“When I got your text, I figured you would’ve.”
After speaking with the charge nurse, I sent him a text that morning telling him I’d be in late for my shift because I was going with Journey to her doctor’s appointment. Thankfully, the doctor’s office was at Memorial, just on the other side of the hospital. She took an Uber back home once the appointment ended.
“You know me so well, huh?”
I was teasing but his face turned serious. “I’m learning.”
That piqued my interest. I suddenly wanted to know how Jacob saw me. And as if on cue, he began telling me.
“You’ve been a caretaker your whole life. No wonder nursing comes so naturally to you.”
And if I ever had any doubt as to whether or not Jacob had problems with discernment, they would’ve been eviscerated in that instant.
“I’m that obvious?” I lifted an eyebrow, taking another sip of my coffee. I grinned when his eyes followed the movement of my mouth as I licked the corner of my lips.
“To anyone who watches as closely as I do.” His voice had dropped.
“You know me so well … what am I planning to do now?”
“Visit Johnny Westbrook.”
I giggled, because of course that’s what I was on my way to do.
“How’s he doing?” I asked.
Jacob shrugged. “I presume he’s doing well. I haven’t seen him yet this morning. Wanted to wait on you.”
Somehow, that seemed sweet to me. As if it wasour thingto check in on the patient we worked on together in the ER and through his first two surgeries.
“He has another one scheduled for later in the week.”
I nodded, not letting my face show any emotion as we approached Johnny’s hospital room.
“Good morning.” I beamed as we entered the room.
Johnny’s father was right by his son’s bedside, looking tired and uncomfortable. The man still had a leg and an arm in a cast, had just had his wife’s funeral the week before, and was trying desperately to comfort his son who was in an immense amount of pain. Thankfully, Johnny hadn’t woken up for the day.
“I like to let him sleep as long as possible before the first round comes in,” his father whispered, apologetically.
“Absolutely.” I waved him off. “We don’t need him awake. Just checking in to see how he’s doing.”
His father frowned. “He hates the daily bandage changes.”
My heart dropped. Yeah, those were painful.
“If I could take his place, I would. In a heartbeat.” His face was so full of sincerity and heartache. A part of me wanted to reach out and comfort him somehow, but then I heard Jacob clear his throat behind me.
“It’s better you’re here for him. His vitals look good. We’ll let him rest.” His voice sounded surprisingly distant. His gaze was shuttered as he looked at the boy’s father. I got the sense this was more than a doctor working to keep his professional distance.
“We’ll perform another skin graft later this week.”
“Do you have to operate again? So soon?”
Jacob nodded. “It’s what’s the best for his healing. I’ll check on him later.” He turned and headed out of the room.
“We’ll take good care of him in surgery, Mr. Westbrook.”
He nodded, eyes full of grief, and I headed out behind Jacob.
