My Shay evasion tactics proved to be difficult to execute the longer I avoided her.

She sent countless text messages that went unanswered.

I wasn't ready to talk to her but after my conversation with Rose, I realized I am hurting us more if I keep postponing what needs to be done.

I was hurt when I saw her with the guy.

He was a few inches shorter but made up for the lack of height with his big build.

His biceps and pectoral muscles bulged underneath the black shirt he was wearing.

The look in Shay's eyes was heartbreaking.

The anger in mine spoke volumes of what I felt at that moment.

I was mad at myself for cheating on her and upset at seeing her with another person.

Mr. Gomez asked if everything was okay.

"Yes, sir." I answered, gritting my teeth to keep my emotions under control.

There are hundreds of coffee shops in the city and they chose the same place that Mr. Gomez picked.

It was walking distance from his office and he could go back in time for his meeting with the board.

Before I left, he reminded me again not to say anything to Lola Paula and Arizona.

I crossed my heart, the gesture making him smile.

It was important to him that I kept our meeting a secret.

From what I gleaned in our conversation, he was thinking of retiring soon.

When I got into my car, I looked back at the coffee shop hoping to catch a glimpse of Shay.

I didn't see her.

I went back to the hospital and didn't remember to check my phone until nighttime.

The battery was almost drained but there was a message from Arizona.

I texted her back.

Classic!

Here I am feeling livid when I saw Shay and then the next time, I was texting my ex with a kissing emoji at the end.

I really need to do something about this situation.

#

I got a call from Dr. Priscilla Andrade, the head of surgery, so I took the stairwell to get to the sixth floor.

This is what I've been doing to avoid meeting Shay.

There's a greater chance of bumping into her if I take the elevator.

I was just about to open the door when I heard her call my name.

"Julia, wait!" She ran to where I was and I walked faster.

I opened the door to the stairwell.

"We have to talk." She followed behind me.

Dr. Andrade's office was two floors down from mine.

There isn't enough time or enough steps for us to talk unless she blocks my way.

Shay moved to my left and like what I predicted, blocked my path.

"I have a meeting."

"I won't let you pass unless you agree to talk to me."

It's been weeks since I last saw her.

She looked exhausted and I don't think she was wearing make-up.

"Fine. Meet me at the condo at 8."

Shay looked puzzled.

"I can't tonight."

"Why? You have another date with that masculado?" My temper rose.

She didn't answer.

"Why do you even want to talk to me?"

"Because I don't know what to do."

"Well, I don't know either. Now, if you'll excuse me, I don't want to be late for my meeting."

I pushed her away and kept walking downstairs.

Before I knocked on the door, I took a deep breath and straightened the white coat.

My mood was ruined but I have to put on a smile when I face my boss.

She can't know what's going on with my life.

Perhaps, that was the least of my concerns because when she told me to come in, the hard look on her face told me my troubles were only beginning.

#

Dr. Andrade minimized the program on her desktop then turned the swivel chair to look at me.

She's in her late 50's, the graying roots showing in her pixie haircut.

"Sit down." She pointed to the chair to her right.

"Is everything okay?"

"Are you in a relationship with Shay Alonzo?"

She was never the type to beat around the bush.

The first time Dr. Andrade spotted me in our anatomy class, she told me I would go places especially if I allow her to take me under her wing.

I wasn't given the option to say no.

The imposing woman was not someone you oppose.

For her to notice me was an honor that wasn't given to any student.

"Yes." I answered.

"My God, Julia! Haven't you read the employee handbook?"

She leaned on her chair, hands curled in a fist.

"I have."

"So why did you do it?"

"It's like you asking why the sky is blue."

"This is serious, Julia. Quit fooling around."

"I'm not fooling around. I'm just stating a fact."

Dr. Andrade exhaled.

"Why are you asking me about it?"

"Because someone saw the two of you together at that tapas place."
She took a folder from the drawer and handed me a red folder.

Inside was a photograph of Shay and I walking to the bar and when we were seated at the table with Rose and the Warriors.

"This picture is blurry. How can they assume that we are in a relationship when we weren't even holding hands?"

"They did their research, Julia. Word has it that Shay has a key to your condo."

I didn't respond.

Besides, I already said yes to her question.

"That person quoted the handbook about engaging in relationships with coworkers that are beyond professional."

"By that you mean romantic?"

She glowered at me.

"Dr. Andrade, you've been here long enough to know that that rule was just a formality. There are a lot of people who work here who are in a relationship that is beyond professional."

"I know that! But I certainly don't expect you to be one of them."

I didn't say anything.

"Julia, I don't care what you do with your personal life. But when people start to raise a stink, that puts me in a difficult position."

"Let me guess. It's made even more difficult by the fact that we are both women."

She didn't answer.

"If you want me to quit, I'll do it."

"Are you crazy?" She slammed her fist on the table.

Our eyes met and I saw something in her eyes.

"Don't fire her. She needs this job more than I do."

"You're a surgeon, Julia. You are more valuable than her."

I shook my head.

"You can't say that. She needs this job. I can go to other hospitals and they'll take me without question. You know how they're lining up to get me on their team."

"Don't be stupid!"

"I'm just doing the right thing. If you fire her, I'll quit."
"What? Have you lost your mind?"

"You heard me." I inhaled sharply. "Whatever you decide, make sure you're making the right one. You were the one who told me that people matters. We are doctors.  We are here to save lives. We do not discriminate based on gender, race or color. Human lives are in our hands. The same thing applies to Shay, Dr. Andrade. She's not just an employee here. She's a human being."

With her mouth hanging open, I stood up and left.

#

I took the elevator to go back to the sixth floor.

My hands were shaking and I hid it in the pocket of my coat.

How did things end up this way?

One day, everything was going fine.

Now, Shay and I don't even see eye-to-eye, I kept thinking of Arizona and my job is at stake.

I'm not afraid to lose my post at the hospital.

I was telling Dr. Andrade the truth that I could find another job.

She knows that.

It was her who convinced me to join her at Santos Gen.

There were lots of offers from private hospitals with bigger salary and better perks.

But I wanted to help people.

Santos Gen is a public hospital and that's the reason why I want to work here in the first place.

I haven't forgotten my promise to my parents that once I become a doctor, I would prioritize those who cannot afford medical care.

This hospital offered me that kind of environment.

But it wouldn't be fair to Shay to lose her job because of her connection to me.

She could also find another job at a different hospital but she's already a team lead here.

The door opened and I walked down the hallway to the direction of my office.

When I came in, there was another person waiting for me.