Page 41 of Asystole

I finish my dictations, return a couple of work-related texts, and check in on the lady we took to the OR this morning.

I have just enough time to haul ass to my car and grab the few decorations and gifts I managed to buy for Marcy and Helen and race upstairs.

When I get to Marcy’s room, it’s empty.

I knew it would be because Marcy has treatment today and Helen sits with her whenever she can.

I get the small pre-decorated tree set up in the corner, wrap string lights around the rails of Marcy’s bed, and throw a fake garland over the TV. I wish I could do more, but time is the one thing I never have enough of, and it was a stretch to be able to get anything at all. When I drove over to my place to pick it up after it had been delivered, things were weird. I walked in the front door, and the space felt all wrong, but for once it had nothing to do with the odor or the clutter…which was still fully present. It was because Logan wasn’t there.

A short while later, I get a text from Logan telling me he’s downstairs waiting for me. Not for the first time, I’m grateful his hospital badge gives him access to the physician’s lounge. He probably spends more time in there than anyone when he’s between flights.

Chase:

On my way down now.

Pushing into the lounge, I sigh in relief that he came through. He’s holding bags in both hands, but what catches me by surprise is his attire.

“You got a date?” I ask, taking one of the bags from him. I aim for joking, but I’m afraid he can hear the pinch of…what exactly?

Anxiety?

Jealousy?

Hurt that he didn’t tell me his plans?

He looks down at his outfit, and I swear he blushes.

“Oh, uh, no. It’s just…you know, it’s Christmas Eve, and you know, if you wanted me to pick this food up, I assumed it was for something…” he trails off, and I see the look of horror cross his face as he realizes the meal isn’t for us. Well, not just for us. “Ohmygod, I’m an idiot.”

“You’re not. I’d love for you to stay and meet Marcy.”

I’m probably seeing things, but I swear his face falls slightly.

“No, that’s okay. I wouldn’t want to intru…wait, Marcy? What about Kendra?”

“Kendra told me a couple days ago that she wouldn’t be able to make it up for the holidays. And trust me, you’re not intruding. Marcy will love you.”

Logan eyes me warily.

“I don’t know, man. I don’t really want to spend my Christmas crashing your date with your side piece.”

I throw my head back in laughter.

“Good to know you think so highly of me, Kirkland. You’re definitely staying now, and you’re going to be uncomfortably full after eating those words. Come on,” I say, grabbing one of the bags of food from his hands.

“Chase,” Logan groans my name, and it’s full of gravel.

Oddly, I don’t hate it, and it makes me almost giddy.

“Nope. You’ve got the other bag of food, and I have to badge through the doors, so I need you. Come on,” I say again, smiling when he follows me into the elevator.

“Where are we going?” he asks.

“To surprise my side piece and her mother with dinner,” I say with a grin so wide my cheeks hurt.

“Her mother?”

“Duh. Don’t you know the best way to impress a woman is by impressing her mother?”