It was yet another workday, tending to one patient or the other. Thankfully there were no surgeries. I just chose to do routine checks on my patients.
Things slowed down a bit my midday and I sat in my office to eat lunch when a knock came through..
"Yes? Come in." I said, shutting my lunchbox, ready to pick up my stethoscope and move to the patient I was being called on for.
"Dr Wigwe," The nurse nodded at me. I returned her sign of acknowledgement.
"A patient's relative is asking for you."
"Who?"
"Mr Ricci."
I paused for a brief moment.
"Is there a problem?"
"I don't know. He asked for you."
"I'll be there shortly," I told her even though it felt like my insides were toppling over.
I blamed it on hunger..
When I entered the hospital room, I saw him seated on the couch deeply engrossed in a conversation with his brother who was already being discharged and was to follow up with frequent check ups.
"Hello, Mr Ricci."
"Dr Wigwe," he grinned and his crinkled at the sides, making my heart flutter slightly.
I hated the effect handsome men had on me. It's a good thing I'm black. I could have turned red.
"Nice to see you again," he continued.
I didn't know how to respond to that so I just smiled at him and when my eyes trailed to his brother, he had a mischievous glint in his eye.
"I just wanted to say thank you for taking care of my brother."
"It's my job. Also, I didn't do much. The nurses and the general physician handled it just fine."
I was tempted to go further into the fact that he didn't need surgery so I did not have to do to much. But that would have required more words and I really just wanted to get out of this tempting man's sight.
"Oh, I've thanked them too." He said.
I nodded. "That's nice."
"Well, you're welcome Mr Ricci. Mr Luciano, do take care and be more careful this time."
"Oh he's never riding a bike again, that's for sure."
"That's a bit strict." I commented.
"For a boy like him, it's needed."
"I'm a man!" Luciano protested.
"Yeah right, boy." Alessandro still insisted with a smirk.
I watched them banter back and forth for a bit, thoroughly amused as they reminded me of my own siblings.
"I better get back to work." I spoke up, already walking towards the door.
More like back to my lunch.
"What are you doing tonight, doctor?"
He followed me outside.
I frowned slightly. "Tonight?"
"Yes."
"Um, if I don't have any emergencies, I should definitely be in my bed."
Somehow I could tell it was on the tip of his tongue to say something nasty but he decided against it.
Why did a part of me feel eager for him to do that as opposed to offense?
"I'd love to take you out for dinner."
"Uh.. I.."
I swallowed, wondering why my words were failing me.
"Yes... Or no...?"
"Yes." I said against my better judgement. I was not supposed to be fraternising with a patient.
Technically, he wasn't a patient though. But still.
We exchanged contact details and he promised to reach out.
~
Getting home, I realized I had just an hour to prepare for my date.
"It's not a date, Ada. He just wants to have dinner." I cautioned myself aloud.
"Yeah right," Nunu, my best friend spoke up.
I filled her in on what was happening via Facetime on my way home and she was still on the call helping me pick out a suitable outfit.
"I'm not getting my hopes up. A lot of these men are assholes." I muttered, placing a silky black dress over my figure in the front of the mirror.
"You have been on a couple of horrible dates but it's not the end of the world. Plus aunty wants you to get married ASAP so..."
"Thank you for the kind reminder." I rolled my eyes.
It didn't matter that I had accomplished so much by myself. Everyone wanted some husband and a sprinkle of children for my achievements to be complete and perfect.
It was a ridiculous way of thinking but it was what the culture was. A very archaic one if you ask me.
"You already told her you have someone right?"
"Yes and I could always tell her we broke up." I said through a grunt as I slipped on the form fitting dress.
"Does this show too much of my curves?"
Nunu wolf whistled.
"Damn girl, that man is going to die."
I chuckled. "Answer the question."
"What other answer do you need? This is perfect!"
"Thank you."
"I don't have time for too much make up." I said, a tad nervous about my face.
"You don't even need it. You're gorgeous girl!""
Grinning even wider at her compliment, I said, "Thank you, babes."
I put some final finishing touches to my look and soon I bade her farewell, promising to tell her all about my date.
~
I drove to the venue of the fancy restaurant Alessandro had picked. I insisted on driving myself even when he offered to send a driver for safety reasons. He was still a stranger and it was way too early for him to know my address.
I was led to the table he had booked and there he was, looking even better in a full suit.
I muttered a prayer under my breath. This man was too much of a temptation.
"You are gorgeous." He said, brushing his lips against my knuckles.
I looked away to hide my blush.
This was going to be an eventful night.