The morning sun filled Hayes Dental Care with bright light. The clinic smelled clean...mint polish, fresh coffee, and the soft hum of tools being prepared. Ethan stood in his office, white coat on, reviewing the day's schedule on his computer. A full list...routine cleanings, two crowns, one tricky implant consult. Normal busy day. But his mind kept drifting to Alex...last night's game, the shower celebration, the way Alex whispered his name in the dark.
Maria knocked soft and poked her head in. "Doctor Hayes, first patient is ready in room two. And...there's a lady in the waiting room asking about you. Says she's a reporter."
Ethan frowned a little. "Reporter? Did she say what for?"
Maria shook her head. "Just that she wants to talk about celebrity patients. I told her we don't share that, but she's waiting."
Ethan nodded. "I'll handle it after the cleaning."
