The Accidental Wealth

Chapter 8

Jackson stepped into the cafeteria and blinked, wondering if he'd accidentally wandered into a five-star hotel instead. The room was awash in soft, ambient lighting, with elegant tables and chairs scattered artfully around. A grand piano sat in one corner, its ivory keys gleaming under a spotlight.

"Is that... is that a chocolate fountain?" he asked, gesturing to a towering confection near the salad bar.

Olivia laughed. "Oh yeah, that's new. It's part of our 'wellness through indulgence' program."

"Right," Jackson muttered. "Because nothing says 'get well soon' like a sugar coma."

He went to the vending machine, fishing some coins from his pocket. As he punched the codes for two coffees, he noticed the machine's sleek, futuristic design. It looked less like a vending machine and more like something out of a sci-fi movie.

"Your coffee, madam," he said with a flourish, handing Olivia her cup as they settled into a cozy corner booth.

"Why, thank you, kind sir," she replied with a playful curtsy.

Jackson took a sip of his coffee and nearly choked. "Holy... is this actually good? Since when does hospital coffee not taste like motor oil?"

Olivia grinned, stirring her own cup. "Since we got a new CEO who believes happy patients are paying patients."

"Ah, that's why my bill looks like I bought the entire hospital instead of staying in it."

She laughed, a melodic sound that made Jackson's heart skip a beat. Or that was the caffeine hitting his system.

Jackson took another sip of his surprisingly delicious coffee, savoring the rich flavor. He glanced at Olivia, her hair catching the soft light of the cafeteria. He blurted out before he could overthink it, "So, I was wondering... would you like to grab dinner sometime? You know, outside of this luxurious hospital setting?"

Olivia's eyes widened slightly. "Are you asking me out on a date, Mr. Jackson?"

"I mean, if you want to call it that," he said, trying to sound nonchalant and failing miserably. "Or we could call it a 'post-trauma culinary expedition.' You know, for science."

"Well, how can I refuse when you put it that way? I'd love to go out with you."

Jackson's heart did a little victory dance. Or that was just the caffeine. "Great! That's... that's great. I promise I won't get hit by any more buses before then."

"I'd appreciate that," she said with a wink. "It would really put a damper on our date."

As they continued chatting, Jackson's mind raced. How was he going to bring up the whole underwear thing without coming across as a total creep? He needed to be subtle and smooth...

"So," he said, leaning in conspiratorially. "I hope your boyfriend won't mind us going out. You know, if we get caught."

"Caught? Are we planning some sort of covert operation?"

"No, no," Jackson backpedaled. "I just meant... you know, if he sees us out together."

"He who?"

"Your boyfriend?"

Olivia burst out laughing. "Oh, honey. If I had a boyfriend, do you think I'd agree to go out with you?"

"Oh. Right. Of course. I just thought... you know, someone as beautiful as you..."

"Smooth recovery," Olivia teased. "But no, no boyfriend. Just me and my cat, Mr. Whiskers."

"Mr. Whiskers? Let me guess, he's a hairless cat?"

"How did you know?"

"Just a hunch," Jackson grinned.

"Just a hunch," Jackson grinned, feeling a surge of confidence. This flirting thing wasn't so hard after all.

Olivia glanced at her watch and sighed. "Well, as much as I've enjoyed our little coffee break, I should get back to work. Those bedpans won't change themselves."

Jackson's face fell. "Oh, right. Of course. Duty calls and all that."

As Olivia stood up, Jackson had a sudden realization. He still hadn't completed Quantum Quill's task. The underwear question loomed large in his mind, a ticking time bomb of potential embarrassment.

"Wait!" he blurted out a little too loudly. A few nearby diners turned to look at them. He lowered his voice. "I mean, uh, I just realized... I have no idea how to get back to my room."

"Well, we can't have you getting lost. Let me take you back."

She gestured for him to follow, and Jackson quickly fell into step beside her.

When they reached his room, Olivia turned to him. "Here we are, safe and sound."

"Uh, thanks. So, about that bill... I should have the money in a few minutes. Just waiting for a transfer."

"Are you sure? I mean, it's quite a hefty sum."

"Yeah, yeah," Jackson waved his hand dismissively. "Shouldn't be a problem. Just a minor hiccup."

She nodded, but her expression was skeptical. "Alright. Well, I really should get back to my rounds."

"Wait," Jackson blurted out, catching her arm gently. "Could you stay with me for a bit? I mean, if you have time."

Olivia hesitated, then sighed with a smile. "Okay, but just for a little while. My patients will survive without me for a few more minutes."

They stepped into the room, the door clicking shut behind them. Jackson sat on the edge of the bed, his heart racing. He glanced at Olivia, who stood awkwardly by the door.

"Come on, sit down," he patted the space beside him.

She hesitated, then relented, perching herself on the edge of the bed. "Alright, but just for a little while."