt cool.โ
โIf youโre scared, I definitely canโt afford the compensation. Right, Hayden?โ Lena gave him a playful look.
This girlโaround Nate, she was all sweet and innocent; with anyone else, pure sass. How she managed that switch in front of Nate, I'll never know.
โWhereโs Nate?โ I asked, glancing at his empty seat.
Lena shrugged, settling beside me. Her eyes flicked to Hayden. โHayden, seriously? Two plates, and Kikiโs got none? Not exactly boyfriend-of-the-year material.โ
She said it knowing Hayden had eaten my leftovers.
I nudged her under the table, hoping sheโd calm down. Itโs one thing for us to joke, but I didnโt want Hayden feeling awkward. He might take it personally.
But Hayden didnโt blink. He kept eating, completely unfazed. โHer plateโs right here,โ he said calmly.
Lenaโs grin widened. โOh, so you two are sharing a meal now? Thatโs cute.โ
โYeah? Maybe you and Professor Neumann should try it next time,โ Hayden retorted, equally unfazed.
I laughed, and Lena playfully pinched meโright where Iโd had my blood drawn.
I winced. โOw!โ
Hayden immediately intervened. โShe just had blood drawn from that arm.โ
Lena froze, her teasing vanishing. Her eyes softened. โWait, what? Are you okay?โ
โI had a fever,โ I said, leaning dramatically on her shoulder. โAnd now youโre bullying a sick person.โ
Lena instantly went into mother-mode, feeling my forehead. โWhyโd you get a fever? Where does it hurt?โ
โMy throat feels like I swallowed razor blades,โ I pouted, exaggerating.
โSounds like a viral infection. How long ago was the blood test?โ she asked, concerned.
โ8:30 this morning. Weโre still waiting for results,โ I said, glancing at Hayden, who was calmly finishing his meal. He was always so calm.
Lena glanced at her watch. โThe basic results should be out by now.โ She smirked. โYouโre looking pretty lively for someone whoโs supposed to be sickโespecially with all that flirting with Hayden. I think youโll survive.โ
Classic Lenaโnever missing a chance to tease me, even with Hayden present. But I wasnโt backing down. โWell, duh. With Hayden taking such good care of me, how could I not get better?โ
โExactly. Love cures all,โ Lena teased, standing. โIโll head out. Once you get your results, come find me.โ
I waved playfully. She rolled her eyes, but before leaving, asked, โWhich department did you go to? I can check in for you.โ
โFever clinic,โ I replied. Then I noticed a man walking toward us.
At first, I thought he was approaching Hayden, but then I heard him say, โDr. Lane.โ
Lenaโs demeanor shifted instantlyโher face darkened, her eyebrows furrowed. I saw irritation flash in her eyes.
Knowing her for years, I knew something was wrong. I stood, ready to support her.
โDr. Lane, Iโve been looking for you. Didnโt expect to find you here,โ the man said, his eyes fixed on Lena in a way that made my skin crawl. His sleazy vibe was unmistakable.