“I can drop by. I usually do just to see the costumes.” Her gaze ran over him in his khaki pants, button down shirt, and candy corn printed tie. “Are you going as a pediatrician?”
His wry smile accentuated the dimples in his cheeks. “I had a meeting early this morning, but I’m heading up now to put on my costume.”
“What did you decide on?”
That grin again. This time paired with a mischievous gleam in his eyes. “You’ll have to stop by and see. You said you get off at four.”
“I’ll be up as soon as I finish here.” She’d make sure she had all her work done. Might even work a bit through lunch to be sure.
“I’ll see you then.” Blake casually touched her arm before he left, and her mind went into overdrive. She was great at reading body language and cues, and it seemed like he wanted to see her again. But did he really? Some people were simply outgoing and attempted to include everyone.
“You two seem awfully cozy.” Joy leaned against her desk, her head swinging from the door to her.
“His nephew was just diagnosed with a hearing loss. I’ve been helping the family with the process.”
“Lucky you. It’s not everyone that gets on a first name basis with a doctor and a personal invitation to the party on the Children’s Unit.”
“I stop in every year. Everyone’s invited. The more the merrier, and the kids love showing off their costumes.”
“Maybe I’ll drop by. I seem to be developing a bit of a sweet tooth.”
As Carly dove back into her computer, she had a feeling Joy wasn’t talking about candy.
Chapter four
The Children’s Unit was abuzz with activity. Blake was thrilled. Even the ones who were restricted to wheelchairs seemed to be having a great time. He’d managed to talk a local store into donating superhero costumes to all the children. The local news outlets had done a big story on it, and the store had gotten some free publicity.
Looking around the halls, with Wonder Woman, Thor, The Flash, Black Widow, The Hulk, and a variety of others, Blake felt good. More than good. Many of these kids had been here for weeks or longer.
The wonderful nursing staff, along with many of the parents, had helped them all get ready, and now they were headed into one of the large common areas to start the party. The staff had arranged for there to be games, food, entertainment, and lots of fun for all.
None of them knew about the big surprise, though. The head of pediatrics had managed to get one of the actors who played a superhero to come visit today. The actor had grown up locally and was happy to give back to the community.
As he watched the kids scurry into the room, the elevator pinged, the doors opened, and Carli stepped out. Wow, she looked good. The adorable dress was like something from the fifties and draped her figure nicely. When she saw him, her face lit up, and she walked in his direction.
Had she really planned to come by, or had he guilted her into it? Didn’t matter because she was here. Aside from the brief visit this morning, it had been over a week since he’d driven her home after the sign class. He’d been busy, but thoughts of her had popped into his mind often. It was one of the reasons he’d gone down to radiology after his morning meeting. Sure, he had wanted a peek at the x-rays for his patient, but he could have waited until they were sent. He’d already spoken to Priya about the fracture.
“Wow, it looks like a party is happening here.” Her green eyes sparkled as she surveyed the scene, then his costume. “A cowboy?”
“Not just any cowboy,” he corrected, glancing at his bright yellow and brown checked button down and white spotted cowhide vest that had a large star pinned to it. The jeans, cowboy boots, and hat finished out the ensemble. “I’m Sheriff Woody.”
“Woody?” Her eyes narrowed.
“FromToy Story. The whole staff is dressed up as characters from the movies.”
Glancing around, she smiled. “I’ve never seen it. Cartoons are hard for deaf people to understand, and it came out before I had my implants. Now, I’m too old to watch movies like that.”
“Never too old. We’re showing it to the kids later. You should stay. And where’s your costume?”
Her eyes widened. “Oh, I’ve never worn a costume when I’ve come before. I didn’t think it was necessary.”
“It isn’t, but it’s part of the fun. We have a few extra. I think we could find something for you.” He took her hand and escorted her behind the counter at the nurses’ station. The nursing staff all had on blue scrubs and wore headbands with three eyes and antenna to look like the aliens from the video game. They were using the Hoyer lift as The Claw.
“To infinity and beyond,” called out one of the other pediatricians on staff as he flew his Buzz Lightyear costume into the party room. Two of the CNAs followed behind dressed as Slinky Dog.
“Hmm. Let’s see what will work for you. Ah, here. Perfect.”
He lifted a curved staff and stuffed sheep and handed it to her. “You can be Bo Peep. Totally works with the dress.”
