Baz, Lexi, and Bryce sat in the cafeteria eating lunch. Baz froze mid bite when Sienna approached the group. This did not go unnoticed by the other two doctors. Bryce nudged Lexi, nodding his head at their friend.

Lexi called out, “Hey, Sienna, come join us for lunch!”

Sienna shook her head. “I have to walk and eat. Mitch called in sick today. I’ll see you guys later at Donahue’s.”

Lexi flashed Baz a mischievous grin. “If I didn’t know any better, Dr. Lahela, I’d think that Dr. Mirani has a little crush…”

This pulled Baz from his stupor. His cheeks flushing harder. “I do. I think she’s the nicest person and so so so cute.”

Bryce clapped his shoulder. “Then ask her out. You two would leave a trail of rainbows and glitter behind you as you skipped down the halls holding hands.”

He shook his head. “She’s been so upset since Danny passed away. I figured she needed time. Plus, I’m super scared. What if she says no? I’d still have to see her every day.”

Lexi looked at him thoughtfully. “They weren’t dating per se. After she broke up with that loser boyfriend of hers, she needed time to be single. You’ll never know if you don’t ask her.” Then her face lit up. “You want me to ask her for you? I totally would do that.”

“Dear God, please don’t!”

Later that afternoon, Baz whistled as he walked towards Dr. Ramsey’s office. When he turned the corner, he noticed Sienna at the far end of the hall with her back towards him. Her head was down. His face fell when he realized that she was quietly crying.

He approached her. “Hey, Sienna, are you alright?”

She wiped her tears, plastering a fake smile on her face. “Oh yeah, I’m fine.”

Her lower lip betrayed her as it trembled, her eyes once again filling with tears. Baz didn’t hesitate as he wrapped his arms around her in a comforting hug.

“What’s wrong? If you don’t want to talk about it, I understand, but I’m here if you need me.”

At that same moment, Lexi and Bryce were leaving the locker room with smiles on their faces. They adjusted their clothing to make sure that no one knew about their afternoon escapade. He noticed Baz holding Sienna at the other end of the hallway. He flashed him a thumbs up. Baz shook his head trying to let his friends know that it was not the time for jokes. He knew deep down that wouldn’t stop them from whatever they were about to do.

Lexi bent over, pretending to slap her own butt while Bryce stood behind her thrusting his hips. Ethan exited his office, reading a patient chart in his hand when the pair caught his attention. His lips formed a thin line.

He barked at them, “why do I always see you two acting like idiots?”

They abruptly stopped what they were doing. Baz grinned watching them get scolded by the tenured doctor.

Lexi cleared her throat, straightening her jacket. “Ethan, we were…”

“We were making fun of Baz.” Bryce explained.

Ethan shook his head. “You are doctors, show some decency...at least pretend to be mature adults.”

Lexi saluted at him as he continued to walk down the hall. “You got it, Dr. Ramsey. Won’t happen again.”

“Until next time…” Bryce said quietly as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders leading her in the opposite direction.

Sienna pulled away from Baz. “Thanks, I needed a hug like that. I’ve been so sad since Danny and Bobby died. It's sweet that you care.”

“I'm your friend, of course I care.” He wiped a tear that rolled down her cheek. “I’m here to give hugs anytime you need them. I love giving hugs...and I’d...like to give you more hugs...”

He groaned after he heard the words that came out of his mouth. Way to sound creepy, man.

Sienna looked up at him both confused and amused. “You would?”

“Yeah, well...the thing is...I…” He cleared his throat trying to muster up as much courage as he could. “Yes, I would. I like you, Sienna. I’ve liked you for a long time, but I know Danny’s death has been hard on you. I didn’t want to be an opportunistic jerk and ask you out while you’re still in mourning.”

“Baz…”

“I get if you’re not ready or don’t feel the same way. It’s ok.” He took a couple of steps away from her, stuffing his hands into his pockets.

“That’s very sweet. If you ever decide to ask me out, the answer would be yes.” She took her hand in his and gave it a squeeze before walking away.

It took a few moments before her words registered in his mind. Then his face lit up. He bolted after her.

“Wait! Sienna, wait!”

He finally caught up to her. He held up his finger as he doubled over, out of breath. “You’ll go out with me?”

She nodded her head, biting her lip.

“How about we ditch Donahue’s tonight and go to dinner after shift is over?”

She smiled widely as she replied, “I’d love to.”

********