Dr. Bennett

“They’re the fun suckers, they don’t know how to enjoy things themselves so they just steal it with grumpy glares.”

“And you can spot those grumpy glares a mile away, can’t you? Just got to try and avoid those people.”

“Well then you probably shouldn’t be in a place called vacationland to begin with… there’s bound to be slightly above average amount of happy people. One would think.”

“One would think. But there are definitely those few grumpy people who slip in.”

“I know. I can’t believe how much I missed it until I went away and I’ve been craving it ever since. Wake and Grind’s coffee over Starbucks any day.” She said, smiling.

“Right? Everyone thinks Starbucks is the best. But they have no idea what they are missing.”

Grace shifted uncomfortably in her seat, “Well, welcome back.  It’s just great to see you,” she responded flatly.  Even though she didn’t want to see him, she still cared about him.  “So you’re done with medical school?  Congratulations.  It feels like you just started.”

“Sure sounds it,” he replied with a dry laugh, running a hand over his face. “Yeah, I’m done. Doing residency now. Got placed back home. So I’m here for good now. What are you doing back? You couldn’t get out of here quicker.”

“Well yes, but also very animated when speaking. More so than I’m used to at least. I like it though.”

“It definitely isn’t a bad thing. Unless you hate people and happiness, then I guess it probably isn’t the most appealing place.”

Shit.  Automatic panic set in as soon as Grace heard the familiar voice of her ex-fiancé.  “Oh my god,” she tried to disguise her shock with positivity, “Evan, what are you doing back in Woodridge?”

“I mean, I am from here, I’ve lived here my whole life... My family lives here,” he reminded her. “I finished school so it was time to come back for good,” he told her looking down before finally allowing his eyes to meet hers.

“Well, in about five years when I get invited back for a high school reunion, I can totally check out the other half and get back to you,” she stated with a smirk. “Well that’s the least I could do for my therapist, isn’t it?”

“Oh thank you but don’t feel like you have to on account for me. I already know that not all high school lacrosse players are rich,” he replied with a chuckle. “It is.”

“I slept with half of the lacrosse team in high school—you think I didn’t take a peek at their bank accounts from time to time?” she inquired with a laugh. “—it’s called being a mentor. You’re welcome.”

“That was your high school, not every high school. And it was only half of the team,” he pointed out to her. “Well thank you for your mentorship.”

“Every high school has lacrosse but all the players are rich. It’s like, mandatory at this point,” she stated with a grin. “I’m serious—where would we be in life without planning ahead for the worst case scenario? War, that’s where.”

“No, they definitely aren’t. I completely disagree with you,” he said shaking his head. “Thank you for that downer.”

“I don’t know Jack anyone she want’s alright?” He huffed looking back at him. “Well I really appreciate it.”

“Of course I know that…and I want her too - I just not with my bestfriend alright?” He answered him still pouting. “Your faith in my is astounding.”

“Because…I’m asking you not to.” He looked away from the other male keeping his gaze of Evie. “I’ll come up with something about different kinds of love or whatever.”