**Chapter 7: A Crack in the Facade**

Monday morning was always a chaotic time at the hospital, with nurses rushing to and fro, checking charts and administering medications. Pam was sipping her coffee and reviewing her schedule for the day when she overheard a conversation that made her heart skip a beat. "...I heard Doug is back with Emily from ICU," one of the nurses said, giggling. "I mean, I thought he was into that Pam girl, but I guess I was wrong." Pam felt like she'd been punched in the gut. She tried to process what she was hearing, but her mind was racing. Could it be true? Was Doug interested in someone else? She thought back to their time at the game, how he'd held her hand and looked into her eyes. Had it all been a ruse? As she stood there, trying to make sense of the rumor, Susan noticed that she looked upset. "Hey, Pam, what's wrong?" Susan asked, concern etched on her face. Pam hesitated, unsure if she wanted to share the rumor with anyone. But something about Susan's kind expression put her at ease. "I just overheard something that might be about Doug," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. Susan's eyes narrowed. "What is it?" Pam took a deep breath and repeated the conversation she'd overheard. Susan's expression grew more serious with each passing word. "Oh, Pam, I'm so sorry," Susan said, putting a comforting arm around her shoulders. "We don't know if it's true, of course. But I have to wonder...is Doug playing you?" Pam felt a lump form in her throat. She hadn't wanted to consider the possibility, but now that Susan mentioned it, she couldn't shake the feeling that she might have been played. Had Doug been using her to get to know her, just to pass the time until he got back with his ex? Susan's grip on her shoulders tightened. "We'll get to the bottom of this, okay? But for now, let's just focus on getting through your shift. You don't have to face this alone, Pam." As they headed to the nurse's station, Pam couldn't help but feel a growing sense of unease. Had she misread Doug completely? And what would happen if she found out that he was indeed playing her?