by Lucy Clark
‘So? I have a boyfriend but—’ Amanda had sighed. ‘Bobby is just so…attentive and thoughtful and we definitely click, if you know what I mean.’
‘And Fletcher?’
‘Fletcher is a genius. He’s determined to save the world. How can a woman not be attracted to a man who has such incredible goals? But those goals mean that he tends to spend less time with me and more time saving the world.’
‘That’s a huge career goal.’
‘And he’ll achieve it. He has determination in spades.’
‘Are you sure you want to come on this trip?’ Molly hadn’t been able to stop the concern from creeping into her voice. ‘I feel as though I’m pressuring you.’
Amanda had snorted. ‘It’s not your fault that your sisters can’t go with you on your trip. I was devastated to learn that Cora was in hospital and wouldn’t be able to go.’
‘I’m not sure I want to go, especially without them.’ Molly had frowned sadly.
‘But as Cora said, you need to go—so they can share in your experiences.’
‘I wish Stacey would come, too, but then that would feel even more wrong, the two of us without Cora, but the agreement is that Stacey stays with Cora and I go and have new and exciting adventures, which I will be sharing with them the entire way.’
‘Your phone bill’s going to be astronomical.’ Amanda had put her hand over Molly’s. ‘I’m glad I’m able to take over one of the pre-paid tickets and Fletcher said he was ready for three weeks of fun overseas to celebrate finishing his medical degree. We’re helping you out by taking those two tickets off your hands and you’re helping us out by giving us the opportunity to see whether this thing between us is worth pursuing.’
‘I hope it is. He does sound like an incredible man but I also don’t want to be a third wheel.’
Amanda had shaken her head. ‘I don’t think that’s going to happen. Fletch is a very inclusive sort of guy and, besides, you’ve just been accepted to medical school—’
‘Don’t remind me. I’m still not one hundred per cent sure it’s what I want,’ Molly had interrupted.
‘And Fletch has just finished medical school so the two of you will have lots in common.’
And they had…far more than any of them had realised.
Molly opened her eyes, giving herself a mental shake and clearing her thoughts. She shouldn’t be taking a trip down memory lane, not when Mr Majors needed to see her. Grabbing her jacket, she pulled it on and reached for her bag and hospital key card before heading out of the front door.
‘Ah. Excellent timing,’ Fletcher remarked as he closed his door and wound a light red scarf around his neck. ‘Shall we walk together?’
‘Uh…’ It seemed ridiculous to refuse, especially as they were both going to the exact same location. ‘Sure.’ Molly put her bag onto her shoulder but the strap twisted. Within an instant, Fletch was there, offering assistance, untwisting the strap.
‘There you go.’
‘Thank you,’ she said softly before starting down the path. ‘And thank you for cleaning up the kitchen.’
‘’Twas but the work of a moment.’ He waved a hand in the air with a flourish and she couldn’t help the smile that instantly sprang to her lips.
‘You’re still a nutter.’
He shrugged a shoulder as though to say he didn’t really mind being thought a nutter. ‘So long as I get the laugh.’
‘Are you like this in Theatre? Am I going to be standing across the table from a clown?’
He smiled at her. ‘Oh, no. In Theatre I am all seriousness. No jokes.’
‘I’m sure Mr Majors will appreciate that as well as me.’
They turned the corner, the hospital looming up ahead in the distance. The Sydney spring morning was brisk but not cold, the sun already starting to warm them up. ‘We shall be one hundred per cent professional,’ he stated, his stride becoming more determined, his tone firm and direct.
‘Focusing on the surgery, on Mr Majors’ needs, is paramount this morning. The rest can wait.’
And that was the way he remained throughout the day. When they arrived in the male surgical ward, they found Mr Majors propped up on pillows, grinning widely at them both. Fletcher once more explained the procedure to him, answering every question their patient had.
‘So my innards are going to be on show to everyone?’ Mr Majors asked, an excited gleam in his eyes.
Fletcher nodded. ‘Yes, sir.’
‘And it will be videoed?’
‘It will be recorded, yes.’
‘Can I have a copy?’
Molly and Fletcher both raised their eyebrows at this request, looking at each other for a split second before returning their attention to their patient. ‘Of course,’ Fletcher agreed.
‘Excellent.’ Pleased this was now sorted out, Mr Majors was more than happy to undergo his pre-anaesthetic review while Fletcher and Molly said goodbye to him. They completed a ward round, Fletcher accompanying Molly and Alexis as they spoke to their other patients and discussed some more interesting cases with the other surgical consultants. Fletcher was often asked for his opinion with everyone listening intently to his answers.
‘He’s already liked by absolutely everyone,’ Alexis told her as she grabbed some lunch. ‘Are you sure you don’t want to eat anything?’
‘Far too nervous.’ Molly sipped her coffee. ‘This will get me through.’
‘Not worried your stomach will growl halfway through the procedure?’
‘Well, now I am. Thanks.’
Alexis giggled and the sound helped Molly to relax a little more. ‘So…this morning when I called…you said “we”. What did that mean?’
Molly looked down at her cup before exhaling slowly. ‘It means—and I don’t want you to read anything into this because it’s really nothing—but Fletcher is staying in the duplex next to mine.’
‘What? Really?’ Alexis laughed again. ‘Isn’t that…cosy?’
‘No. It’s not. He’s just my neighbour for a few weeks.’ And Molly was positive she could survive that long. It didn’t matter that Fletcher was clearly up to something else, that he’d come to Sydney just to see her. Whatever it was, she would deal with it, say goodbye to Fletcher once more and get back to her life. ‘Just a few weeks.’ She nodded as though glad to get a bit more control over her thoughts. ‘Nothing more.’
Alexis raised a querying eyebrow. ‘Are you sure about that?’
Molly closed her eyes and whimpered. ‘No.’
CHAPTER FOUR
IT WASN’T LONG before it was time for Molly to head to Theatres. Fletcher was just about to enter the male changing rooms as she headed towards the female rooms.
‘Hey there. Nervous?’ he asked.
She thought about this for a second, then shook her head. ‘Not really. More…excited than anything else.’
‘Good.’ He was still Dr Brisk and Efficient and she had to admit that she liked this version of him. She felt more comfortable around the brilliant Dr Fletcher Thompson, rather than cheeky, adorable Fletch who had made her breakfast this morning. He entered the code for the male changing rooms and, after a brief nod in her direction, disappeared from view.
Molly followed suit, entering the female changing rooms, eager for this unique opportunity to begin. At the moment, she felt pure gratitude towards Fletch for allowing her to assist him in Theatre. The fact that he was going to ensure Alexis also had the opportunity to assist him at a later date indicated the level of understanding and decency in the man. Years ago, Amanda had described him as a genius, a man who was going to ‘save the world’, and all these years later Molly was pleased to see that he hadn’t wavered from that initial goal.
Mr Majors arrived in the theatre anteroom a moment later and both Molly and Fletcher were more than happy to begin the process. They spoke to their patient, who was nicely drowsy from his pre-med, and after reassuring him once more they wheeled him into the waiting theatre.
Molly j
oined Fletch at the scrub sink, their backs to the upstairs gallery where many of her colleagues had gathered in order to watch and take as many notes as they could.
‘Are you going to look up at the gallery?’ Fletcher asked as he used the nail brush to scrub his hands.
‘No. As far as I’m concerned, they’re not there.’
‘So when I’m talking and giving instruction, it’s as though I’m talking directly to you?’
‘And the rest of the staff in the theatre, yes.’
‘OK. I want this to be a good experience for you, Molly. Something to help you in your final oral examination when you need to discuss new invasive procedures and techniques. You’re an excellent doctor, from what I’ve seen. You deserve to pass with flying colours.’
‘Thank you, Fletch.’ Molly looked up at him, not only hearing the sincerity of his words but seeing it in his eyes. Fletcher believed in her. His words had once more filled her with courage that she could follow his lead and assist him with this surgery without making a fool of herself.
The theatre sister joined them at the scrub sink, asking Fletcher a question about the surgery. He answered it succinctly, Molly listening closely, remembering when he’d told her the same thing over their impromptu working breakfast.
When they’d finished scrubbing and were gowned and gloved, Molly took her place on the opposite side of the table, glad she had her back to the gallery of people above.
‘Are the microphones and cameras on?’ Fletcher asked as he looked up into the gallery. A few people were cupping their ears, indicating the sound wasn’t on. Molly was glad of this because she would have been mortified if her personal conversation with the lead surgeon at the scrub sink had been broadcast to the entire gallery!
A loud squeal came through the system before the scout nurse readjusted the volume switch.
‘Can everyone hear me now? Are the monitors working? Someone give me a thumbs up,’ he said. Molly was impressed with how relaxed he was but, then again, he’d been travelling around doing exactly this—giving lectures and performing the surgery so others like herself could learn. He really was quite remarkable.
When her gaze met his across the operating table, she couldn’t hide the admiration in her eyes. Fletcher’s eyes widened perceptibly, as though he was clearly aware of exactly what she was thinking. He raised one eyebrow, or at least she thought he had. It was difficult to tell beneath his protective eye wear, theatre cap and mask.
‘Let’s begin.’ He continued to stare into her eyes for a fraction of a second longer and when Molly gave him a brief nod, he began his monologue of instructions.
His invention really was quite ingenious. A ready-made stent, which could be applied to various parts of the body. Once inserted correctly, the spring-loaded mechanism was deployed and the device would then open, holding firmly in place. Even in a large hospital, such as this one, the surgery he was performing would have taken close to two hours but with his device the surgery time had been cut in half.
‘Even if you’re in the middle of a jungle, once you understand the particulars of the procedure—’ He stopped talking to the gallery for a moment and asked Molly to reposition the retractor a little more to the left. ‘It’s quite straightforward. And to prove it, Dr Wilton will be the one to do the honours and insert the device.’
Molly wasn’t surprised at this. It was the main thing they’d discussed at breakfast, and as she shifted so Fletcher could take the retractor from her she picked up the device, which was like a very short clamp with the stent attached to the end. With care and precision, she inserted it, just the way Fletcher had described to her.
Although she was aware of the cameras in the room, no doubt providing the viewers in the gallery with a close-up of her hands, she didn’t waver or shake, but once the stent was in position she breathed an audible sigh of relief. Fletcher chuckled beneath his mask and when she briefly met his gaze, she could see pride in his eyes. He was proud of her and again that made her feel so wonderful. A warmth spread through her, a warmth of awareness at how lovely it was to be appreciated. Still she wasn’t at all sure how he could affirm her and make her feel incredibly feminine with just one look.
‘Well done, Dr Wilton. I’d give you a clap but that’s hardly appropriate at the moment,’ he joked and received a smattering of laughter from the rest of the theatre team. No doubt the people in the gallery were chuckling as well and once more she was highly aware of how suited he was to this work. He was natural, charming and informative. Not to mention brilliant, handsome and even sexier than she remembered.
Molly snapped her thoughts back into place because even though the stent was now correctly in place, there was still more to be done to ensure Mr Majors would make a full and uncomplicated recovery. Thankfully, the rest of the surgical procedure continued without a hitch and soon she was pulling off her gloves and mask as Mr Majors was wheeled away to Recovery.
The gallery was emptying out as people returned to their busy schedules and as Fletcher came to stand beside her at the bins, de-gowning alongside her, she was unable to wipe the enormous grin from her face.
‘Wow. I haven’t seen that smile in a very long time.’
‘I’m just so relieved the surgery is over and that I didn’t stuff up.’
‘You wouldn’t have stuffed up, Molly. Not only are you a gifted surgeon but you apply yourself to instruction. All that studying we did bright and early this morning was well worth it, don’t you think?’ He put his arm around her shoulders and gave her a little squeeze.
She didn’t pull away from him, didn’t want to. It was nice to feel his arm there, to be close to him, to be able to breathe in that glorious scent of him, even after he’d been standing at the operating table for the past hour. Molly glanced up at him.
‘And silly me suspected you of having ulterior motives when you turned up for breakfast…’ She trailed off, remembering those intense and slightly awkward moments. Her gaze lowered and she stared at his mouth for a second, a thousand different memories flooding her mind, memories of all those other times when Fletch had had every right to press his lips to hers. She tried not to sigh at the memory of those incredible, powerful kisses they’d shared. Ever since the first time he’d kissed her, the chemistry between them had been strong, frightening and very natural…as though it was meant to be.
Fletcher cleared his throat, his arm around her shoulder starting to feel more of a draw-you-closer hug rather than a simple congratulations-well-done hug. Molly’s heart rate had increased without her realising it and when she finally raised her gaze back to meet his, it was to find him looking down at her with the same repressed desire she’d seen in his eyes years ago.
Where she’d thought nothing could remove the smile of elation from her face, the thought of Fletcher dipping his head and claiming her lips with his own was enough to momentarily make her forget her earlier triumph.
‘Molly.’ The way he spoke her name was filled with confusion and repressed desire. It was as though he, too, was trying to fight the attraction that was so natural between them.
‘Congratulating Dr Wilton on a job well done?’ Sister asked, and it was only then that Molly remembered that Fletch still had his arm around her. She instantly stepped away, her earlier elation now starting to wane.
‘Excuse me. I need to change out of my scrubs. I still have clinic to get through.’ With that, she headed off before he could say anything else. Thankfully, Sister asked him another question about the surgical procedure, detaining him long enough for her to get away. The last thing Molly needed was to have Fletch follow her to the changing rooms and continue their staring contest. She also hadn’t wanted to hang around and be the subject of Theatre Sister’s questions. The less the staff at Sydney General knew about her prior relationship with Fletcher Thompson, the better.
‘What was that all about?’ Alexis burst into the female changing rooms just as Molly had finished showering and dressing in the clothes she’d worn
to the hospital that morning.
‘What? The operation?’ Molly grinned at Alexis before picking up a brush.
‘Who cares about the operation?’ Alexis spread her arms wide. ‘I’m talking about Fetching Fletcher.’
‘Fetching Fletcher?’ Molly raised her eyebrows at the name, a slight smile twitching at her lips.
Alexis shrugged and dropped her hands. ‘It’s what most of the females around the hospital are calling him.’
Molly looked at her reflection, imagining the hoot of laughter and immense preening Fletch would undertake if she told him about the nickname. She closed her eyes for a split second, then shook her head, annoyed that she knew him so well, could predict his response.
‘But stop trying to change the subject.’ Alexis pointed a finger at her.
Molly finished tying her hair back and put her brush into her locker. ‘What is the subject?’
‘You and Fletcher. How long has that been going on?’
Molly instantly looked away. She liked Alexis. The two of them were good friends and, as such, she didn’t know if she could blatantly lie to her. ‘Uh…why do you ask?’
‘Uh…because the microphones were still on in the theatre while the two of you had your little tête-à-tête.’
‘What?’ Molly glared at her friend in shock. ‘You…heard us…that was being broadcast into the gallery? Who else was there? Were there more people there?’ Molly dropped down onto the bench seat near the lockers and covered her face with her hands. ‘Oh, no. No, no, no.’
‘It’s OK. It’s OK.’ Alexis sat down beside her. ‘By the time you two started talking, everyone had filed out. As clinic is starting later today, I thought I’d wait around for you. So…come on.’ Alexis’s excitement wasn’t waning one little bit. Molly looked at her with dismay. ‘How do you know him? Did you used to date? You must have with the way he was all right up against you.’ She draped her arm around Molly’s shoulders and brought her face close. ‘Close enough to kiss you.’
Molly closed her eyes as she delivered the answer to Alexis’s questions. ‘Yes, I know Fletcher. Very well. And yes, we used to…sort of date…in that…’ she opened her eyes and looked at her friend ‘…I used to be married to him.’
