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“Are you Erik?” Wendy asked, suddenly feeling flustered. She didn’t know why. People didn’t really affect her the way they used to. Especially men. She’d seen so many intense cases at the ER, that she’d lost her attraction to anyone, let alone men.
“I am indeed. And you are?” His voice was deep and calm and for some reason, reminded her of being in the mountains all alone, surrounded by the tranquility of nature and away from the pain of human life.
“I’m Wendy Perkins,” she introduced herself, holding her hand out to him. “I’m the RN for this little wellness event. Cynthia sent me over. She said maybe if I asked nicely, I could get you to scrounge up some coffee and snacks before your booth opens.”
Erik’s smile grew wider as he continued to look her in the eyes, and he nodded.
“Yeah,” he said, rising up so he could wrap his knuckles on the counter. “I can do that. I’ve got some heart-healthy egg tarts ready to go. Do you want regular coffee or decaf?”
“Regular, please,” Wendy replied, unable to resist returning the smile. “I feel like I’m not quite with it yet.”
“I hear ya.” Erik chuckled, moving around the small booth to pour the coffees and box up some warm egg tarts. “I feel like I should go ahead and hook myself up to an IV of the stuff.”
“Well, as a nurse I wouldn’t recommend that,” Wendy joked, “but as someone who normally works the night shift, I can empathize wholeheartedly. Do you work a night shift, too?”
Erik shrugged, pouring cream into the coffees. “Night shift, day shift, whenever and wherever I’m needed, really. I’m just not a fan of crowds. Individually, people can be okay, but when they’re gathered together…”
“Stupid stuff happens,” Wendy finished, nodding her head. “Yeah, you’re not wrong. Well, have no fear. At least in this particular setting, you’ll have medical personnel in case all goes wrong.”
“Thank goodness.” Erik laughed. “I won’t have to go get my medical bag.”
“Oh, you’re in the medical field, too?” Wendy asked, accepting the coffee and tarts.
“Once upon a lifetime.” Erik smirked. “I was an EMT a few years back. No longer licensed, mind you, but the education and habits of such a job still stick with me. I keep a medical bag in my truck everywhere I go. Like you said, stupid stuff happens, and it’s always better if someone is prepared.”
“Hey, Wendy, Erik,” Cynthia greeted, joining them.
“Hey, you,” Wendy replied as Erik gave Cynthia a wink and a nod. “Get everything squared away?”
“Oh yes,” Cynthia replied. Although it was only 7:15 in the morning, Cynthia gave her a weary smile.
“Sometimes I think people make things harder than they need to be, but we got it sorted out. Is that coffee?”
Wendy handed Cynthia one of the disposable coffee cups and nodded.
“Thanks,” Cynthia replied, immediately taking a sip. She let out a sigh as the caffeine seemed to jolt her system. “Ah, bless you. Well, we still have a little bit of time before we open up. Wanna go have that talk?”
“Absolutely,” Wendy said to her before turning back to Erik. “It was nice to meet you, Erik. Glad to know we have another medical person on the floor.”
Erik held two fingers up to his forehead in a salute and gave her a firm nod. “Nice to meet you, too. Just yell if you need help.”
“Look at you go,” Cynthia joked as they walked away, her elbow bumping playfully into Wendy’s side.
“What are you talking about?” Wendy laughed.
“Well, I haven’t known Erik very long, but I can tell you he’s a very quiet person. I think he’s said more to you in the last couple of minutes than he’s said to anyone I’ve seen him around.”
“Really?” Wendy asked, surprised. She chanced taking another look back at the man she was just talking to. “He was friendly with me. Polite, too.”
They walked inside Wendy’s check-up tent, which was now completely set up. While Wendy took a seat on the chair, Cynthia hopped up on the portable examination table.
“Okay, toots, tell me what’s on your mind,” Cynthia urged, switching topics.
“I guess I’m just a little leery of all of this.” Wendy sighed, deciding to just delve right into it.
“I didn’t tell Birgit this, but I retire from the hospital at the start of the new year. My dad, he−well, unfortunately, he passed at the beginning of the month.”
“Oh, honey,” Cynthia replied emphatically, leaning forward. “I’m so sorry to hear that. I remember when I lost my parents. It was so tough.”
