THE SECRET ALLY
Kei knew that if she wanted to get past the dragon, she had to talk to the one who guarded the cave. In Fay's case, that was her assistant, a young woman named Nina who seemed to handle the doctor's chaotic schedule with a mix of fear and admiration.
The next morning, Kei didn't try to find Fay. Instead, she waited in the hospital's crowded cafeteria until she saw Nina coming in for a quick coffee break. Nina looked exhausted, her eyes scanning a tablet while she waited in line.
Kei slid into the spot next to her. "Double shot espresso with a pump of caramel? You look like you need it," Kei said smoothly.
Nina looked up, her eyes widening. "Wait...you're the 'beautiful girl from the elevator! The one who sent the barbecue!"
Kei chuckled. "I prefer 'Kei,' but I'll take the compliment. Listen, Nina, I know Dr. Sterling is… a lot to handle. I'm not here to cause trouble. I just want to help her."
Nina sighed, leaning against the counter. "Good luck. She's been in a mood all morning. She almost fired an intern because his pen clicked too loudly. She's like a volcano today."
"I might be the reason for that," Kei admitted with a sheepish grin. She leaned in closer. "Help me out, Nina. Tell me something. What does she do when she's really stressed? Does she still skip lunch? Does she hide in the rooftop garden when she needs ten minutes of peace?"
Nina hesitated, looking around to make sure Fay wasn't lurking nearby. But Kei's friendly energy was hard to resist. "She doesn't go to the roof. She locks herself in the records room. And yes, she skips lunch constantly. She says she 'forgets,' but I think she just likes to suffer."
Kei nodded, taking mental notes. "And her favorite flowers? Is it still white lilies?"
"No," Nina whispered. "She hates lilies now. She says they smell like funerals. Now, she only keeps succulents on her desk. She says they're the only things tough enough to survive her."
Kei felt a pang of sadness. Fay had changed so much. She had surrounded herself with things that didn't need care, things that couldn't die easily.
"One more thing," Kei said, sliding a small, expensive-looking gift card for a nearby spa across the table to Nina. "What's her schedule like on Friday? Does she have any late surgeries?"
Nina looked at the gift card, then at Kei's hopeful face. She knew she was technically betraying her boss, but she also saw the way Fay's eyes lingered on that empty sweet potato bag before.
"She finishes at four on Friday," Nina said quickly, pocketing the card. "But she usually stays until seven just to avoid going home to an empty house. If you show up at five… she'll be in the records room. Alone."
Kei beamed. "Nina, you are a lifesaver. If this works, I'll get you a full week at that spa."
"Just don't tell her I told you!" Nina squeaked, grabbing her coffee and running back toward the elevators.
Kei watched her go, a plan forming in her mind. Fay wanted to be tough like a succulent? Fine. But even a cactus needed a little bit of water to keep from drying up completely.