"If I don't move out, Ms. Perez might just show up at the hospital tomorrow with a protest banner," Fanny sighed, exasperated.
"Then just move out. Let's keep her from causing a scene for now," Sinclair agreed, standing firmly by her side, just as he always had.
Back in their school days, when Fanny would skimp on her homework or not do it at all, Sinclair was the one who always covered for her when she had to stay late to finish it up.
Who would've thought that even now, at this age, she'd still be relying on the same old tricks?
"Fanny," Yates's voice interrupted her thoughts.
He jogged over, giving a nod to Sinclair before turning his attention to Fanny. "Can we grab dinner together tonight?"
"Can't, I've got plans with my uncle," Fanny said, using her favorite excuse, a tactic she had refined over the years.
Being the stunning woman that she was, admirers were never in short supply. Whenever someone tried to pursue her or slipped her a love note, she'd always call on Sinclair to play the role of her boyfriend. And now was no different.
Yates turned to Sinclair, "Mr. Anderson, would it be alright if I joined?"
"Not really," Sinclair replied, more decisively than Fanny.
Yates understood that winning Fanny back wasn't something that could be rushed, so he smiled and nodded slightly. "Alright then, Fanny, let's reschedule."
"Yates," Fanny called his name softly, "If it's work-related, we can discuss it during office hours. Let's not meet up after work."
Her blunt and almost ruthless words made Yates's face pale slightly. "Fanny, even if we're... not together anymore, can't we still be friends?"
"We can! But it’s better not to," Fanny was always a realist. "Even if exes can stay friends, it’s never genuine, and besides... it might make it harder for me to find someone new."
Who would want to date someone who still had ties to their ex? She knew she wouldn't want to be with a guy who still had strings attached to a former girlfriend.
Yates managed a bitter smile, "I upset her, and she hasn't forgiven me yet."
"Patience is key, my friend. Winning a woman's heart is like running a marathon, take it slow. I know how crazy Dr. Willis was for you," the director clapped him on the shoulder encouragingly. "She likes you, so hang in there."
"Thank you, Director," Yates said, a hint of a smile returning to his face.
Everyone could see that Fanny had feelings for him, so it was clear she was just temporarily upset.
As Fanny and Sinclair drove away, she caught a glimpse of Yates through the rearview mirror, standing there, watching her go.
Her heart tightened. Half of her youth had been spent loving this man, and they'd shared real happiness together. It wasn't easy to just let go.
She stared into the rearview mirror, lost in thought, not noticing that Sinclair was also watching her closely through the mirror.
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