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I sip my coffee, and the dark, rich flavors hitting my tongue taste even more delicious than I’ve ever noticed. Coffee usually served as the drug I needed to stay awake and alert, but I think I’m going to find a new love for it now that I can just sip and enjoy it, as opposed to guzzling it when I’m crashing in the middle of a shift.
Holding the mug close to my lips, I inhale the steam, the sound of waves crashing up onto the rocks further calming me into a meditative state. Sail boats breeze by, but the fisherman boats remain stagnant, swaying where they’re anchored.
My eyes lazily take in the scene before me, trying to commit it to memory. It’s no wonder Ally found her love of painting again when she moved here. All she had to do was step outside the back door and she had her inspiration.
I sit for another ten minutes, and then I head back inside to finish getting ready.
Drying my hair straight, it falls almost all the way down my back. I usually braid it or put it up into a high bun for work, so I take advantage of being able to keep it down. I apply a light layer of makeup to hide the still visible evidence of my workaholic and sleep deprived lifestyle, and then grab my purse and head out.
I keep my windows down on the way into town, enjoying the crisp fall air, and loving the scent of pine trees and leaves flowing into my car.
Taking the last free spot in front of the Taylor Family Practice, I quickly check myself in the rearview mirror and then climb out of my car. I don’t know why I feel nervous. It’s not like I quit my job and moved hundreds of miles away for another one, not even knowing if it’ll suit me.
Oh, wait, I did…
Just breathe, Melanie. You’ve got this.
Walking through the doors, the scent of rubbing alcohol and antiseptic hits my nose, and I smile. It’s the scents I’ve grown to love and recognize as a comfort. But then as I take a few more breaths, I start to smell something else. Coffee…and sugar? Huh.
“Melanie!” Dr. Taylor’s booming voice makes me smile as he walks towards me from down the hall. “It’s good to see you again!”
“Hi, Dr. Taylor,” I greet, but his smile fades. “Oh, sorry, I mean Dave,” I correct, and his smile returns.
“That’s better. Now, come on back and I’ll show you everything. Would you like coffee? A pastry? I stopped over at the café and picked up a few things.”
“Oh yes, thank you. I don’t think I could say no to one of Courtney’s pastries.”
“Not many do. You’re a quick learner.” He laughs.
Following him back down the hall he came from, the room opens up to a lounge styled waiting room. It’s so welcoming and warm, and resembles a living room more so than a waiting room.
The walls are light blue with paintings of the Maine coast lining them, plants sit in all of the corners, and couches and armchairs are strategically placed around the room.
“I’ve never seen a doctor’s office like this before,” I tell him.
“Good. I don’t like traditional. I’m all about making sure my patients are comfortable and feel at ease when they come here. They’re already sick in some capacity, there’s no need to make them feel even worse by sitting in some cold, sterile, uncomfortable waiting room. They’re not just my patients, they’re my friends, too.”
Okay, nerves are gone. I definitely made the right choice in coming here.
“Wow. I barely had time to memorize a patient’s name back in Jersey.”
“Well here, we’re all about friends and family.”
“I love that.” I smile.
“I’m glad. I had a feeling about you right away, dear. You’re going to fit right in here. Pine Cove has a way of luring people in, and then never letting them go.”
“I guess I’ve been warned.” I laugh. “But, honestly, I wouldn’t mind.”
“Good.” He beams, and we walk over to the large desk against the far wall where a woman who looks to be in her mid-sixties sits, organizing paperwork. “This is Pam, my beautiful wife, and the office manager. Pam, this is Melanie, our new nurse.”
“Hi, Melanie, so good to meet you,” she says, shaking my hand and smiling warmly.
“Hi, Pam, good to meet you, too.”
“Alright, let’s get some coffee and a pastry, and hammer out the paperwork,” Dr. Taylor says.
“Sounds good.”
