"What?"
Ivy’s ears pricked up. Overactive kidneys? Was that supposed to be some kind of diagnosis? She couldn’t help but glance back at Jamison, mind running wild. The guy was single, after all – no real outlet for his frustrations…
Jamison caught her staring and instantly understood. His typically stoic façade faltered, his face turning a strange mixture of irritation, embarrassment, and annoyance. "Professor Brown, could you please focus on her exam? She’s riddled with issues!"
Professor Brown remained calm, his fingers lightly pressed to Ivy’s wrist as he checked her pulse, but he shot Jamison a pointed look. "If you ask me, you’ve got your own set of issues. Once I’m done with Miss Windsor, I’ll take a look at you too."
“I’m perfectly healthy.”
Ivy turned to grin at him. "Oh, come on. You’re a doctor yourself and yet you act like an ostrich whenever it’s your own health?"
Jamison, for once, had no comeback. He simply turned on his heel and walked out of the room.
Professor Brown chuckled and gestured for Ivy to offer her other arm. Then he began the exam in earnest, asking thoughtful questions about her symptoms and medical history. His brow grew more serious as the conversation went on.
“Professor Brown, is it that bad?” Ivy’s heart sank at the look on his face.
He finally released her wrist and started scribbling a prescription. “It’s complicated, but not hopeless. Let’s start with this medication and see how you respond.”
“Alright.”
As he wrote, Professor Brown chatted kindly. "You know, for women, a lot of health issues are tied to emotions. Stress messes with your hormones, then your whole body starts to protest. If you let it build up, it turns into something much worse. So, try not to dwell on things. Stay cheerful – health will follow."
Ivy nodded quickly. "I know, I’m really working on it. I try to talk myself down, not get angry, not let things get to me."
She’d spent a long time in that pit – falling from happiness straight into hell. Anyone else in her shoes, with her string of misfortunes, might have lost their mind by now. If not for her strength, she’d have been broken long ago.
Professor Brown caught the shadow flickering in her eyes and offered a bit more comfort. "Jamison may seem cold and blunt, but he’s steady, responsible, and fiercely loyal. If you ever need anything, let him worry about it. He’ll handle it."
Ivy shook her head emphatically. "No, no, you’ve got it all wrong. Dr. Ludwig and I are just friends. That’s it – not whatever you’re imagining."
“Just friends?” Professor Brown peered over his glasses, eyes twinkling with skepticism. "Funny, in all these years, I’ve never once seen Jamison bring a ‘friend’ to see me, let alone personally escort them."
Ivy fell silent, unsure how to respond.
Professor Brown, clearly enjoying himself, glanced at Jamison through the doorway, where he was making a call. "Seems to me the boy’s much more invested than you think. But if you trust my judgment, let me assure you– he’s as solid as they come. Maybe give him a chance? If it doesn’t work out, toss him back."
Ivy’s lips twitched. She couldn’t help but suspect the old man was hoping for some drama – preferably seeing Jamison get dumped.
“Are you finished?” Jamison returned, voice lowered, eyes flickering between Ivy and Professor Brown.
“Yeah, all done.” Ivy, cheeks flushed, gathered her paperwork and stood up, making room for him. "Your turn."
“What?” Jamison looked puzzled.
Ivy gave him a nudge. "Didn’t you hear Professor Brown? He said you’ve got issues too. Time for your checkup."
Jamison’s tone turned icy. "That’s not necessary. I’m fine."
Ivy raised an eyebrow and scanned him up and down. "What’s the matter? Got something you don’t want Professor Brown to find out?"
When it came to men, that kind of ‘secret’ usually meant only one thing.
Jamison met her gaze, immediately catching the meaning in her eyes. Most men, faced with that kind of suspicion, would rush to prove themselves – hold out a wrist, demand to be checked.
But Jamison wasn’t like most men. He smirked, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "What, you worried I’m getting too old, that I can’t… function?"
“What?” Ivy’s eyes went wide, her mind nearly short-circuiting. Did he really just bring that up – so shamelessly, right in front of Professor Brown?
Even Professor Brown was caught off guard, watching the two of them with amused amazement. Honestly, with this much chemistry, a single spark would set the room ablaze.
Ivy, never one to back down from a challenge, fired right back despite the dangerous territory. "With your job – late nights, constant stress – even if you couldn’t, it wouldn’t be a surprise."
Professor Brown looked positively delighted. A true match of equals! He’d half-expected Ivy to be too embarrassed to reply, but she’d proved him wrong. Jamison had found someone who could meet him head-on.
Jamison’s lips curled in a sly smile, a mischievous glint in his eye. "So if Professor Brown checks and confirms I’m in top form, will you agree to date me?"
“You… What does your, uh, performance have to do with me? Your checkup is your business, not mine!” Ivy felt her face burn, her tongue suddenly tangled. With Professor Brown watching the show intently, she wished she could just disappear. She must’ve been out of her mind to come here with this guy.
Jamison’s eyes locked on hers, intense and unyielding. "Don’t change the subject. Answer me – if I’m good to go, are you?"