by Robyn M Ryan
“How nice for him—I didn’t know he’s a twin. You might enjoy having someone closer to your age in the area. You need to get out. We didn’t hire you to be on call twenty-four-seven.”
“Amelie seems nice. Maybe we’ll chat or text.”
“I didn’t know Cam was Québécois. He has no accent.” Caryn turned to face Cassie in the seat behind her. “Have you thought about enrolling in classes here?”
“Not really. I don’t know what I want to do. I like dance but that’s not much of a career path.” Cassie made a face. “Besides, too much ballet when I was younger.”
Caryn laughed. “I can relate to that. Remind me to tell you about my ballet lessons when I was a kid. You’re more interested in contemporary dance, anyway, aren’t you?”
“Anything from 1920s-forward. Love those dances from the first half of the Twentieth Century—Tango, Charleston, Shimmy…I love watching those old movies on Netflix. You know, actors had to dance—very dreamy.” Cassie shrugged. “I think I was a flapper in a previous life.”
“I can definitely see you in that role. Think about it. We can work your schedule around classes.”
Tom stood by the stove in the kitchen early the next morning, and Cassie stopped to watch him a moment. My lucky day. I get to see the hunky hot doctor two days in a row. “Good day, Dr. Chadwick.”
He turned and shook his head with a laugh. “I hear enough of that at the hospital. Just call me Tom, okay?”
Cassie pushed her hair to the side as she shrugged. “That just sounds...disrespectful.” She allowed a teasing smile to cross her face.
Tom turned to face her. “Disrespectful, how? You call Caryn and Andrew by their first names.”
Cassie shrugged as she brushed past him to grab a box of cereal and a bowl. “You’re a doctor.” She pulled a spoon from the drawer and set everything on the table before moving to the fridge.
She heard Tom’s chuckle. “When I’m home, I’m just Tom. None of that doctor stuff. You’re making me feel old.”
Cassie cocked her head. “My mom taught me to respect my elders.” She giggled as she set the milk on the table.
“Just how old do you think I am?”
Cassie took her time before replying, enjoying the opportunity to look him over. Too old to be interested in me, that’s for sure. “Eh, I don’t know. How long does it take to become a neurologist?”
“Not as long as you assume. Andrew’s my older brother. I’m sure ‘respect your elders’ does not include anyone in their twenties.”
“So…you’re like twenty-seven?”
“Not quite. Twenty-six next birthday. Not that much older than you, Ms. Etiquette.”
She couldn’t suppress a chuckle. “Etiquette is not one of my strengths, Tom. You must have flown through your undergrad?”
His brown eyes pinned her with amusement. “Not entirely. Not taking summers off made a huge difference.”
“Well, I’ll be twenty-one next spring and do not know what I want to be when I grow up.” She swallowed a laugh. “My mom thought she could homeschool me. I did okay while in the primary level, but after my parents divorced, she lost interest. To catch up, I had to go to summer school, and I still ended up two years behind my age-group.”
“That must have been rough.”
“It only bothered me when I reached my teens. My classmates wanted to play hopscotch, jump rope, and other kid games during recess. My hormones had kicked in, and I spent recess hanging around the edges of the secondary school playground. Forbidden fruit,” Cassie said with a laugh.
“You never felt you belonged with either group?”
Cassie paused. Tom understands how isolated I felt. “Age-wise, I wanted friends in my age group, but they didn’t want to hang out with someone two grades below. Most people just assumed I needed to repeat two grades because I couldn’t pass the first time.”
“That’s rough. I can understand why you felt out of place with either group. But didn’t you graduate?”
She nodded. “Last May. The thought of more school makes me ill. Just a tad burned out. Thus, the gap year, much to my mother’s er…let’s call it disdain.”
“Take your time—I’d feel burned out, too. You can explore options while saving Caryn’s sanity.”
“Caryn’s amazing. I hope I’ll be half the mom she is…” Cassie let her voice trail off and watched as Tom gathered what looked like the ingredients for an egg dish. He cooks breakfast, too.
“Can I make you an omelet?”
“I’m good. But, thanks. I don’t know many guys who cook.”
Tom glanced over his shoulder and winked. “I prefer to eat clean and steer clear of fast food. That’s the only way to survive the long shifts.”
“I still can’t figure out your schedule. You’re not here when I think you should be and vice versa.”
She saw him glancing at the streaks she’d added to her light brown hair. “So, today it’s pastel blue and green. Yesterday it was lavender. Any secret meaning to the colors?”
“Not really. Just trying things I couldn’t do at home. My mom freaked when I tried subtle pink highlights.”
Tom laughed. “The colors complement your eyes. I like it.”
“I’ll send Mom a selfie. You’ll see how fast my phone rings.” The sound of unhappy babies echoed from the nursery. “Well, there’s my cue.” She took her bowl to the sink, rinsed it, and opened the dishwasher. “See you later…Tom.”
9
Tom tossed his scrubs in the bin and showered, ready to get home and sleep after another long shift. Home…if you can call freeloading at your brother’s house “home.” He enjoyed the privacy of the apartment that was part of their home—but every time he brought up the subject of paying rent, both Andrew and Caryn protested and refused to discuss it. Maybe now that I’m completing the residency, Andrew will accept rent payments.
Money was not an issue. His brother signed a lucrative contract with the Suns over two years ago—but if he continued to live in the apartment, Tom wanted to contribute more than babysitting the twins or serving as the resident doctor on call. He’d hash it out with his brother.
He saw the Chief of Neurology in the hallway as he walked toward the exit. “Got a minute, Tom?” Dan Forster asked.
“Sure, Dan. What’s up?”
The physician nodded toward his office. “Help yourself to coffee or soda.”
“Caffeine sounds good.” Tom grabbed a Coke from the small refrigerator in the office, then took the seat Forster indicated.
“We’ve an opportunity you may find interesting.” Forster reached across his desk to grab a piece of paper before sitting beside Tom. “The Suns wish to hire a neurologist to help evaluate players—on either team—who may sustain a concussion during the game.”
“A concussion spotter?”
“No, they wish to take it one step further. The league will continue to monitor games for signs that a player needs assessment for the concussion protocol. The Suns want to ensure no player steps back on the ice without a neurological assessment.”
“Good for them. The league’s rules leave room for misinterpretation—with the play-at-all-costs mentality among some players. I’ve seen guys playing who had no business on the ice.”
“That’s why I thought about you for the position. Your residency is winding down. I know you’re exploring options. If this enhances your chances of staying here in Tampa, we’ll work around the game schedule.” Forster’s smile bordered on a smirk. “You’d also get to see your brother play more frequently.”
“I’m in,” Tom replied without hesitation. “I want to stay in Tampa—just waiting for the hospital to offer a full-time position.”
“You don’t want to enter private practice? I know you have multiple offers.” The surprise in his voice caused Tom to shake his head.
“Dan, I like what I’m doing now. No two days are alike. I enjoy rotating through the ER, ICU, step-down, and post-injury therapy. I knew that
from watching Andrew progress through the program. You stayed involved until we cleared him to play.”
“I’ll have an offer put together in a few days. Consider each department—you may gravitate to a particular area. ER/ICU, for example. Or even a teaching supervisor for the new residents. Make your wishes known—this is the time to think about yourself,” Dan advised.
He stood and Tom followed. “In the meantime, I’ll get back to the Suns. You realize, Dr. Chadwick, that some of your decisions may cause some dissension among the players and coaches?”
Tom laughed. “They wouldn’t play hockey without the mindset of playing through pain…blurred vision…unsteadiness…” He held his hand out to his mentor. “I’ll check with Andrew, see if he has any objections. But I can handle the verbal abuse. My brother desensitized me before I reached my teens.”
Tom entered the house and found Andrew attempting to calm two furious babies. “What have you done with my nephew and niece?” He grabbed Jenna and held her against his shoulder, looking at his brother with a snicker.
Andrew scowled as he stood with Daniel. “Caryn thinks it’s a combination of the vaccine yesterday and teething today. They were fine until about thirty minutes ago.”
Tom winced. “Did you give them some Tylenol?”
“Yes, Dr. Turner recommended something to rub on their gums, so she’s gone to the pharmacy.”
“Each by itself can make them upset, but combined, you have two very uncomfortable children.”
“No kidding. Caryn would have postponed the shots if she had an inkling that teething would flare up.” Andrew kissed Daniel’s forehead. “You’re exhausted, little buddy. How about a walk around the pool?”
Jenna had also calmed, so Tom followed his brother out to the pool deck. The sun had dipped low in the sky, casting a comfortable shade over the lanai. “Andrew, did you know the Suns want to hire a neurologist as their concussion specialist during home games?”
“No, but that’s a good idea. The concussion spotters the league hires have limitations. Most are trainers, not doctors. How’d you learn that?” Andrew glanced at Tom.
“Dan said the Suns want to partner with the hospital’s neurology department. Once he signed off on the idea, they discussed the staffing. He offered me the part-time gig. I said yes, unless you had objections.”
“Why would I object, Tom? I know to take concussions seriously.”
“Even if I decide Reese Ekstrom needs to come out of a game?” Tom referred to the team’s all-star goaltender. “Or your top center or D-man? Will you get shit from your teammates when I sideline someone from playing?”
Andrew shrugged. “Probably. But, if you think there’s cause for concern, then they’ll just have to deal with it. I have no problem if that happens.”
“So, the coach and training staff told Dan. But I know how intense you guys get during a game. You might get some resentment from your teammates. I’d do the same function for the visiting team.”
Andrew glanced at him with a speculative expression. “So, we could bribe you to pull the starting goaltender before a game goes into overtime?”
“You could try, but I wouldn’t. Think of me like Switzerland during the game.”
Andrew sat on a chair and nodded at the one beside him. He set Daniel on his legs and bumped him up and down. “That’s not a full-time job.”
“No, but I will receive an offer from the hospital. Dan said to decide where I’d prefer to work, but I enjoy rotating through the departments. I like the variety.”
“Congratulations, doctor. So, you’d moonlight as the concussion specialist?” Andrew nodded toward Daniel, whose tears had turned into giggles.
“Not moonlight.” Tom checked to see if Jenna still slept, her little hand pressed against her mouth as she relaxed against his shoulder. “Dan said he’d work my schedule around games, just a little supplemental pay for forty to sixty games. And only for home games. I would like a regular schedule as much as possible.”
“So, you’d get paid to watch us play. Tough job.”
“Someone has to do it. So, you have no reservations? None?”
“Of all people, I will not question if you think someone needs to leave the ice. If anyone has a problem, I’ll share my experience dealing with the mother of all concussions.”
10
“Shall we try the pool today?” Cassie asked as she and Caryn ate lunch with the twins. “Perfect day. Not too hot…and no direct sunlight on the shallow end.”
Caryn bit back a wry smile when she glanced at Cassie. “Might as well get over my pool phobia. We can surprise Drew when he gets back in town. With the exhibition schedule wrapping up, this is my chance to get over the anxiety I have about the pool—so I don’t drive him crazy.”
Cassie touched Caryn’s arm. “Not that we’ll need it, but just remember I passed those CPR and lifeguard courses at the hospital and the Y.”
Caryn’s laughed, sounding only a bit forced. “That’s my insurance policy that we’ll never need them.” Her eyes fell on Jenna, then Daniel. “Why not? I think I can take it more slowly with you. Drew would probably want to take them underwater first thing.”
“Have you thought about swimming lessons?”
“I have. I found a company that will send someone to your home for lessons, and they have a certified instructor for infant lessons. Guess I should get on the waiting list?”
“When you’re comfortable,” Cassie said. “We can just try getting their toes wet today.”
“I think I can handle that.” Caryn lifted Daniel from his seat. “I’ll get the swim diapers while Miss Jenna finishes her lunch.”
Afraid she might miss something, Jenna squawked when Caryn and Daniel disappeared around the corner. She shook her head and clamped her mouth shut, refusing more food.
“No peaches today, Jen?” Cassie teased her lips with the spoon. “I promise you won’t miss out on anything.” After trying several times, Cassie set the food aside and cleaned her face. “Okay, sweets, we’ll go find your brother.”
An hour later, Lauren, and their friends Kelly Peterson and Terri Rogers joined them at the pool, all wishing to document the twins’ first swim with photos and videos.
“Does Andrew know you’re taking the plunge today?” Kelly tried to ask with a straight face that soon dissolved into laughter.
“No way. Big surprise if we’re successful. No need to know if we’re not.”
“Could I take Daniel?” Terri asked. “You’re the official photographer, Cassie, aren’t you?”
“Sure.” She sat on the side of the pool and dipped her feet into the water. “Perfect temperature, Caryn.”
“Remember, you’re the lifeguard if anything goes wrong.”
Lauren and Kelly sat beside Cassie. “Nothing’s going wrong,” Lauren teased Caryn. “This is one of those days you’ll always remember.” She nudged Cassie. “Where’s your whistle and emergency float?”
Cassie laughed and then glanced behind her. “We need some emergency supplies. I’ll look through the materials the Y gave me. I’m surprised Tom hasn’t already covered this.” She held her phone to record the milestone. As soon as her feet touched the water, Jenna jerked back. She wanted nothing to do with it. Daniel, however, squealed in delight—kicking his feet, then splashing with his hands as Terri walked a few steps away from the edge. Cassie bit back a grin as Jenna turned to see why Daniel giggled, and suddenly she squirmed in Caryn’s arms until she submerged her feet. She mimicked Daniel’s kicking, as she learned to splash water.
Caryn visibly relaxed as the twins enjoyed the water. Terri dipped lower until Daniel’s belly sank below the surface, and he expressed further delight in the sensation.
“I take it this one loves his baths?” Terri laughed.
“Not this much,” Caryn replied as she brought Jenna to Daniel’s side. Soon, Jenna shrieked and giggled when the water lapped against her tummy. Cassie stopped the video and caught Caryn’s eyes.
“I think they’re ready for swimming lessons.”
“Now I wish I’d signed up for that waiting list,” Caryn said. “But we have plenty of time.”
“Want to take them underwater?” Terri asked.
“Eh, not just yet. I think we’re doing great for the first time.” Caryn kissed Jenna’s forehead. “I don’t want to take the chance on scaring them—or me!”
“I don’t think Mr. Daniel scares easily.” Cassie laughed.
“Mr. Camden’s stopping by the day after tomorrow, Caryn,” Lauren said.
“Uh-oh, is he misbehaving?” Kelly asked. “I’ve wondered how he’s doing living in an apartment. Hope he’s not over-enjoying this ‘freedom.’”
“His sister lives with him,” Cassie spoke up. “I don’t know if Amelie’s a party girl like her brother.”
“You want me to ask him to invite Amelie with him? You two could enjoy some girl time together.”
Cassie nodded. “Sure, if she’s available. I’d enjoy girl chat.”
When Cam dropped his sister at the Chadwick’s house two days later, Caryn suggested they get snacks and drinks and enjoy the fresh air on the pool deck or take a walk.
“I’ll help you get the munchkins ready for their nap,” Cassie offered, but Caryn declined.
“You’re off the clock, Cassie. Relax, enjoy, go for a walk, swim. Have some fun.”
The girls walked around the vast neighborhood to see if they could meet any others—preferably male—in their age group.
“How do you like Tampa?” Cassie asked as they headed toward the far back of the subdivision.
“It’s nice. I get a bit of cabin fever when Cliff’s gone, and I’m stuck without a car. But if I get a job, he can co-sign a loan for me.” Amelie looked at Cassie with a smirk.
“Or buy you a car? I know how you feel. I haven’t asked, and Lauren hasn’t offered to let me drive her Mustang.” Cassie slipped on her sunglasses as they rounded a curve, suddenly facing the sun. “And I don’t want to ask Caryn if I can drive her car. The insurance and liability could get crazy. If I stay in Tampa, I could afford a car payment…nothing fancy.” Cassie glanced at Amelie. “I honestly didn’t realize when we met just how much you and your brother look alike. Your eyes, your expressions…much prettier on you.”
