Briana Ortiz, an ER doctor, finds her life upended when a new doctor arrives, threatening her promotion and stirring up personal turmoil. Meanwhile, Jacob Maddox, the so-called "Dr. Death," battles his own demons as he navigates a new job and unexpected family drama. Their initial interactions are disastrous, setting the stage for a complex and evolving relationship.
Chapter 1: Dr. Death and a Delayed Promotion
Dr. Briana Ortiz overhears nurses gossiping about the infamous "Dr. Death," who has lost seven patients. Briana, ever logical, defends him, attributing the losses to the severity of the cases. She is in line for a promotion to Chief of Emergency Medicine, but her personal life is a mess, with her divorce from Nick about to be finalized. Dr. Gibson delays his retirement, giving Dr. Jacob Maddox a chance to settle in before the vote.
Briana sees this as a blatant act of favoritism, undermining her years of hard work. She vents to her best friend, Alexis, who tries to calm her down, reminding her that a less demanding schedule would allow her to spend more time with her brother, Benny Ortiz, who is seriously ill. This introduces the themes of Communication and Misunderstanding and Healing and Second Chances.
Chapter 2: Anxiety and an Awkward Introduction
The perspective shifts to Jacob, revealing a man struggling with severe Mental Health and Anxiety. He meets his ex-girlfriend, Amy, and his younger brother, Jeremiah, at an ax-throwing bar, a sensory nightmare for him. Amy and Jeremiah announce their engagement, confirming Jacob's worst fears. He congratulates them, masking his pain.
Jacob's family calls him, furious about the engagement. To appease them, he impulsively lies, claiming he has a new girlfriend from work. Later, hiding in a supply closet to escape the hospital's chaos, he collides with Briana. He follows her into a patient's room to confront her, only to realize the patient is Benny. The encounter is a disaster, solidifying their mutual dislike.
Chapter 3: The Sob Closet and a Misunderstanding
Briana, overwhelmed by Benny's declining health, retreats to her "sob closet." Jacob enters, seeking a quiet space. He leaves but returns with a warm washcloth, a small act of kindness. They share a brief, quiet moment, introducing themselves.
The peace shatters when Jacob remarks about Benny, "You can live for decades on dialysis." Briana, knowing the toll of Benny's illness, explodes, interpreting his comment as dismissive. This highlights the theme of Family, Illness, and Sacrifice. She accuses him and Gibson of unethical behavior and declares that he will never win the chief position. Jacob is left stunned and hurt.
Chapter 4: A Secret and a Sacrifice
Jacob meets Gibson and his best friend, nephrologist Dr. Zander Reese, for drinks. Gibson reveals he delayed the vote to help Briana, wanting her to earn a legitimate victory. Jacob states he has no interest in the chief position.
The conversation turns to Benny, who is Zander's patient. Zander reveals Benny's dire situation: he needs a kidney transplant, but his rare blood type makes the wait long. Jacob reveals he is O-negative, a universal donor, and agrees to get tested, asking that it be done in secret.
Chapter 5: A Thawing of Opinions
Briana discovers Benny is being evicted and his apartment is in disarray, confirming his depression. She meets Jessica, a cynical OB-GYN, who describes Jacob as a "wonderful man." This contradicts Briana's perception.
Briana observes Jacob calming a young patient by performing "surgery" on her torn doll. The nurses are touched by his kindness. Zander defends Jacob, explaining he's a shy introvert. Briana, feeling guilty, gives Jacob advice on winning over the nurses. He asks what kind of cupcake she likes, and she replies, "Red velvet, and I don’t want one," signaling a subtle shift in their dynamic.
Key Events
- Briana learns her promotion is delayed due to Jacob's arrival.
- Jacob's ex-girlfriend and brother announce their engagement.
- Jacob lies to his family about having a girlfriend.
- Briana and Jacob have a series of disastrous encounters.
- Jacob learns the real reason for the delayed vote.
- Jacob secretly agrees to get tested as a potential kidney donor for Benny.
- Briana begins to reconsider her opinion of Jacob.
Character Development
- Dr. Briana Ortiz: Initially a confident but cynical ER doctor, she begins to show vulnerability and questions her judgment of Jacob.
- Dr. Jacob Maddox: Perceived as incompetent, he is revealed to be a kind man struggling with anxiety, willing to make sacrifices for others.
Themes & Symbols
Themes
- Communication and Misunderstanding: Misunderstandings drive the initial conflict, highlighting the gap between perception and reality.
- Mental Health and Anxiety: Jacob's perspective offers an honest portrayal of living with social anxiety.
- Family, Illness, and Sacrifice: Benny's illness drives Briana's actions, while Jacob's willingness to donate a kidney underscores the theme of sacrifice.
Symbols
- The Sob Closet: Symbolizes Briana's hidden vulnerability and becomes a space for unexpected connection with Jacob.
Key Quotes
"You can live for decades on dialysis."
Jacob's seemingly comforting remark highlights the vast difference in understanding between someone observing an illness and someone living with it. Briana's explosive reaction underscores the emotional toll of Benny's condition.
"Red velvet, and I don’t want one."
This seemingly dismissive response from Briana is a subtle sign of her thawing feelings towards Jacob. She offers advice and engages in playful banter, hinting at a potential connection beneath her tough exterior.
Significance
These chapters establish the novel's premise and emotional core, using dual perspectives to create dramatic irony. The foundation of misunderstanding sets up the enemies-to-lovers trajectory. Jacob's secret decision to get tested creates tension and foreshadows the emotional complexity to come. The chapters ground the romance in real-world struggles, exploring themes of grief, anxiety, and familial duty.