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She waves, and I wave back with a sinking feeling in my gut.
I have a feeling that from now on, Nick and I are not going to have much privacy.
Then again, maybe that’s a good thing. Those kisses we shared last night were an exception, not the norm.She can be as much of a busybody as she wants, I tell myself, as I step on the gas.From here on out, there will be nothing to see.
Chapter 18
Nick
For the first time in years, my coworkers are actually talking to me about their lives outside of the clinic.
I haven’t snapped at anyone today, which feels good. Sure, Merriweather barked orders at me as usual, but the cycle ended there and I’m proud about that.
Candice, one of the long-time ER nurses, wraps up the story about her granddaughter, and I offer her a smile. “Sounds like that dance troop of hers is going places. I hope the competition down in Montpelier goes well this weekend. You’ll have to tell me all about it.”
“Thanks, Doctor Landry. I will. May I say… It’s nice, having you back. For the past few years, you’ve been distant.”
“I know.” I sigh. “I’m sorry about that. My dad got ill. I bought the house. Things here at the clinic haven’t been exactly easy. I—I’m sorry if I’ve been difficult.”
“You’ve been doing your best, like we all do. It’s just… nice. To be able to talk with you again.”
“That means a lot to me, Candice.”
We both turn as Maria pokes her head into the charting station. “Doctor Landry? You just had a visitor. She brought your badge.” She holds the badge out to me. “Maddison Bradshaw.”
I stand, take the badge, and fasten it to my white coat.
Candice gives me a knowing smile. “Ah-ha.”
What’s that supposed to mean?
It’s like she’s just linked my improved mood to my visitor.
Then, it hits me…
Of course.
Yes, of course, she’s right. I’m an idiot for not seeing it sooner.
Funny, how blind spots like that can work. I walk back to the computer, click the chart I’m working on closed, and head for the room’s exit. “Thanks, Maria. Is she still out there?”
“She didn’t stay but I bet if you hurry you can catch her.” She holds the door open for me, and I pass through.
Out in the hallway another nurse, Tim, glances our way. “You heading out for an early lunch, Doctor Landry?” he asks me.
Maria answers before I can. “No, he has a visitor. He’s going to try to catch up to her.”
“A visitor?” Tim asks. “You have family in town or something?”
“No, this is a friend. I’ll take a fifteen-minute break. You can page me if something comes up.”
“First, checkers. Now, friends stopping by?” He grins. “You’re on some kinda social kick, I guess. I saw you and Hana Chen out for coffee the other day.” He points the end of his pen at me. “It’s about time you got yourself a girlfriend.”
I catch the way Maria eyes me with curiosity.
“Ah-hem. Tim, that was just coffee. Hana Chen is not my girlfriend.”
“Aw, that’s always how it starts, though,” Tim jokes. He’s happily married, with three rambunctious kids. “Soon enough you’ll have a horde of little Landrys around you at the Stillwell Health Parade.”
