Free Playing Doctor: A Central West End Story by Lynn Cahoon Page A

“I’ll take good looking as a compliment but successful? The jury’s still out on that.”
    “Problems in the intern pool?” Annie glanced over at the man running next to her.
    “I’m just not sure yet who I can trust. And the pool is filled with sharks.”
    “I get that. I have my own dragons to slay.” Annie thought about her meeting with Abbott on Monday. The couple was quiet for a few minutes as they crossed the street and ended up in front of the building.
    “Hey, wait.” Troy stopped her as she was opening the door. “I thought we were doing coffee? Do you want to go down the street to the bagel shop? I think Sara’s working on her book. I don’t want to disturb her. My treat?”
    Annie looked at Troy standing in front of her and all she could think of was Nurse Abbott’s disapproval.
    “Actually, I just remembered I have an appointment. A hair appointment.” Annie stuttered, knowing her excuse sounded just like that. An excuse. She’d have to leave the apartment after all when all she wanted was a hot bath and a day of reading.
    “You’re worried someone will see us and get the wrong idea?” Troy guessed her fear.
    “I, well, yeah, I’ve got to keep up an image. Otherwise Abbott will have my head.” Annie shrugged. “I’m not proud of my fear, but I’m aware.”
    “The woman lives in Chesterfield. That’s an hour away. I don’t think she’ll be having coffee in a bagel shop this early on a Saturday morning,” Troy responded.
    “Logic? You throw out logic to a drowning woman?” Annie pressed her lips together trying not to smile.
    “Look, I really want a cup of coffee. And a cinnamon roll. And maybe a brownie. But if you want to think it’s all about you.” He waited for her answer.
    Annie glanced down the road and made her decision. “I shouldn’t but let’s go before I change my mind.”
    They walked the few blocks to the bagel shop and stood in line with other Central West End residents. Annie glanced around the small shop. The smell of coffee and bread made if feel homey and the mismatched furniture and bookshelves made her smile. She could get used to this. Running in the morning, stopping by one of the many local restaurants for a late breakfast, then maybe back to the apartment for a little play time before they went out for dinner. Stop it, she chided herself. No use planning for a future that may not ever come true.
    Carrying her coffee and cinnamon sugar bagel to a small table that a girl in a brown uniform had just cleaned, she sipped the hot liquid, blowing on the top to cool it slightly, and noticed his look. “Stop drooling.”
    “Just wishing I was coffee right now for some reason.”
    “You’re bad. Friends, remember?” Annie felt the blush run from her hairline to her chest. “Besides, your sister’s at the apartment.”
    “I wish I’d never said yes. I swear, I see her more now than I did when I lived at home.” He reached over and took her hand in his.
    Annie took a bite of her bagel, her gaze resting on their entwined hands before she answered. Was she supposed to agree with him that Sara was there too much? Or could she really tell this man her mind without seeming like a radical female? She took a sip of coffee, steeling herself for the conversation to come.
    “Well, isn’t this sweet. Troy has a girlfriend.”  A man’s voice came over her shoulder. Then the man pulled up a chair and sat down at the table with them. “This is a surprise. Aren’t you that nurse, Angel or Allie or . . .”
    “Annie.” She pulled her hand away from Troy and offered it to Matt. “Annie Baxter.”
    Matt shook her hand, smirking at Troy. “Nice to meet you, Annie.”
    Troy looked like he wanted to deck the man. “We’re having coffee. And a private conversation.”
    Matt faked a shocked look. “And I’m intruding, I get it.” He stood and leered at Annie. “Nice to see you out of scrubs.”
    “Good bye, Matt.” Troy didn’t stand.
    They both were