“Cute. Sorry, how was Frankie?”
“A bit quiet, considering what he’s normally like,” Jess replied, watching the dog wander between the trees. “But his temperature was normal. We should check on him again later, though.” She scribbled a star next to Frankie’s name on the list, using the code they’d devised. Ticks for the crew who were recovering well. A star for those who’d need a repeat check up.
“Should we check the crew at the hotel next?”
“Sure.” She swung her medical bag over her shoulder and joined him, heading for the car.
Nate liked her like this: purposeful, confident. Like she loved it. It was nice to see someone doing the thing they were passionate about. He knew checking on stomach bugs wasn’t part of midwifery, but when she was caring for people in real life, she had a spark.
They arrived at the hotel and again split the rooms between them. Every room was occupied by a crew member as, being a budget hotel, Tom had booked the entire place.
Nate checked on three crew and then knocked on the glass sliding door to Monica’s room. A tiny older woman who managed the food, Monica oversaw every meal on set and had been adopted by most of the crew as a grandmotherly figure.Nate waited at the door, listening for a response. The room was dark, curtains drawn, and he couldn’t hear any noise from inside.
After a third knock was ignored, he began to worry.
“Monica? Can you hear me?” he called.
Jess joined him, a concerned look on her face. “Not answering?”
He shook his head. “I’ll get the key from the manager.”
Jess waited by Monica’s door as Nate went for the key. When he returned, they exchanged worried glances and entered the room.
“Monica? It’s Nate and Jess,” he said, not wanting to startle the older woman. In the dim light, he could make out a shape on the floor next to the bed. “Jess, over here.” His voice rose in urgency. Kneeling next to Monica, he placed two fingers lightly on her neck. Fast pulse. Burning skin.
“She must have fainted,” Jess said, taking the older woman’s hand and patting it. “Monica, can you hear us?”
Monica stirred and opened her sunken eyes, clearly dehydrated and febrile. How long had she been unwell for? Norovirus could last for one to three days, but older people were especially vulnerable to complications.
“Who are you?” Monica slurred, her voice raspy, as if she hadn’t had anything to drink in days. “Tell Lance it’s time to get ready for church.”
Nate exchanged another look with Jess, knowing she understood the situation. The disorientation was another clear sign of how seriously dehydrated Monica was. She’d need IV fluids fast.
The older woman tried to stand, and Jess and Nate rushed to grab her arms. Monica resisted, pushing them both away weakly. “I can do it. Where’s Lance?”
“Careful, Monica,” Jess soothed her, taking her arm again. “You’ve probably got low blood pressure. Don’t want you fainting again.”
“I didn’t faint. I was…” Monica stopped, looking at Nate and Jess with confusion in her eyes. “I think I’ll sit for a bit.”
“Good idea, Monica,” Nate agreed. They helped her sit back on the bed, propping pillows up behind her back and covering her legs with a light blanket.
“Time to call the ambulance,” Jess whispered in Nate’s ear, echoing his thoughts.
He nodded and stepped outside to call, leaving Jess to keep an eye on Monica.
JESS SAT NEXT TO MONICAon the bed and watched as Nate left the room. She’d found herself watching Nate more often than she’d like to admit. When they caught each other’s eyes and communicated without talking, a little thrill shot up her spine. He seemed to just get her.
“Lance is a handsome one,” Monica said, her eyes also following Nate to the door. “Where’s he going now?”
Realising she was talking about Nate, Jess smiled reassuringly at Monica and held her hand. “He’s just making a phone call. You’ve been very sick and we need to get you to the hospital to get some fluids, okay?”
“No, no. I’m fine.” Monica tipped her head and examined Jess like she would a small child with ice cream all over their face. She half expected to get wiped down with spit and a handkerchief.
“You always did worry too much,” Monica said, patting her hand. “I need to start getting ready for church soon. But I’ll sit with you for a little while, if you like.”
“Thank you, Monica. I’d like that.” Jess hoped the older woman wouldn’t try to get up and move around again before Nate got back. She wasn’t sure she could support Monica’s weight on her own and she didn’t want her to have another fall.
Jess didn’t have long to worry. Nate popped his head back around the door and locked eyes with her, making her shoulders relax. There it was again. The new sense of calm that washed over her in Nate’s presence.
