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“I’m sorry. I really need to pay more attention to where I’m going.”
“Don’t apologize. I didn’t mind at all,” he adds with a wink.
Um, what?
CHAPTERTHREE
BROADIE
“Dr. Weston, I’m sorry to bother you. But the surgical floor is on the phone. They’ve been trying to get in touch with you. Apparently, a patient you operated on recently seems to have developed an infection.”
“Who, Mr. Utterly?” I had a sneaking suspicion his wound wouldn’t heal well. This gentleman has been a heavy smoker for years, and uncontrolled diabetes has caused additional circulatory problems. It’s always painful to explain to a patient they’ll need an amputation. As life-altering as it may be, there’s usually no other choice. Yet, the same risk factors that led to the loss of the limb also create a poor environment for wound healing. Add to that his multiple medication allergies, and it’s been a complicated course for this patient.
Checking my phone, I discover I haven’t received any calls. “Can you double-check with the hospital operator as to why I didn’t receive any of the floor’s pages, Beatrice? Please let them know I’m on the way.”
“Yes, sir.”
I make my way to the inpatient surgical wing and hope the nurses are being proactive about the appearance of the wound, given his risk factors.
As I approach the nurses’ station, I hear cackling and find they’re all crowded around Ashton’s phone. With long dark hair and a voluptuous figure, she’s a beautiful girl but comes across as overly flirtatious and doesn’t have the same work ethic I observe with the nurses who’ve been here for some time.
Clearing my throat, I watch as they quickly retreat from the area, returning to their computer stations like children caught with their hands in the cookie jar. I don’t fault them for having some downtime once in a while. Their jobs aren’t easy.
“Hi, Dr. Weston,” Jenny says, appearing embarrassed.
“Hi, Jenny. I heard you guys were trying to get in touch with me. I’m glad you contacted the office. I’m not sure why the calls weren’t going through to my phone. Is it Mr. Utterly?”
“Yes. I’m worried the antibiotic isn’t working. There’s some mild discoloration along the surgical site and some slight drainage from the area.”
“No fever?”
“No. I just didn’t want to wait too long to bring it to your attention.”
“Thank you. I can always count on you. I guess I’ll need to add a second antibiotic. It’s tricky given his medication allergies.” I grab a seat next to her and sign on to the computer to review his chart. I click on multiple prior admissions attempting to locate an antibiotic he’s tolerated in the past. He’s had numerous skin infections leading up to his amputation. But with his extensive allergy list, I’m unsure if the medications he’s received were given before or after his allergy was identified.
Reaching for the phone, I dial the inpatient pharmacy number and can’t contain my smile when I hear the unexpected greeting.I admit this woman has unknowingly joined me in the shower several mornings this week.
“Pharmacy, this is Poppy.”
“Poppy, hi. This is Broadie Weston. I’m taking care of Robert Utterly in room 3214. He’s had a below-the-knee amputation and appears to be developing an infection at the surgical site despite the use of antibiotics. He’s likely going to need another. I’m hoping you can help me determine the best one, given his extensive allergy list. This man already has an uphill battle ahead of him. So I’m leaning on your expertise.”
There’s a slight pause before she answers me, causing me to think I’ve lost the connection. “You’re right.” Her voice sounds a bit shaky. I pull the receiver back and verify the cord is fully connected before returning it to my ear. “This is a pretty long list. Plus, his kidney function isn’t great either. So we’ll need to be careful there also.”
The line grows quiet once more, and although I’m confident she’s doing her job, I feel the odd impulse to make small talk with her. Ask her how her day is going.Or if she’d consider having a drink with me.
“Dr. Weston, would you mind if I take a closer look at this and call you back?”
“Of course. I still need to examine him. But I’m fairly certain that’s the direction we’re headed. I’ll be at this extension when you come up with something.”
“Okay. Shouldn’t take me too long.” As she disconnects the call, I realize I have a dumbass smile on my face. My eyes quickly dart about the room. I must look like a goof. How would I explain grinning like this over a pharmacist calling me back?
What the hell is it with this woman?
I may avoid relationships like the plague, but I don’t suffer from a lack of opportunity. Sure, Poppy is alluring, but so are the women at the private club I frequent. And they don’t expect a call the next day. Not to mention, dalliances with the women there won’t affect my job.
While finding a willing partner through the club is an option, I haven’t needed to in a very long time. I have one steady girl I’ve spent time with over the years. There’s no love connection. It’s merely two adults enjoying in the other’s physical company. We initially met at the club. However, Brandee now works as a paid escort. She’s no more interested in a relationship than I am. Our association is purely carnal. I’m not capable of more. Just ask my ex-wife.
Returning from Mr. Utterly’s room, I sit back down to document my physical exam in his medical chart when I’m interrupted by a pleasant surprise.
