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“We just kind of clash. I was in a bad way the night she hit me. I’d lost a patient—it was awful…a little boy.” I ran my hand through my hair. “Anyway, I might’ve taken it out on Marlow a little bit.”
“Wyatt Henry Landmark, I raised you better than that. Even if you are having a hard day,” Grinny said.
She rubbed my back as if to soothe away the sting of her words.
“I know. It hasn’t just been me though. She can’t stand me.” It sounded stupid as I said it. What are we, twelve?
“Marlow is nice to everyone,” Sofie insisted. “But she’s been through hell and I’m sure after driving from Texas to Landmark, she wasn’t feeling her best. The reason I went to get her is because she caught her husband in bed, their bed, with another woman…they are both horrible human beings who deserve each other, but Marlow did not deserve to see that. And neither did Dakota.” She made a face and I balked.
“Wait, Dakota saw that too?” I asked. I wanted to punch the guy without knowing any other details. “He was fucking someone else in their home?”
“Wyatt Henry!” Grinny tsked, but she patted my hand. “Isn’t that the worst kind of scoundrel? That poor girl has been through a lot.”
Guilt coursed through me. Shame over the way I’ve talked to her, taken out my own frustrations when she’s going through hell herself...there’s just no excuse for the way I’ve acted.
And now Marlowwants a job at my hospital. This place is my life. Okay, my family is my life, but this is the closest second. I have a simple existence beyond these walls and the only chaos I can handle is a busy ER. I want to help her—it’s the least I can do after the way I’ve treated her—but I’m not sure this is the best way.
There’s something about this woman that sends me sideways.
Unfortunately, we don’t have any other interviews lined up. Poor Helen retired a long time ago and she deserves to spend her days the way she wants. Naomi was wonderful, but she wants to watch her granddaughter full-time and I can’t fault her for that. Being on the board of directors hasn’t been problematic until right now. I’d love nothing more than to walk out and let someone else deal with this.
I walk toward the table, the silence tense as I sit down across from Marlow. Emma pokes her head in the door and smiles when she sees us. I exhale my relief and motion for her to come on in. She wasn’t planning on being part of the interview, but she falters when she sees my expression.
“Do you have time to sit in on this?” I ask, my eyes pleading.
Her head tilts as she studies me. “Well, I have a patient coming soon, so not really, but Iamthe one who suggested Marlow apply,” she smiles at Marlow, “so she’s got my vote.”
Great.
“Thanks, Dr. Langley.” Marlow smiles at her and when her eyes meet mine again, the smile drops.
She’s like an iceberg. Good. Should keep me from my wayward thoughts where she’s concerned.
Emma lifts her hand in a wave and walks away, leaving me alone with Marlow.
“Do you have any experience working in a hospital?” I ask.
“No, but I’ve worked in a temp agency for the past year and covered many different office environments. I’m adaptable and can handle anything fast-paced.”
“Temp agency?”
Her face flushes. “I was looking for a change and the temp agency worked great because I could try a lot of different places and provide help in a short amount of time.”
“So your stay in Landmark is temporary?”
“No, I plan to stay here and build roots.”
I look up from her resume and her gaze holds me captive. Her expression is bold, defiant almost. Her cheeks are flushed and her hair is a wild tangle of waves. She shouldn’t look so stunning in her classic white blouse and black skirt, but she does.
“What made you choose Landmark Mountain?” I ask.
“Sofie.”
I wait for her to say more and when she doesn’t, I lean in slightly. “I want to pause this interview for a second, if you don’t mind.” I grip the papers in front of me. “I’m sorry for the way I’ve treated you, Marlow. There’s no excuse. I had no idea what you’d been through and the first night we’d met, I’d just lost a little boy on the table…“ I pinch the bridge of my nose and when our eyes meet again, hers are soft, warm. I take a deep breath, ready to keep apologizing, but she jumps in.
“I’m so sorry to hear about that little boy. I don’t know how you do this job and don’t lose it.” She swallows and looks down for a second before her eyes meet mine. “I’m sorry for the way I’ve treated you too. I’m not normally so—” She leaves it hanging and smiles softly.
“Neither am I,” I interrupt, smiling back. “Apology accepted. I hope you’ll forgive me too.”
