The days after the blurry online photos felt tense but manageable. Alex's team manager put out a simple statement: "Alex appreciates fan support and asks for privacy during recovery." Rumors quieted a little. Games kept coming, wins kept piling, and nights with Ethan stayed sweet and private.
One afternoon, Ethan finished a long root canal on a nervous patient. The man left happy, pain gone, new filling perfect. Ethan washed up, charted notes, and checked his phone. Text from Alex.
Alex: Practice done early. Picking you up at 6? Dinner out...quiet spot.
Ethan: Can't wait. ❤️
He smiled, pocketed the phone, and headed to the waiting room to call his next patient.
A young woman sat alone in the corner...early twenties, dark hair in a ponytail, Suns jersey over a hoodie. She stood up fast when Ethan appeared.
"Dr. Hayes?" she asked, voice soft but eager. "I don't have an appointment, but...can I talk to you quick? It's about Alex Ramirez."
