Customer husband

In the hospital cafeteria, Jack leaned back in his chair with a steaming cup of coffee, glancing around at his fellow interns. "So, cholecystectomy team, how's Dr. Johnson treating you?"

Billy, who was sitting across from Cole, gave a rueful smile. "Tough, but fair. We're getting hands-on experience with a variety of cases."

Cole nodded, his tone equally thoughtful. "Same with Dr. Lee. It's fast-paced, but it keeps us sharp."

Gideon, sitting next to them, chimed in with a grin. "I'm with you, buddy. Dr. Lee expects precision, but it's a great learning environment."

Henry, who had been listening from the other end of the table, leaned forward. "We're with the orthopedic team. Dr. Rodriguez is incredibly supportive. Explains everything patiently."

Cherilyn, always the one to chime in with enthusiasm, nodded. "Dr. Rodriguez is a walking encyclopedia. And yes, perfection is the standard."

Miles, who had been quietly eating, looked up and joined the conversation. "Cesarean section duo here. Dr. Turner is a challenge, but we're gaining skills rapidly."

Jamie, who was sitting next to Miles, added, "Cesarean section with Dr. Turner. High expectations, but we're refining our skills every day."

Charlotte, from the cholecystectomy team, raised her cup. "Dr. Johnson is legendary. It's intense, but we're learning tons."

Chloe, who had been quietly observing, raised her voice in solidarity. "Shout out to all our supervisors for guiding us through this. Lunch break solidarity, indeed!"

The group laughed, clinking their cups together before settling back into their conversations.

Reina wiped down a table in the corner of the bustling restaurant, glancing up to see Cecile standing near the door. "Told you I could do it," she said with a sigh of relief. "Gosh, I was losing it."

Cecile smirked, casting a sharp look at the front door. "Told you she was a snake," she muttered. "Another customer."

Reina turned her attention back to the door as a man entered, scanning the menu. "Don't worry," she said to Cecile before walking toward the new arrival. "Good day, sir. Can I take your—" She froze as she recognized the man. "Noah? What are you doing here?"

Noah grinned. "I came to eat."

Reina raised an eyebrow. "Since when do you visit a restaurant to eat without the Guardians of the Galaxy?"

"Since I came to visit my wife's restaurant," Noah replied with a smirk. "Can I order now?"

Reina smiled. "Sure."

Noah paused, then added teasingly, "Wait, did you greet me?"

Reina laughed. "You're an asshole."

Noah rolled his eyes but laughed along. "Uh-uh, you don't insult customers because we are always right."

Reina laughed. "Can I take your order, sir?"

Noah leaned back in his seat, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "You know what? Surprise me with your recommendation. Something hearty."

Reina thought for a moment before nodding. "Sure thing! How about our chef's special pasta with a savory cream sauce? It's a customer favorite."

Noah's eyes lit up. "Sounds perfect. And bring us a bottle of that red wine we liked last time."

"Excellent choice," Reina said, noting the order in her notepad. "Anything else?"

"No, that should be it. Looking forward to it," Noah replied, clearly at ease.

Reina smiled. "Great. I'll make sure it's a delightful dining experience for you. Enjoy!" She turned away, chuckling as she walked off to place the order.

At Frank's house, Ray burst through the door, grinning like he had just won a prize. "Where is my Cherry and my Sidney?" he called out, his voice full of cheer. "Good day, Aunt!"

Esme looked up from her knitting, smiling but shaking her head. "I'm not in the mood," she said, though her voice betrayed her with a soft laugh.

Ray winked playfully. "I'm a joker for a reason, Aunt. I'm so glad I achieved my goal."

Esme raised an eyebrow. "What goal?"

Ray leaned in with a grin. "Putting a smile on your beautiful face."

Esme chuckled. "That's so sweet. Are you hungry? You know you're my favorite son. Don't tell Noah."

Ray put his hand over his heart. "Copy that, Aunt. I'd love to stay and eat, but I really need to see Cherry. She ghosted me yesterday."

Esme sighed, but her smile didn't fade. "Don't be mad at her, Ray. She's been busy all week. She barely has time for herself."

Ray crossed his arms. "Disadvantages of being a doctor."

Esme narrowed her eyes playfully. "Where's your advantage? Tell me!"

Ray put a hand on his chest in mock hurt. "Ouch, Aunt, you hurt my feelings."

Esme laughed. "Alright, I'm heading to Cornelia's."

Ray perked up, his eyes brightening. "Oh, my sweet grandma. Let's go!"

Esme paused at the door. "I thought you wanted to see Cherry urgently? Isn't it urgent anymore?"

Ray shrugged casually. "Cherry can wait. Besides, she ditched me yesterday."

Esme shook her head, but the smile on her face never wavered. "You are a handful, do you know that?"

Ray nodded, his grin widening. "Mm-hmm."

Esme grabbed her coat. "Let's go then."

They headed out the door, laughing as they went.

Ava's boutique was quiet as the doorbell jingled, announcing the arrival of Watt. "If it isn't Ava," he called out, his voice carrying an exaggerated cheer.

Cal followed behind him, his expression unimpressed. "I told you I'm not interested, Watt. What now?"

Keisha walked in just as Watt was about to respond, giving them both a confused look. "Ava… what are you guys doing here?"

Watt shrugged. "What? Ava called me here, and I dragged Cal along," he said, his voice casual but laced with humor.

Cal, standing beside him, chuckled. "I love the English you used there," he teased, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

Keisha, who was standing near the counter, rolled her eyes but couldn't help laughing. "You guys are crazy," she said, shaking her head.

Watt looked at her, raising an eyebrow. "What are you doing here, teacher?" he asked, his voice full of mischief.

"I came to pick up my clothes," Keisha replied, her gaze cool. "I'm not jobless like you two."

Cal let out a low whistle, clearly enjoying the exchange. "Ooh," he jeered, his laughter barely contained.

Watt gave him a side-eye. "Dude, she insulted both of us," he muttered.

Keisha smirked. "We're having a costume day tomorrow at school," she said. "I'm dressing up as Belle."

Watt grinned. "Dress up as Maleficent," he said, eyes twinkling. "You already look the part."

Keisha raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, I don't think so. I'm a princess, and you're a jobless Casanova. How about that?"

Cal laughed aloud. "Dude, you really need to change your work. Everyone's on you."

Watt shrugged, unfazed. "Who cares?" he said dismissively.

Keisha glanced around impatiently. "Seriously, where the hell is Ava?" she asked, her tone a little exasperated.

Just then, Ava emerged from the back, a smile on her face. "Hi, guys," she said, waving at them. "Hello, Keisha. I've got your costume ready. Come with me."

"What is it?" Keisha asked, intrigued.

"It's a surprise," Ava replied with a wink. "I can't tell you yet. Watt, what do you want?"

Watt shrugged again, nonchalant. "He said you called me in," he said, gesturing at Cal.

Ava looked at him, unimpressed. "No, I didn't," she said flatly. "Are you here for money? I'm not your girlfriend."

Watt held up his hands in mock surrender. "I know, duh," he said, smiling sheepishly.

Ava gave him a pointed look. "Then get out!" she said with a laugh, clearly amused by the back-and-forth.

Keisha, who had been listening to the banter with a growing smile, shook her head. "Really? You're broke?" she asked, teasing. "Dude, it's not okay for a grown man like you to be broke. Go get a job!" She laughed. "Go fill your pockets now!"

Watt grinned, taking the insult in stride. "Okay, okay, you got me good," he said, raising his hands in defeat.

The two of them turned to leave, their laughter trailing behind them. As they reached the door, Cal shot one last look at Watt. "Oh man, she really got you good."

Watt just shrugged, a grin still plastered on his face. "I'm done for," he said, his tone light. "I've been degraded to an unexpected level." He slapped Cal on the back. "Let's go make some money."

The bell above the door jingled as they exited the boutique, their voices fading into the street.