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for a few awkward moments. Trevor finally broke the silence.
    “Should we get going?” he asked.
    Mark nodded and picked up a light jacket as they headed for the elevator. When the doors opened, Trevor motioned for Mark to enter first, then came to stand beside him as the elevator descended to the parking deck.
    “I’m right over here,” Trevor gestured with one hand, then placed his other hand lightly on Mark’s lower back as they walked toward his car. He pulled a set of keys from his pocket and pressed the button. In response, a late-model dark-blue Mercedes chirped and the lights came on.
    “Nice car for a starving resident,” Mark teased as he sat down in the passenger seat.
    “I’m neither starving nor a resident, thank you,” Trevor replied with a smile as he got in on the driver’s side.
    Mark laughed and they both relaxed.
    The initial period of discomfit had passed, and they chatted about work until Trevor pulled into the parking deck behind the restaurant. As they walked up the steps leading to the restaurant, Mark looked around at the familiar surroundings. Several large oriental planters with bamboo flanked the entrance. It was one of his favorite restaurants, so he was glad Trevor had chosen it.
    Once inside, they were seated at a small booth near the bar. A waitress gave them both menus and took their drink orders. She returned quickly with a steaming pot of oolong tea and two iced waters. Mark ordered sesame chicken, and Trevor ordered pepper steak. When the food arrived, they each spooned off a portion onto smaller plates and placed the platters in the center of the table to share. By the end of the meal, they had each eaten about half of the other’s food. They started out by talking about work and the hospital. Trevor told Mark about medical school and a little more about his family. They both laughed as Trevor told silly stories of growing up with two older sisters. Mark was happy to sit and listen. At some point, the waitress removed the dishes from the table. Neither one noticed. Mark started as he looked at his watch and realized it was already a quarter after eleven.
    “We should get going. I have to be up at five o’clock,” Mark said as he stifled a yawn.
    “I’m sorry!” Trevor responded, getting up from the seat. “I’ve been sitting here babbling when you should be at home asleep.”
    “No,” Mark protested. “I’ve really enjoyed it. I just wish I didn’t have to work tomorrow.”
    They chatted some more during the short drive back to Mark’s building. Trevor pulled up to the front entrance and stopped.
    Trevor turned to face Mark. He reached over to place a hand on Mark’s shoulder. “Thanks for going to dinner with me. It was really nice.”
    Mark looked back at Trevor and smiled. He cupped his hand over Trevor’s and gave it a little squeeze. “I had a great time too,” he replied sleepily. “I’ll see you at work.” He got out of the car and used his access card to enter the lobby.
    Trevor watched Mark touch his key to the electronic lock and then pull the door open. Man, what a view , Trevor thought as Mark walked into the building. Too bad Mark had to work tomorrow, because Trevor really wished he had been invited to come back up with him. He smiled as Mark disappeared into an elevator. Maybe next time. After looking into his rearview mirror to check traffic, Trevor pulled the car away from the curb. The evening had been perfect, the best one he could remember for a long time. He turned on the radio and sang the entire way home.

Chapter 6

    T REVOR watched as Mark walked into the conference room. He looked at the two resident physicians who had been talking about the patients on their team, and then he glanced back at the conference room door.
    “I want to take out Mr. Robertson’s left chest tube today,” he said as both residents listened and made notes. “Go and get the supplies and meet me back here in five.”
    He watched as the two scurried off