Chapter10
Jamie
Iwalk up to the hospital entrance, head down and hands shoved in my pockets, on my way to my first meeting with the doctor.I lean against the wall, check my watch, and realise I’m ten minutes late.I showered twice and changed my clothes three times before I left the house.
I’m not nervous.It’s not a date.I just didn’t want to look too formal or too casual, or like I was flirting with him, or like the sort of idiot who might bother him.
Honestly, I just didn’t want to stand out at all.
Meeting here was my idea.He had a long shift and wouldn’t finish until late, so I offered to stop by for a beer.The Doctor wanted to meet halfway, but we live on opposite sides of town.I didn’t want him driving that far, so I said I’d visit my niece at Ryan’s, making it sound like it was on my way back.
I’m not worried about him.I can be kind, that’s why I offered to help.It must be tough for him, dealing with the brothers.Once they push you into their ‘circle of losers’, it’s hard to get out.He seemed so upset, so lost, and so eager to be part of his son’s life.
I don’t have any other interests besides getting to know him.Just a little.Maybe.That’s all.
Honestly, I find the Doctor interesting and I want to know more about him.Like, what kind of shampoo does he use?Does he dry his hair with a hairdryer or let it drip onto his forehead and shoulders?Does he trim his beard himself, or does someone else do it?Does he use hand cream, or are his hands just naturally soft?Does he cook?Does he wash dishes by hand or use a dishwasher?Does he sleep on his right or left side?When he’s alone, does he take up the whole bed, lying in the middle?And does he sleep alone or with someone else?
I’m not obsessed with the Doctor.I don’t need to know every detail of his life.I’m just curious and…
Okay.
I guessI amobsessed with the Doctor.But it’s nothing serious.
I’m sure I can get over it.
I glance at my watch again.Thirty minutes past our meeting time.I’m tempted to call him — I still have his number — but I refuse to be the pathetic loser who can’t take a hint.Besides, this isn’t even a date, so he didn’t technically dump me.He doesn’t owe me anything, not even an explanation for not showing up.I have no right to keep waiting for him.
I turn and quickly go back to the car park, passing the entrance again.As I arrive just in front of the sliding doors, they open to reveal his figure hurrying out of the hospital.
He looks up and suddenly bumps into me.Our eyes lock.He exhales a heavy sigh, as if a tremendous burden has just been lifted from him.I realise I’m holding my breath, as though the weight he’s just shed has shifted onto my shoulders instead.
“I’m sorry,” he says.
“Hmm?”
“I’m over half an hour late.”
“Oh well…”
“They held me back for… No, they didn’t.It was me.I wanted to stay.”
“Okay,” I say, confused.
“They brought in a little boy who had been in a car accident.He was terrified and screaming, and his mother was missing, so I stayed with him.The emergency department can be a frightening place, especially for a child who is alone and doesn’t have their family to comfort them.”
“And how is he now?”I ask instinctively, interrupting him.
His face relaxes, as do his shoulders.He gives me a faint smile, then exhales.“He’s fine, thanks for asking.”
“You took care of him?”
“Among others,” he replies modestly.“You need to give me your number,” he continues.“I wanted to warn you about my delay and tell you that if you were busy, we could reschedule, but I didn’t have your number.I don’t want you to have to wait for me next time.”
Next time.
The Doctor wants anext time.
I try to hide my mix of panic and excitement and say, as casually as I can, “Sure, no problem.”
