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lunch was served. Long tables covered in tropical blue tablecloths were placed along the rear of the room, holding plates of fried chicken, baked fish, potato salad, and coleslaw. Smaller tables with chairs were scattered throughout the room and donned with red teuila and hibiscus flowers.
    “Let’s grab a plate. I’m starving,” Manu said and led the girls to the buffet table.
    “I don’t think I have time to eat, Manu. I have to get back to my patients,” Alana protested. Just then her phone pinged with a message. “See? I got to take off.” She started to move away quickly.
    “Hey, are we still on for lunch tomorrow?” Manu called as she dashed to the front door.
    Alana whipped around and replied, “Yup! Text me. Your treat, right?” He scoffed, and she smiled in response. “Hey, I’m not the hot-shot doctor around here. You’re the one making the big bucks.”
    “Right. Not on these government salaries. But I’m sure I can manage buying you a sausage roll? Or maybe a keke saiga ?”
    Smiling, she turned towards the exit and ran head first into a broad chest. “Omph, I’m so sorry, I didn’t see—” Alana’s speech was cut off as she peered up into the dark blue eyes of Mr. Chase Malek. So they’re blue . A deep ocean blue that could only be found beyond the reef.
    His eyes widened in surprise before he warmly smiled down at her. Her heart thudded against her chest at the close proximity, and she moved to step away, returning a hesitant smile back.
    “Oh, Mr. Malek. I see you have met one of our most recent nursing graduates,” an older nurse whose name Alana couldn’t remember spoke.
    “Not yet,” he answered with a tone of amusement. He stuck out his hand to her. “I’m Chase.”
    Alana swallowed and extended her own. His large hand engulfed hers in a firm handshake, and the sensation shot a tingle up her arm. She glanced self-consciously to her left and saw heads of department and prominent doctors glaring in her direction and could imagine their exact thoughts. Why is he wasting his time talking to this nurse? He should be over here with us. Chase looked over to where her attention was diverted. Momentarily distracted, she took the opportunity to slip past him but he blocked her movement.
    “You didn’t tell me yours,” he said in a low voice.
    Clearing her throat, she urged herself to relax. “Alana. My name is Alana Vilo.” She gave a small smile and tilted her head upwards to meet his eyes. He was easily the tallest man in the room, and she felt miniscule against him.
    He smiled brilliantly in return, flashing straight, white teeth. “I didn’t mean to startle you, Alana. While I’m here, I’m interested in acquainting myself with the hospital and meeting its staff.”
    A second message came through on her phone, and she fidgeted uncomfortably. Time to go , she thought.
    “It was lovely to meet you, Mr. Malek. I hope your visit to Samoa and to this hospital is a pleasant one. If you’ll excuse me, I have to tend to my patients now.” She smiled politely but cringed on the inside. God, she sounded like a robot.
    “Of course.” He grinned slowly, his eyes lighting up and crinkling at the sides. “It was wonderful to meet you too, Alana.”
    Stepping aside to allow her to pass, she finally let go of the deep breath she was holding as she turned into the hallway. A third beep came through, and when she checked the message her heart sank.
    Terrified, she bolted down the long corridor to the intensive care unit, pushing through the doors and racing over to the drawn curtains surrounding a familiar bed. She slipped through the curtain and saw a doctor and nurse working frantically over Mr. Filipo’s body.
    Dr. Fetu was pounding on his chest when he looked up and barked, “Alana, God damn it, where have you been?”
    Alana sucked in a breath and immediately stepped into her professional shoes. Following his instructions, she stood back as he placed paddles from the