The Doctor's Undoing by Gina Wilkins

return.
    The two teenage girls on Haley’s right had giggled and ogled the ballplayers throughout the game, more interested in posing and performing than in hits and runs. The parents of one of the girls sat at the other end of the row, and had mostly ignored the teens during the game. Still, the teens hadn’t been particularly annoying and Haley had been amused by their artless chattering, though she’d had no real interaction with them to that point.
    Just as Ron walked away, the girl next to Haley dropped the cell phone she’d spent a significant amount of time texting on. The phone landed near Haley’s foot, so she bent to scoop it up with her free hand and return it.
    â€œDoesn’t look like it was damaged,” she said reassuringly.
    The fresh-faced redhead clutched the phone as though it were encrusted with priceless gems. “Thank you.”
    â€œYou’re welcome.”
    â€œGreat game, isn’t it?”
    Responding to the girl’s earnest attempt at polite chitchat, Haley nodded with a smile. “Yes, it is.”
    â€œI think the Travs are going to win.”
    â€œI hope you’re right.” The home team was still ahead by two runs, but the opposing team was giving them strong competition.
    The girl leaned a little closer, lowering her voice to a conspiratorial murmur barely audible above the surrounding noise. “My friend and I think your boyfriend is really cute. Is he a ballplayer?”
    â€œHe’s not—” Haley stopped her automatic correction, deciding it was more trouble than it was worth. “No, he’s a medical student.”
    The girl’s eyes widened. “He’s a doctor? Cool. Are you a nurse?”
    â€œI’m also a medical student.”
    â€œOh. Cool.”
    â€œHe’s really funny.” The blonde on the redhead’s other side leaned forward to make the comment, not wanting to be left out of the conversation. “He’s been making us laugh with some of his comments about the game.”
    Before Haley could reply, Ron returned, carrying a funnel cake and a soda. Seeing the teens looking at him, he nodded affably. “Evening, ladies.”
    They dissolved into giggles.
    Ron and Haley shared a quizzical look as he took his seat beside her. “Want a bite?” he asked, offering the warm, fragrant treat.
    She shook her head and plucked a puff of cotton candy from the paper cone in her hand. “I’m still working on this, thanks.”
    He watched as she popped the candy into her mouth, letting it dissolve on her tongue. His gaze lingered for a moment on her lips, then lifted slowly to meet her eyes. “Is it good, sugar?”
    She blinked. “Um—?”
    â€œYour cotton candy,” he said, all innocence. “Good sugar?”
    Shaking her head a little, she replied, “Yes, it’s very good. Oh, look. Why is that guy yelling at the umpire?”
    Chuckling at the obvious change of subject, he obligingly talked about the game.
    The seventh inning had just begun when the woman sitting in front of them started to scream. “Dylan? Dylan? Someone help me, he’s choking!”
    The child’s father had left his seat only moments before, perhaps headed for the restrooms. The mother bent over her son in her lap, frantically patting his back. The boy was suspiciously still.
    Both Ron and Haley sprang forward instinctively to help, even as the people in surrounding seats leaned forward to gawk. Her heart in her throat, Haley noted that the child’s lips were already turning blue.
    â€œWould you let me take him, ma’am?” Ron asked, leaning over the seat.
    The woman looked up at him with panicky wet eyes. “Can you help?”
    â€œThey’re doctors,” the redheaded teenager said avidly. “Both of them,” she added, waving a hand toward Ron and Haley.
    â€œWe’re medical students.” Ron was already reaching for the