That wasn’t too bad. Could have been a lot worse.
I open my locker and throw my belongings in it. I get ready for my surgery, knot my hair into a bun, and add my cap over it. The schedule is on the wall, and I locate the room of my first surgery.
When I arrive in the operating room, there’s a team of people. I scrub my hands then move to the area where the nurse is putting gloves on anyone who will be participating in the surgery.
“Charlotte, you’re back.” Tabi grins at me.
“Yep. You’re stuck with me now,” I tease.
“Thank goodness. I’ve been in too many surgeries with Damon.”
“What’s wrong with Damon? He’s good at what he does.”
“He’s been such a grouch since you dumped him.”
I tilt my head and smirk at her. “Tabi, that was nine months ago. Surely he isn’t still grouchy over that?”
“Girl, he’s not been the same guy since you dumped him. I’m telling you—”
“Tabi, I think you’ve got better things to do than gossip?”
I turn.
“Charlotte! Good to have you back.” Dr. Sear’s eyes light up.
“Hey, Dr. Sear. How have you been?”
He nods. “Great. How’s your foot?”
I lift my leg and flex my foot again. “All better. Ready to stand on it all day and watch you cut some people open.”
He laughs. “I’m glad you’re back. It’s not been the same without you around here.”
I smile. “I’m glad I’m back, too. It’s been hard being away.”
“I bet.”
“So, who are we working with today?” I ask.
Dr. Sear points to a group of doctors already in their scrubs and standing around the patient who is being administered an IV of anesthesia. “The typical crew, except for one new surgeon who has come on board since you left. Come on over, and I’ll introduce you.”
Tabi puts surgical masks over my face and Dr. Sear’s. We walk over to the huddle of doctors.
“DeVoe! You’re back.” Dr. Wemer grins at me.
I give him a little salute. “In the flesh,” I joke.
“Glad to have you back.”
“Thought you left us for good. Nice to see you’re back.” Dr. Pinner gives me a fist bump in the air without touching my fist. “Glad to know you aren’t leaving us with Damon for the rest of our lives.”
I laugh. Apparently, Damon hasn’t made any friends.
“How did you date that guy for so long?” Dr. Wemer asks.
I roll my eyes and don’t answer his question. “It couldn’t have been that bad.”
“Don’t sell yourself short. You’ve been missed,” Dr. Pinner says.
