“We’re gonna get ready for the first patients,” Allison says, practically dragging me out of the front office area. The moment we get back to the nurses’ station, she asks, “Are you okay?”
“Yeah.”
“I can’t believe Lance is going to be one of the doctors covering for Dr. Houston.”
“Me either,” I mutter, wishing what I heard wasn’t true.
“Well, if he gives you problems, let me know. I’ll gladly switch with you and make his life a living hell,” she vows, making me laugh.
“I don’t think that’s necessary, but I do appreciate the offer.”
“All right, let’s get to work. I’ll take the first patient back to Room 1, and you take room 2.”
“On it,” I tell her, taking the chart she hands over and following her to the front waiting area.
Time to get to work.
I’ve tried not to think about Lance or the fact I’ll be working with him two days a week, but it’s been increasingly difficult as the day continues. I’m worried I won’t be able to remain professional, when all I’ll want to do is punch him in the junk every time he opens his mouth.
“You okay?” Allison asks as we pass each other in the doorway of the nurses’ station.
“Yeah, of course. Why?”
“Well, you’ve been standing there, glaring at the wall for the last thirty seconds.”
Exhaling, I shake my head. “I’m just…thinking.”
“Yeah, I bet. Maybe a little one-on-one time with a sexy construction worker will help improve your mood later,” she suggests, waggling her eyebrows.
“Stop.”
“No way. I think you should pursue something with him. He’s obviously into you, and a few orgasms does a woman good after a breakup with a shitty boyfriend. Believe me, I know.”
My own eyebrows shoot heavenward. “Know how?”
She shrugs and leans in close. “There was a guy. He wasn’t the best to look at, but he was packing and knew how to use it. He helped me get over Zack in under a month.”
I snort a laugh and shake my head. “You’re bad.”
She shrugs. “A girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do. Remember that.” She moves to the hallway, chart tucked under her arm. “I’m certain Cade would help you forget all about the douche, and since he’s not looking for anything serious, you wouldn’t have to worry about that. Just have some fun, Oaklee.”
I open my mouth to respond when Becky pokes her head around the corner. “Hey, Oaklee. You just received another delivery.”
“Mmhmm, a delivery,” Allison mutters as I pass her, heading toward the front office.
Sitting on the counter is a small plastic bag with a white container inside. I grab the bag, feeling three sets of eyes on me. Without answering the questions they don’t have a chance to ask, I return to my workstation and pull the Styrofoam container out. Written on the top is a note.
Thought you’d appreciate something sweet to get you through your afternoon. ~C
The handwriting is too pretty to be his, which tells me he made another call and placed an order for delivery. When I open the lid, I find a large slice of cheesecake with chocolate slivers and a drizzle of fudge over the top.
“Oh my God, that looks delicious,” Allison says, entering the room behind me.
“Doesn’t it?”
“From the diner. They delivered?”
“Apparently,” I reply, replacing the lid and setting it aside.
