“Miss? Miss, are you going to order?”
I looked up from my phone. “Yes, so sorry. A bagel with cream cheese and a large coffee, please.” The man behind me snickered. I wasn't in the mood.
“Excuse me, is there a problem?”
He flashed a grin. “I'm sorry. I was expecting some girly drink.”
I narrowed my eyes but then quickly let them soften. His smile disarmed me.
“Miss, it will be ten dollars.”
As I reached for my wallet. Mr. Sunshine said, “Put the lady's order with mine. I'll have a large caramel latte with extra caramel, three sugars, and a bagel.”
Nearly choking, I said, “Oh, that's not girly at all.” We both laughed.
“Would you care to join me, Miss…?”
“Wendy, and yes, I have some time before I need to get to the hospital. And you are?”
“Greg. Nice to meet you, Wendy.”
As we sat down at a small table. He asked, “Wendy, may I ask which hospital?”
“I work at the U of M hospital on Fourth and Saginaw Rd.”
“No kidding, me too. What wing? I'm a doctor.”
I didn't believe him. “I call bullshit,” I said. “Prove it.”
He reached into his pocket and pulled out his hospital ID badge. He handed it to me.
I read the badge out loud. “‘Dr, Gregory Jones, MD.’ Now I don't feel bad for teasing you about your fancy drink.”
He laughed. “Wendy, you never said what you do?”
“I work in the imaging department. Mostly taking care of the ED department. I work until six pm.” We both sipped our coffees.
“Wendy, can I ask the name of that perfume?”
I could feel my face blushing as I replied. “I just bought it. I’m kinda embarrassed to tell you, doctor.” I was hoping that would change the subject somehow.
“Wendy,” his voice dropped to a whisper.
“Okay,” I said reluctantly. “I kinda have a TikTok shopping addiction. It's a roll-on that matches my body's natural scent. It releases pheromones. When the right man smells it he’s supposed to become irresistibly attracted.”
He smiled and scooted his chair closer. “Fuck,” he said. “It’s definitely working on me. Wendy, I know we just met, but I would kick myself in the ass if I didn't ask this. Would you have dinner with me tonight?” His blue eyes burned into mine.
Was it getting hot in here? “Sure. Here’s my number. I need to get going.” I stood and so did Greg.
“I need to go as well. I’ll walk you out.”
He opened the door for me. Then I felt his arm go around my waist. He pulled me closer and inhaled the perfume again. “Fuck, gorgeous. That scent is making me think very naughty things. Wear it tonight, please.”
“Would His Highness want me to do anything else before our date?”
Just then his cell phone rang. “This is Dr. Jones. Okay, were there airbags deployed, or loss of consciousness? Order a full panel of trauma labs and trauma imaging. I'll be there in fifteen minutes.” He switched the phone off.
He looked at me. “I need to go, gorgeous, but I’ll text you in a few hours. Would you mind meeting me instead of a proper date?”
“Don't be silly,” I said. “That will be fine.”
“Great. I’ll see you tonight, Wendy.” He kissed me and was off.
I watched him jog off to his Jeep. The afternoon went by fast. Being the Fourth of July, there was a variety of patients. I was just about to punch out when my phone rang.
Smiling, I answered. “Hello, Taco Bell. Can I help you?”
There was a moment of silence followed by, “Tell Wendy I want her with a splash of hot sauce.”
I busted out laughing. “You are quick, Greg. What's up?”
“Hmmm, I'll keep it clean. Can you meet me at The Red Room in an hour and wear that perfume, please?”
I repeated, “The Red Room in an hour? I was asked to go out for drinks with Amanda. But, I can do it another time.”
“You could ask her to join us,” Greg said.
“Have her join us at the Red Room?”
“It's a holiday. She shouldn't be alone.”
I bit my lip as I thought it over. “You're right,” I said. “I’ll ask her. Either way, I’ll see you soon.”
I caught up with Amanda walking to her car. “Hey, about drinks. I forgot to mention I have a date with Dr. Greg Jones and the Red Room. I mentioned you and he said to bring you along.” We both smiled.
“The Red Room? Sounds exciting. I’ll follow you.”
“Great,” I said. “Let's go.” We hugged and kissed.
