My dad and I both work at the same hospital

nods quickly.

“I will.”

Denise stands and smooths her blazer.

“I’ll send a clarification to the department,” she says. “We’ll make sure everyone understands the misunderstanding.”

The meeting ends soon after that, though the awkwardness lingers like humidity in the air.

Ashley leaves first, clearly eager to escape.

Denise offers us both an apologetic smile continue reading …