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Dr. Grieves greets us with his sparkling manners. “What the hell took you three so long? Don’t just stand there. You two, grab a patient and evaluate them to the best of your limited abilities. Those who need immediate attention, let Dr. Hilbert handle. The rest will be your responsibility to manage. Don’t fuck up, or it could be the last time you do.”
Dr. Hilbert asks what all of us are thinking. “What the hell happened? Where did all these girls come from?”
“Headington’s main building caught fire. Do I need to explain more, or can you do your job?” Grieves impatiently flaps his hand around.
“I’m not one of your placements, Gregory, so don’t treat me like one.” She stomps off with us behind her, leaving him wearing a sour frown. “That man needs to get laid. Any volunteers?”
“I’ll pass,” I quickly respond, trying not to gag at the thought. No, thank you, not even if he were the last man alive.
“Me too.” Billy waves his hand in front of his face, as if trying to remove the image from his thoughts. “You can have the privilege, Dr. Hilbert.”
Grabbing three clipboards with pens, she slaps one into his grasp and scowls. “I don’t think that’ll work since he fancies men.”
Accepting the board as she passes by, I nudge Billy. “Guess it’s your turn to take one for the team, Fletch. Man up. I’ll buy you a pint to help you forget afterward.”
“You are so mean, princess.” He stomps off playfully, but then glances over his shoulder, a wicked gleam in his eyes. “Double the offer and I might think about it, but I make no promises.”
We leave that thought hanging in the air and get to work. Thankfully, most of the girls only suffered from minor smoke inhalation. A few required further evaluation. Extra tanks of oxygen and masks were brought out for us to distribute to help those struggling to recover faster.
It took us two hours to clear the waiting room.
Five girls were admitted for the night. The rest were released back to school liaisons or their parents.
Working two hours post-shift wasn’t my plan, but that’s the life of a doctor. And I wouldn’t want it any other way. This is my dream, and I love it.
“Dr. Lopez.”
I turn to see Dr. Hilbert approaching me at a jog.
“Got time to grab a drink?”
This is a first. She’s never invited me out before, but what the hell.
I glance at my smartwatch. The faint back-light illuminates the hour, and I nod. “I’m already late. What’s a few more hours?”
As soon as we step into the parking garage, my security team greets us. A pang of guilt washes over me, knowing they had to wait, but then again, that’s what they get paid to do.
“Fancy a ride, Dr. Hilbert?” I motion to the passenger door, which is being held open for me.
When I accepted the foundation placement, my brother made me agree to this one condition. Inside, I’m free to be like everyone else, letting hospital security do their job, but after hours, I’m gifted with all the bells and whistles that come with being a princess.
“Sure. But please call me Jen.” She slides in and waits for me to follow as she gestures to my detail. “Doesn’t that get old?”
“It can,” I admit as I buckle up. “It’s a fact of life for me now, being the youngest sister to the king of Hermosa Islas. The best part is not having to worry about how much I drink when out with friends. Where are we going?”
“True. Guess I’ll let loose tonight as well.” Jen rattles off an address to my driver before buckling up.
No one challenges or criticizes my change of plans. Their purpose is to protect me, not to dictate my life.
Twenty minutes later, after my team assures the pub is safe, we’re given the all-clear. We walk inside The Mad Hatter, my guards not far behind us, and locate an empty table. A server approaches us almost immediately.
Having skipped dinner, I order a salad, leaving Jen to order our drinks and food for herself. She seems to be familiar with this place. Judging by the refreshment choices listed on the menu, no one walks out of here the same way they walked in.
“Do I want to know what’s in the Humpty Dumpty?” I giggle, settling back in my seat and taking in the atmosphere. “This place looks like it’s one you could lose your inhibitions in and not bloody care.”
“After dealing with Gregory these past few weeks, you’ve certainly earned a night out.” Resting her arms on the table, she stares at me for a few seconds. “I know he’s an arse. Putting up with his condescending attitude and ego is a true challenge. But if you can make it past him, you’ll be a better surgeon for it. I survived. You will as well.”
“He’s nothing I’m not used to. I’ve put up with a lot of self-important jerks growing up.” When she laughs, I do too. “I’d hoped at this level things would be different, but I should’ve known better. If my brothers can’t break free, I’m not sure why I thought I could. It grates on my last nerve when people assume I’m only here because I’m a princess. Nobody bothers checking my record or appreciating the sweat and determination it took for me to get here. I earned this spot. It wasn’t handed to me.”
