AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“It’s better to dance in a dress than in pants. And dressing up for the oldies makes them feel special.”
“Let’s go then. Don’t want to make you late.”
Once we got my things into Lorraine, Harry cleared his throat.
“Sorry about lunch today. I still want to talk, and also need to check with you about a few patients, within confidentiality, of course. I noticed George doesn’t charge some of them. In his notes, he says they’re struggling to make ends meet.”
“The Doc really cares for his patients. He’d cover their bills. I’ve always suspected that he donated anonymous food parcels and school supplies to some of the families.”
“Yeah, I got that impression too from his notes. It’s just so different from hospital work. He loves doing the weekly baby clinic too with Pam.”
“She’s a very good baby nurse. Stanmore mums love her.”
“It’s a good team at the practice.” Harry paused. “There’s something I’ve been meaning to ask. About something you said at the track bar.”
“Oh?” I blinked.
“Yeah, your confessions about your dream and new future.”
“Oh.” I let out a long breath.
“I was wondering it’s gone so far telling your family and friends about your dream.”
“I meant to do something about that when I got back but my sister announced she’s getting married so that stole my chance to tell my family.” I slumped back in my seat. “I didn’t mean that to sound bitchy. I’m very happy for my sister. I just need another time to tell them, and money is so tight at home right now. And then you showed up at work and that threw me a bit, too.”
“You weren’t the only one thrown.” Harry gave me a side glance. “Is there anything I could do to help you achieve your dream?”
My mouth fell open. He was offering help so readily without even knowing what my dream was.
“I mean, what would George have done to help you?” he added.
“I never got to talk to him about it before I left on my leave. But I did talk to him about the surgery getting refurbished, like painting the walls, new carpet and artworks. I’ve been reading some studies about how the built environment influences physical and mental well-being and I just don’t think that our waiting room is great in that regard. It’s rather cold and unwelcoming for kids and mums with babies.”
I looked back out the windscreen. “The Doc knew all about my medical history and my body inside and out, even on a cellular level, and really cared for me as his patient. But he didn’t know about my dreams for my future.”
Harry nodded. “He was your doctor as well as your employer?”
“Yes.”
Hold on.“Wait, does that mean you’re automatically my doctor? Holy shit, does that mean … I mean, we slept together not knowing each other. That doesn’t mean you slept with … a patient.”
“No,” he said quickly. “No, not at all. And I get it. It’s awkward but you don’t have to see me as your doctor, if you don’t want to. And I assure you I’d never look in your files if you’re not my patient. I mean, I shouldn’t have to say that, but I just wanted to say it out loud. You can trust me.”
“Yes, good. Okay.” I exhaled slowly.
Less than a minute later, we pulled into the carpark of the aged care home. Harry jumped out with me.
“You don’t have to—”
“I’ll help carry your stuff inside, say hello to the staff.”
Harry already had my CD player in hand as I grabbed my drawings carry case and handbag and then followed me inside to the activity room.
“Thank you again for a lift.” I took the CD player.
“You sure you don’t need a lift home?”
“I’m sure I can get a ride. You don’t have to stay.”
