Casual
Word Count: 6.8K
Summary: You're the daughter of the head of Neuro at the Pitt and you have a secret thing with Robby that ultimately ends badly after you confront him about some things and find out he has a reputation....what you don't expect is to find common ground and comfort with Jack who also doesn't expect to enjoy your friendship as much as he does
Warnings: age gap, toxic!Robby, slut shaming, cheating (tbh not really tho lol)
AN: Enjoy this first part of something I hope can be a multi-part fic. Enjoy and please let me know what you think 💙. Remember to comment and reblog !
Part 2 now up here !
You sat up in your bed, sipping leftover wine you had in your glass from the previous night and watched as Robby hastily zipped up his pants muttering his usual daily complaints. You focused on the way his hands moved, the same hands that had been holding your hips just minutes before as he pounded deep inside of you grunting and panting while you cried out in pleasure. His hands were your favorite feature of his, they were large and slightly calloused and felt like the perfect fit anytime he gripped your wrists behind your back or held your neck
Much like his eyes, his hands told a story. The same hands that he used to fuck you were the ones he used in that hospital that you had grown to despise. Whether it was a gentle hand on a patient's back during a tough diagnosis, a reassuring handshake to a distressed family member or holding a patient's hand as they gave their last breath, his hands were always being used in some form
“I probably won’t see you for a bit” Robby spoke up as he put his shirt back on “I work 3 days straight and I’m gonna want a day to just sleep after I’m done” “I can stop by and bring you lunch if you want me too” you offered He simply sighed as he tied his shoe and turned his upper body towards you “Yeah that’s…that’s not gonna work anymore actually” You looked at him slightly confused and chuckled “Uh I always bring you lunch on Wednesdays ? How else are you gonna eat ?” “I didn’t wanna tell you this in this way” he said in a softer tone “I just think that maybe-” “Just say it Michael” you sighed “I think it’s best this stops” he admitted looking at you “I think you’re a great girl and you’re smart and truly it’s-” “Not you it’s me” you finished for him with a slight grin “That what you’re going with ?” Robby let out a sigh “It’s true in this case. You deserve a lot better than dinner here and there and hookups. I’m not in the good headspace to be able to offer you more than that and I think you should be able to explore your options and life way more than using it with me” There wasn’t much to do or say other than agree because at the end of the day you and Robby were exactly just that, a hookup. A very quiet one being as your father was head of neuro at the hospital and Robby’s colleague, not exactly the ideal combo but it’s what made it just as exciting for you
“Well if that’s what you want then so be it” you shrugged as you picked up your dress from the floor and sighed “You left a cumstain on my dress Robinavitch, how am I supposed to wear this to go home ? This is Herve Leger, do you know who he is ?” “Uh no. But I’ll give you something to wear” he said softly “Sorry about that” “I don’t wanna wear your musty clothes thank you very much” you said as you put your bra and panties back on “Hand me my coat, I’ll put it on and call it a day” “Just wear this” he handed you a pair of sweatpants and a hoodie Rolling your eyes you took it and carefully folded your dress back into your purse “Well I guess this it, was a nice 7 weeks I won’t lie” He chuckled and rubbed the back of his neck “I just, I’m sorry. I wish something could be but seeing as circumstances are rough as is and you’re still young and have a lot of life to live it’s best to end it here. I still like you, you’re really smart and helpful and you help out a lot of patients with donations. You’ve got a good mind and heart” “No need for the soft letdown here Robinavitch” you grinned “I’m very well aware of circumstances and that I’m pretty much a god given angel in that hospital” “There she is” Robby laughed “There’s no hard feelings” you said softly “And don’t worry…my dad won’t know a thing” “Preferably not seeing as he could most likely ruin my career” he nodded “He’d be pretty pissed so let’s not even joke about that.” Standing there in front of him felt different, he seemed more off than usual which already said a lot. You knew about Robby’s issues, it’s what had brought you two together in the first place. One night after you had been at the hospital to drop something off for your father, you had seen him upset and head to the roof where you followed and watched as he laid his stethoscope on the railing and simply looked down at the ground
Nothing had shaken you up so bad in your life until that moment and by some miracle you had interrupted what you now knew was his attempt. You knew he still wasn’t okay but he didn’t seem to want to talk about any of that, even when you’d bring it up as kindly as possible. He’d usually kiss you or initiate sex soon after and then it’d be forgotten in his mind but it was still clear in yours and you knew this would be your last shot to finally get the answer
“Michael, are you dumping me because you plan on killing yourself ?” you asked “Because if so, I think it’s time we…we get you some help. It doesn’t have to be at the hospital, I know doctors in other places. It can be private, it can be confidential” The look on his face told you that you should have immediately taken it back but there was no going back now “Michael, answer me please” “Are you fucking insane ?” Robby suddenly snapped at you “Seriously ? You think that just because I decided to stop this that I wanna kill myself ?” You stayed calm and shrugged “It’s just a question, you haven’t answered me.” “You and I aren’t anything, we were just hooking up. This wasn’t anything special or important” he motioned between you two “Whatever idea you had in your head throw it the fuck out. We hooked up a couple times, that’s all. It was never going to be anything more with you. Look at you and look at me okay ? Use that brain of yours for once and think” “What is that supposed to mean ?” you suddenly asked “Say it, be a man for once” “You’re spoiled” he threw his hands up and rubbed his face “My god you’re a fucking spoiled brat who lives off mommy and daddy’s money. You don’t even work at the hospital, your dad had to make you volunteer because he was tired of you doing nothing with your time. Your mother would come in to have lunch with him and I’d hear her tell him how you were just wasting your life and how she had bigger expectations for you. She was embarrassed and I don’t blame her one bit. You’re rude, you’re snobby and honestly you’re a bitch most of the time” he shook his head “You’re good in bed though and that’s what mattered to me the most.” The last part was the most cruel thing you had ever heard but you couldn’t let it show. If Robby wanted to hurt you, you’d hurt him back. By the look of his face you could tell he knew he had taken it too far, in the 7 weeks of knowing him you knew his little quirks that would come out when he felt certain emotions.
Stress would make him self soothe such as cracking his hands or rubbing his thumb, anxiousness would make him touch his hair like crazy and whenever he felt like he was about to break down he’d zone out. His eyes would go blank but they’d water, his chest would heave heavily and he’d struggle to take a breath and regret consisted of him looking ahead with quiet breaths, something he was currently doing
He wasn’t foreign, he wasn’t this enigma he tried so hard to be perceived as. Michael Robinavitch was a man who wanted you but didn’t need you and while you knew that going into this, you didn’t expect him to be so cruel about it. Not when you genuinely wanted him to be okay and had grown to care about him more than you wanted to admit
“I’m glad you’re honest” you said simply with a nod “Honesty is the best policy, my mother taught me that but you wouldn’t know anything about that would you now ?”
You could’ve sworn you saw his eyes twitch slightly. His face paled and you could tell he was replaying your words over and over in his head. You had both said things that were too far but somehow now you were the bad guy “What ? You’re the one who can be an asshole and call me a bitch and use my parents against me and slutshame me but I say one little thing and you wanna go all psycho on me ?” you scoffed crossing your arms “Yeah okay Robinavitch”
“Get your shit and get fuck out of my house” Robby whispered lowly “Now.” “There is a bitch here and it’s clearly not me” you said back grabbing your bag That was the last time you saw Robby until a week later when you stopped by the hospital to see your father for a meeting. You were in the middle of getting checked in when you spotted Robby talking to a case manager you had seen before a few times “That’s Noelle” Cassie came up next to you “They’ve been flirting all morning, I was in the middle of it earlier and it was the most awkward shit I’ve ever had to live through. I felt like they were about to fuck right in front of me” “Oh…uh I didn’t know they were involved” you said softly “His new hospital honey” she nodded with an eye roll “I saw them making out last month and almost wanted to bleach my eyes” “Last month ?” you asked slightly shocked
“By his motorcycle” she made a face “Day shift had just ended and it was dark, nastiest shit I’ve ever seen and keep in mind my ex is pretty up there in that category”
You managed to chuckle as calmly as you could, excusing yourself as you walked to the nurses desk and finally realized why Robby had been so weird with you…he already had someone lined up. By the looks of it Noelle was closer to his age, understood the profession and was truly quite beautiful. She was the perfect package for him and she was heading your way “You’re Jonathan’s daughter right ? I’m Noelle, Noelle Hastings” she offered you her hand with a smile “Nice to meet you” you introduced yourself “And yes, he’s my father” “Dr.Jon has spoken wonders about you, are you a doctor too ?” she asked From across the room you could hear Robby scoff and saw him shake his head almost as if to mock you, an action even Dana frowned at from behind her station “What ? She could still be a doctor if she wants, she can go to school” she defended “I mean look at her, what’s not to like ? She’s a doll.”
“I never said anything” Robby held his hands up in defense walking away and looking at Noelle and giving her a wink “See you later Hastings” “He’s something else” she shook her head and laughed “I swear that man is one person here at work and a totally different man when he’s at home. I’ve enjoyed our time but there’s just so much that’s off. We lay in bed with the tv on till morning because he told me he hates the silence” You looked at Dana who looked equally as uncomfortable as you did, “I don’t think we need to be knowing this at all” “Oh come on it’s girl talk” Noelle grinned with a shrug “His pillow talk is just as bad, constantly talking about needing a break, he invited me to go on a trip with him that he’s taking. Claiming he wants a companion” “You should go” you looked at her “He probably told you that because he needs someone. Maybe he’s going through something”
“When isn’t he ?” she sighed “I swear first it’s Adamson then Collins and now it’s something else he’s hiding” “Collins ?” you asked “Heather Collins ?” Dana sighed softly “You know gossiping on the clock isn’t really smart” “She was a resident…she was also his girlfriend” Noelle informed you "Apparently everything he wanted in a woman, she was perfect but he just couldn’t commit so she left to another state. I think she’s the one who got away” “And what do you think you are ?” you asked a little harsher than intended “Sweetheart” she chuckled “Let me tell you something as someone who’s older, Robby is someone who will never ever commit, ever heard of his 7 week itch ? It’s the most he lasts with someone. Janey broke the record but she had a kid so I think he felt bad. But he did it to Heather and he’s trying to do it to me but I won’t let him which is why he’s chasing. It’s a weird game to him but if you’re willing to put that aside, it’s kind of nice. He’s great in-”
Dana suddenly picked up her clipboard and a pen from her drawer, closing it shut loudly enough to stop Noelle from continuing “Alright that’s truly more than enough for me. I shall see you ladies soon. Have a good day” “See you” you grinned politely and turned back to Noelle “So you…you like him ?” “I do” she admitted “He’s attractive, funny, he’s got good taste in local restaurants and bars and he’s amazing in bed. I’m not throwing that away just because he doesn’t wanna commit. The last month has been kind of fun, it’s exciting” That was all the confirmation you needed to know the reason he stopped wanting anything to do with you was for her. You had reached the end of his seven week itch and he had moved onto his next one. You knew it wasn't cheating, it was agreed you’d just hook up but it still stung knowing he had been with you while already being with her too. It made you feel cheap more than anything.
You said goodbye to her and headed to the elevator, muttering a string of curse words when Robby walked in “Your father got called in for emergency surgery” he spoke “He most likely won’t be out of that for another 3 hours or so” “Alright, cool. I’ll leave” you reached your hand to press a button, meeting his eyes when he stopped you by grabbing your wrist “Let me go” “What did she tell you ?” he murmured quietly “That you’ve been fucking her for the last month” you answered “You and I weren’t anything” he reminded you “You knew that, I can do as I please”
He was mostly telling himself that to convince himself that he was right but every fiber of his being knew he was wrong. He knew it was a shit thing to do to you, he knew he should’ve at least told you “I never said you couldn’t” you shook your head “I just would’ve liked to know I was dating the hospital whore” Robby chewed the inside of his cheek, visibly annoyed at your remark “The what ?” “You’re ran through Michael” you said simply “That should be your new nickname, ran through Robby with his hospital honeys he replaces after 7 weeks of getting his itch scratched. It’d make for a good gossip sesh with Perlah and Princess for sure. Who would’ve thought such a highly regarded attending would be such a whore. Guess you got yourself confused with me” “You wanna be childish go for it, it’s all you can come up with anyways. You know you went to the states’ best private schools and college and all you can manage to do is give middle school level remarks. Does that head of yours rattle when you shake it ?” “Watch it” you snapped “Don’t start what you can’t finish” he retorted with a finger point “You started this, we were fine. We were good friends and you ruined it. I told you what we had was just casual and you agreed to it. You cannot be mad at me for something you agreed with. I was honest with you.” “Well maybe I wasn’t” you whispered wiping your eyes with the back of your hand “Maybe I lied and maybe I genuinely like you Michael. But you don’t, so there’s no point in even finishing this conversation.” Before you could say anything else the elevator finally halted and you walked off as quickly as possible still hearing his footsteps as he tried his best to catch up to you and like some miracle he was stopped by some other doctor who needed his assistance
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You were about to make your way out when you bumped into someone and crashed chest first into them, “Oh god I’m so sorry, you okay ? Oh god Jack I’m sorry, I spilled your coffee mug all over your shirt” “All good” he grinned “Coffee here sucks anyways, I was about to head to the shop next block and grab some before I head home. You wanna join ?” “Oh…um…I don’t think I should” you admitted
“You’re a big girl” he chuckled “We’re two adults, practically coworkers since you’re here so much, your dad won’t say a thing trust me” “Okay fine” you nodded, following him out “How’s nightshift treating you ?” “It’s been going” Jack grinned “Ever think of joining us ?” “I’m not a doctor or a nurse” you shook your head “I barely got through college as is, I have a degree in fashion and design nothing educational or even medical.” He shook his head “That’s not true, hey maybe you can design hospital gowns ?” “That’s not funny” you muttered suddenly embarrassed “I already hear it from my parents okay ? I get it, I’m not Victoria Javadi who went to college when she was like 10 and now she’s a doctor working alongside her parents at the hospital. I should’ve majored in something more practical, I get it.” “Hey” Jack put a hand on your shoulder “I wasn’t teasing you, I was being honest” “I need to go home” you shook your head “We can have coffee another day, see you” He didn’t move as he kept his hand on your shoulder and shook his head “You’re right, we can have coffee another day because right now we’re gonna head to that diner in the street corner and eat some food while you tell me what’s bothering you” You shook your head “I’m fine really plus you just worked 14 hours, you need to rest” “No you’re not” Jack said softly “Come on let’s go, I can sleep when I’m dead”
An hour later you were sitting across from him in a booth in the corner of the diner eating your feelings away with him with nothing but the sound of forks and spoons clinking against your plates “I’m gonna assume this is male related because you just downed yours and my plate of french toast along with my bacon without a word being said. That or….you know female stuff” he made a face “No offense of course” You couldn’t help but laugh “Wow, Marisol really gave you the 411 didn’t she ?” Jack smiled softly at the mention of his wife who had passed “You know her, she loved telling me everything” “She was the sweetest” you said softly “She liked you a lot” he mentioned “She always said she thought you were made of sunshine because she never ever saw you sad…she’d hate to see you like this you know” You trusted Jack, he was a good person and someone you knew wouldn’t judge you. His wife, Marisol, had passed a few years ago and you knew how hard it was on him. She was a doctor for another hospital and her passing had been rather sudden but even with the short time of knowing her she had always been kind to you “Jack…are you using Marisol to get information ?” “She’d want the gossip…or chisme as she liked to call it” he teased with a grin “So for her sake, I think you should tell me what’s bothering you, maybe I can help ?” “Jack, I had a thing with Robby” you confessed “It was only for like maybe 2 months but it ended badly and I think, well I know….I like him. I like Robby and I like him more than he likes me and oh my god this is bad…this is so fucking bad” you whispered covering your mouth “Oh my god” “You’re the one he’s messing with after his shifts” his eyes widened “No that’s Noelle Hastings” you said quietly “Wait, what the fuck ?” he leaned forward “He was two timing you ?” Suddenly you wished the ground could swallow you up, you were sure your face was so damn hot you could probably fry an egg on it. Jack was staring at you wide eyed in shock and you could see him trying his best to make sense of everything “He wasn’t two timing me because we-we weren’t dating, we were just hooking up” you revealed quietly “No harm was done from his side, I just…I just got a different idea in my head and it got messy” “Well don’t think I’m gonna take his side just because he’s my friend because I won’t” he shook his head “But I will say, he’s not in good headspace” “I’m well aware” you nodded “But does being in a bad headspace excuse these kinds of actions by a grown man ?” “No” Jack answered almost immediately “He’s free to do what he pleases and truth be told it’s on me, I should’ve never ever gotten involved with him” you said quietly “It was wrong.” He sighed and put his coffee mug down “No it wasn’t, he’s the wrong one not you. He’s well aware he’s struggling and he’s choosing to get into relationships knowing he’s gonna sever them because he can’t handle the emotional commitment. The whole it’s not me it’s you thing he does, he’s right it is him and I love the guy but I can’t defend him here” “I’m worried about him” you admitted “I don’t think he’s okay” “He’s not” Jack answered gently “I’ve talked to him, Dana’s talked to him, we’ve tried but he’s dead set on going on this sabbatical for a few months. He’s claiming it’s gonna help clear his mind and while I don’t believe it at all he’s a grown man who makes his own choices.” His statement didn’t help you one bit if anything it made you a little more on edge. There was nothing to help Robby when his mind was made up. Often whenever he was so in the moment he’d do things without thinking of consequences and now you knew the reason why “But enough about him, let’s focus on you” Jack grinned “I wasn’t kidding about the hospital gown thing. You know we get kids in the ER a lot and sometimes they get scared seeing everything look so big and dark. Maybe you can design some kid ones ? It would help distract them a bit and make it fun. You should talk to board of directors” “You make it sound so easy” you chuckled
“Don’t take this the wrong way” he said rubbing his chin “But maybe it’s time you use those connections your dad has, you already use his money. Does he know you like to pay unpaid medical bills with his card ?”
“I-”
“I’m not saying it’s a bad thing” Jack grinned “That’s really nice of you to do and I know Dr. Jon approves because he’s the first one willing to argue with insurance on the phone over patients. But maybe give it a shot, it’d be worth it” “I guess you’re right” you nodded “I should go, you need rest” “I’ll see you friday night” he said softly “You never attend the hospital gala event” you said back “You really going ?” Jack nodded “Couple of buddies are getting recognized for their help at Pittfest, I wanna be there for them so if I see you there is it cool if we sit together ?” “Fine by me” you grinned “My dad will be sitting with my mom with the rest of neuro so I’ll be all alone” “See you Friday then kid” Jack winked as he paid the bill
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The annual hospital foundation gala was always the biggest event of the year. Sure it was a little snobby but it was for a good cause. Doctors and nurses deserved recognition though you remembered what Robby had told you a few months back about how they’d prefer better pay and more safety precautions. These events meant nothing to him, he hated them but you knew he’d be there that night and that made it all the much worse
The night was full of everyone you knew in suits and dresses, you watched as department heads tried to pretend they enjoyed making small talk outside the hospital. The event was held at the Omni William Penn hotel in downtown and it was gorgeous. Crystal chandeliers reflected off polished marble floors while a string quartet played somewhere near the grand staircase.
You honestly almost hadn't come, you wanted to back out badly but your father had insisted
It's important for the department. Besides, they're recognizing the new neuroscience wing. I'd like you there.
So there you were, alone. You adjusted the navy dress you had spent an hour convincing yourself looked appropriate and accepted a glass of sparkling water from a passing waiter. Your eyes wandered around the ballroom seeing every department. Emergency Medicine, trauma, cardiology, orthopedics and then…him.
Robby looked every bit the accomplished attending in his tuxedo, one hand tucked in his pocket and standing beside him was none other than Noelle. She looked beautiful and elegant as she laughed at something he quietly said before slipping her arm through his.
Your stomach twisted and you immediately looked away.
"Bad idea coming ?"
The familiar voice pulled you back and you turned to find Jack standing beside you, already holding two champagne flutes and offering you one of the glasses "I figured if I was getting dragged to a fundraiser, I'd at least make sure my favorite company wasn't standing alone…told you I’d be here"
You laughed softly "I’m your favorite company ?"
Jack shrugged with a crooked grin "I have surprisingly high standards."
You rolled your eyes, but accepted the drink, sipping as his expression softened as he looked at you "You okay ?"
You glanced toward Robby before catching yourself and of course Jack noticed, "Come on. Your dad's speech starts in five minutes." he pointed out
"So ?" you asked
"So you're not sitting by yourself." he nodded and before you could protest, Jack gently rested a hand against the middle of your back, guiding you toward one of the tables near the front
Across the ballroom Robby had been half listening to Noelle explain a recent vacation when movement caught his eye. He looked over and saw Jack walking beside you. His hand lingering briefly against your back before pulling out a chair for you
Robby watched as Jack leaned down to say something and you smiled and he smiled back. He hated the feeling he got in his gut but said nothing though his expression was more than obvious to Noelle who followed his gaze
"What're you looking at ?”
He blinked and shook his head, "Nothing important." he replied but his eyes drifted back anyway
Back on the other side Jack settled into the chair beside yours "You know," he said quietly, "I've always hated these things."
“Me too” you admitted “It’s nice to be recognized I’m sure but there’s other stuff they could do” “Agreed” he nodded
He looked toward the podium where guests were beginning to take their seats “I’m glad I’m here with you” he murmured softly
You looked at him after reapplying your lipgloss "What was that ?"
He smiled "I said the food's usually better than people expect."
"You absolutely did not but whatever, lie to me Abbott” you chuckled
At another table, Noelle leaned closer to Robby "You seem distracted tonight."
"I'm fine." he answered
"You've said three words in the last ten minutes." she pointed out
Robby looked at her apologetically "I’m sorry, it’s just these events are a lot and I’m just a little tired is all”
She followed his line of sight again and sighed softly when she realized he was looking at you and Jack and looked back at him "You know her ?"
Robby hesitated but nodded "Pretty sure everyone here does, she’s Dr.Jon’s kid."
“Not what I meant” she said back quietly
It was finally time for speeches after everyone had settled in and you put your glass down as the lights dimmed and the hospital CEO approached the stage
"Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the Chief of Neurosurgery”, applause filled the ballroom as your father walked onto the stage and you immediately sat a little straighter
Jack smiled "You've got the same determined look he gets."
"I do not." you whispered
"You do." he smirked "You absolutely do."
You nudged him with your elbow and he laughed quietly, "There's the fight I was hoping for."
Onstage, your father thanked donors, administrators, physicians, nurses, residents, technicians, environmental services and everyone who made the hospital what it was. He introduced patients who had helped and survived during Pittfest and presented them each with an award and a check for their efforts
As he spoke, Jack found himself watching you more than the stage. The way you looked at your father with quiet pride, the way you applauded the nursing staff louder than anyone else, the way you absentmindedly tucked a loose strand of hair behind your ear. He caught himself smiling as he watched you
"You know," Jack murmured
"Hm ?"
"Your dad still introduces you as his little peanut” he said softly “Kinda cute”
You groaned softly "Please don't remind me."
"I think it's sweet." he admitted while looking at you with a small grin
“Thanks” you grinned back
Across the room, Robby couldn't hear what Jack had said but he had seen your reaction. He saw you laughing and the sudden ease between you. He saw Jack looking at you with an expression he recognized immediately.
Interest, not casual friendliness. Something that was becoming difficult to hide. Jack was looking at you like your company was exactly where he wanted to be, something Robby had failed to do. His fingers tightened around the stem of his glass and Noelle noticed
"You really are somewhere else tonight." she mentioned
He pulled his eyes away from your table "I’m sorry, I mean that. As soon as this is done we can head back to mine."
Robby forced himself to accept her touch on his thigh and looked toward the stage instead but despite every effort his attention kept drifting back to where you sat beside Jack, laughing softly at something only the two of you could hear
The applause faded as your father's speech came to an end and guests rose from their tables, drifting back into conversations over champagne and shitty hors d'oeuvres. Members of the hospital board gathered near a display showcasing plans for the new pediatric expansion you had heard rumblings about
Jack looked toward the crowd then back at you "There are a few people I want you to meet"
You looked at him skeptically, "Uh who ?" but before you could object again, he lightly touched your elbow
“Just come on” he grinned. Jack lead you toward a cluster of well dressed men and women wearing foundation badges, you immediately recognized them as the head of the board and slightly froze
One of them noticed and turned to Jack, smiling “Well if it isn’t Dr.Abbott, lovely seeing you here this evening”
"Nice to see you guys too” he shook their hands before stepping aside “I’m sure you all know Dr.Jon from neuro, this is his daughter and she was just telling me about this really good idea I think you guys might be into”
One of the women tilted her head and grinned "What kind of idea ? We’re always looking for ways to improve"
You cleared your throat before beginning and look them all in the eye “I have a degree in fashion and design…I know, not exactly what my parents wanted” you chuckled “But I’ve always thought about how children spend enough time scared in hospitals. So I started sketching hospital gowns that don't look like hospital gowns. They’re fun, they’re different like princesses or superheroes, dinosaurs, farm animals, mermaids, astronauts. Just fun characters so instead of feeling like patients in scary moments they can feel like children” “Oh I love that, that’s wonderful” she grinned at you
“It would make admissions less frightening because sometimes kids are scared to change into gowns, it can make them feel more at ease” you nodded
“And before anyone here claims how it’ll cost, I know for a fact some of those donors drinking wine over there wouldn’t find having their name behind this kind of thing” Jack nodded “Good promo, looks great for them and you guys too”
A director turned towards you and smiled “You know this is actually quite genius, it works out for everyone involved and gives a little light on something that’s usually rather sad. Have you sketched any ?” “I-I have” you said softly “I can email them if you’d wish as soon as possible” "I think our pediatric foundation committee would love to hear this idea and see them, we should schedule a meeting." he nodded taking out his phone
"Really ?" you smiled
"Absolutely, this is something new that we could get started”
Jack looked at you and shrugged "I told you it was worth talking about."
Not so far away in the corner of the ballroom Robby hadn't realized he'd stopped listening to the conversation around him. He could hear enough now and his chest tightened at it all as another familiar conversation came back into his head, one from months ago
“Fashion ? You really wanna be a designer ? Like a clothing designer ?” Robby furrowed his brow “That’s what you went to college for ?”
“What ? It’s cool, I like the fun of it” you showed him your sketch book “I drew all of these”
“I’m just saying if I had the financial privilege and opportunity of having a father in the medical field I’d do something that’s worth it” he said without even looking through it as he set it on his coffee table
“Fashion is worth it, it’s freedom of expression” you picked it back up quickly and put it in your purse “It’s just as important as something medical”
“Most privileged take I’ve ever heard, if only some of us could go to school to draw clothes and not even have to pay for it” he chuckled
He had also heard you arguing one day with your mother outside your fathers office but he had kept that to himself only remembering the part where she had told you she wanted more for you because she cared
Now Robby stood just a few feet away listening to board members ask you questions as you answered them with ease, clearly knowing what you were talking about. From describing fabrics that were soft enough for sensitive skin or patterns that wouldn't interfere with examinations and openings that preserved children's dignity while still giving doctors the access they needed.
You knew exactly what you were talking about as Jack stood beside you, nodding along, “Remember the neurodivergent kids” he whispered lowly enough for you to hear
"I'd also want options for children with autism or sensory sensitivities..." you looked back at the board “Maybe softer fabrics or heavier ones for those that have those needs” "You know," one of them said "I think there's something very special here."
"I agree," another replied "We'd be foolish not to explore it. We’ll settle a meeting as soon as possible, most likely this coming week. Thank you again for this, it’s a lovely idea really” Jack smiled at you as they walked away “Told you, you did it” “I need a drink” you said letting out a deep sigh “Jesus christ that was mortifying” “I got you” he grinned
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The ballroom had grown louder as the evening wore on, music drifted through the open doors leading to the terrace while clusters of doctors and donors laughed over another round of drinks.
You slipped away, needing 5 minutes where no one expected you to smile for more pictures or your mother continuously asking you meet so and so’s son who was head of who knows what in some other hospital
Outside, the summer air was cool and refreshing. The city lights shimmered below the hotel's rooftop terrace and for the first time all evening, the noise faded into a comfortable silence
"You hiding too ?"
You turned and Jack stepped through the doors, loosening his bow tie as he walked over “I don’t blame you after you left to sit with your parents for dessert I had to take a breather too”
He leaned against the railing beside you, looking out over the skyline and reached into the inside pocket of his tuxedo jacket, pulling out a crumpled pack of cigarettes
Your eyebrows shot up immediately "You smoke ?"
Jack chuckled "I almost never do actually", he tapped one loose from the pack before holding it between his fingers “When I feel a little out of my own control I usually smoke one…I know it doesn't make any sense."
You studied him for a moment and shrugged "You don't look like a smoker."
He shrugged and smiled ruefully as he lit and inhaled, blowing out the smoke in a shallow breath "I think somewhere along the way my brain decided that meant cigarettes equaled... taking a minute. I don't even usually finish one."
He looked almost embarrassed admitting it so you reached over and gently took the cigarette from his fingers and surprisingly he let you. You dropped it onto the floor and stepped on it with your heel "I think you're allowed to take five minutes without this."
Jack looked at the floor then at you "I suppose I am.", he looked at you for a long moment. Long enough that your smile slowly faded beneath the weight of his gaze "You know..." he said quietly
"What ?"
"I meant what I said the other day"
You tilted your head "About what ?"
"That none of what happened with Robby had anything to do with your worth." he said softly “He’s got all these issues and he chose to lash out rather than communicate. Stop letting it take over, you got other stuff to look forward to”
"There isn't anything wrong with you." his eyes searched yours "You're kind, you got a good heart. You somehow convinced an entire hospital board that hospital gowns can be magical." he hesitated for a bit and perhaps the first time all evening, he seemed unsure of himself “You know I haven’t had a nice night like this since….since I was with Marisol and being with you just…it feels real nice” Jack lifted a hand slowly, giving you every opportunity to pull away, his fingertips brushed a loose strand of hair behind your ear and only when you didn't move did he lean in slowly. As if giving you plenty of time to change your mind
Instead, you closed the remaining distance and his lips met yours in a gentle kiss. You pressed a hand to his chest and one of his went to your waist, holding you carefully as the both of you stood together
The terrace doors opened again and Robby stepped outside, intending to escape the noise for a moment. He stopped after only two steps when he saw the two of you, Jack's hand rested lightly against your cheek and the two of you had just separated from the kiss
Robby remained still, he looked at Jack who looked back at him and sighed. He looked at you and you were too shocked to utter a word “Sorry for interrupting” he nodded as he turned around “Enjoy your night”
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