“Carrie, could you come down and relieve me before I lose my breakfast?” Ruth asked.
“Morning sickness.”
“No. Blood. An accident just arrived. Blood always makes me queasy.”
“I’ll be there in a few.” Carrie waved to the aide. “Ruth will be up in a few minutes. Buzz the clinic if you need one of us in a rush.” She dashed down the stairs and headed to the treatment rooms.
Ruth was waiting outside one of the rooms. “Hi, and thanks.”
“Glad to help. You look pale.”
“I feel that way.”
“The patient?”
“Thirty three year old male with a nasty gash on his right forearm. Pressure dressing in place. He has a small scalp laceration. Denies loss of consciousness.”
“At least it’s not a kid.”
Ruth laughed. “Heard about the fun weekend from Beth. How are the patients upstairs?”
Carrie gave a brief report. “My notes are on the desk.” She studied Ruth’s ashen face and wondered if more than nausea troubled her. “Are you all right?”
Ruth nodded. “I just can’t face blood at any time of the day. Don’t ask me how I got through training. It wasn’t pretty.”
“Let me see about the patient.”
“Good luck. He denies he needs the doctor. Wanted me to apply butterflies to the wound. His family’s with him.”
“Macho man?”
“Definitely. Always has been. What he was doing outside without a shirt and wearing shorts boggles my mind. Tony should be here soon.” Ruth grinned. “Nice uniform.”
Carrie felt her face color. “A friend made me do it. See you later.”
She opened the treatment room door. A series of whistles greeted her. She shook her head. Ruth had forgotten to mention the patient had four family members in attendance. Four of the best-looking men she’d ever seen. Five when you counted the patient, and they all looked like Ben.
“The Smithton brothers, I presume.”
They laughed. “Yes, ma’am.”
“Guess our reputation gets around.” The tallest man winked. “I’m Abe.”
“You look like your father.” She crossed to the examining table and faced her second bare chest of the day. This expanse of muscle didn’t have the effect on her body, heart, and soul, that Tony’s had. She turned to the quartet. “The doctor’s on his way. You can sit in the waiting room. I’ll see to your brother.”
The one with the lightest hair grinned. “And leave you alone with him? Babe, you got guts. I’m Cal.”
The one with the broadest shoulders moved closer. “Dave here.”
“I’m Frank. Ben Two’s on the table.”
Carrie laughed. “No E.”
“Mama named us for presidents.” Abe edged closer.
Carrie felt like bait for a school of hungry sharks. “Out, gentlemen.” She pointed at the door. Where was Tony? She lifted the towel and the pressure dressing to appraise the long jagged slash.
“We don’t mind a bit of blood,” Cal said.
“Especially if it’s his.” Frank’s comment brought a growl from the patient.
“Hope the towel was clean.” She studied the gash. “You’ll need eight to ten stitches.”
“Will you hold my hand?” Ben Two asked. “You’re new in town. Doing anything tonight?”
The door closed with a snap. “She’s having dinner with her husband and son.” Tony pointed to the quartet. “I believe she told you to head to the waiting room. Be a good idea if you listened. I don’t need an audience.”
“Yes, sir,” came a chorus. “You sure picked a looker.”
Tony turned to the patient. How did a man who jumps from planes and swims with sharks take a spill at home?”
“Black ice.”
“You’ve been away too long.”
“Sure have. Two plus years. About Dad. He going to make it this time?”
“He’s out of ICU. His breathing’s improved. That’s all I can say.”
“I hear you.”
Tony removed the towel. “Clean, I hope.”
“That’s what your wife asked. Ever seen anything at my mom’s that wasn’t practically sterile?”
Tony laughed. “Her sons. You’re going to need eight to ten stitches. How’s your tetanus?”
“Up-to-date. Uncle makes sure his finest are the fittest. I feel like a jerk. Never got a scratch on a mission. Come home and take a spill.”
“But you’ll deal with the infamy. Bet you’ve already concocted a tale of danger and daring.”
“I’m working on it.”
While Tony examined Ben Two, Carrie put a suture kit and gloves on an instrument table. She pushed the tray to the patient.
Tony frowned. “Carrie, why are you down here? I thought you were in-patient this week?”
“Ruth wasn’t feeling great. Something about blood.”
Tony moved to the sink and began to scrub. “I’d forgotten how the red stuff gets to her.”
“She’s expecting again, too,” Ben Two said. “Seems like making babies is the only thing her jerk husband does right.”
Carrie frowned. She hadn’t met Ruth’s husband and she hadn’t been here long enough to have heard stories.
She moved to the table, opened the sterile towels and prepared the field. Then she opened the suture kit and cleaned Ben Two’s arm.
A half hour later, she and Tony stripped off their gloves. Carrie taped the dressing in place. Tony smiled. “Thanks. You’re a great assistant.”
What she saw in his eyes was flattering and what she heard in his voice stirred her hopes. “You’re welcome. I’d better get upstairs and relieve Ruth.” As she talked, she cleaned the tray and disposed of the things they’d used.
“Like the uniform,” Tony said.
“So did my brothers,” Ben Two said.
Carrie turned. She’d been right. The new look had aroused his lust. She opened the door and stepped into the hall.
Tony watched her exit. The uniform covered the curves he’d caressed and tasted. He liked the look, but he didn’t like the reaction he’d seen on the faces of Hazel’s sons.
“Mom said you’d married a fine woman,” Ben Two said. “Sure is a prime babe.”
“She is.” Tony fought to keep his voice emotionless. “Stitches out in a week. Keep the dressing dry. Change it as needed.”
“Mom said you’ve been married about a month.” Ben Two winked. “Guess you’re still on your honeymoon. Damn, must be rough working with her. I’d be dragging her into dark corners to steal a kiss and looking for empty rooms where I could explore more than her mouth.”
Tony stiffened. Ben Two’s suggestions had merit, but Carrie would run from those kinds of trysts. Unfortunately, the idea took root and he was tempted. He groaned. On Wednesday, she would have her inheritance and she’d be free to go.
“Problems?” Ben Two asked.
“No more than usual.”
“So what happened to Dad? Mom either won’t, or can’t, say.”
“She blames herself.” Tony reached for his jacket. “His lungs are compromised from all the years in the mines. He had pneumonia. I could have treated him here, but I wasn’t willing to take the chance.”
“Thanks. I’ll talk to Mom.”
“How long is the crew in town?”
“I have three weeks, and the others a week or two.” He swung into a sitting position. “I feel like a jackass. Now Mom’s going to fuss over me.”
“I know the feeling. She’s forever nagging about my eating habits, and about my son, and Carrie.”
“You’ve got it bad.”
Tony shrugged. “Maybe.”
“Hey, I saw the way you watched her and the expression on your face when the bros were flirting. She’s easy on the eyes, but you look at her like she’s the only dish on your menu.”
“It’s evident to everyone but her. We’re married, but…it’s complicated.”
“Ever think about showing
her how you feel?”
“Been there. Done that. We didn’t marry for love.”
“Open your eyes, Doc. I saw the way her eyes danced when you came in.”
“Relief for the rescue, that’s all.” Tony picked up the chart and wrote a note. “There are…”
“She mean to Chad? She run around with other men? She hate the idea of this hick town?”
“None of the above.”
“Mom said your snooty ex is married again. She was a real piece of…” He clamped his mouth shut. “I’m sure you know what she was. Let me find the bros so we can head up to see Dad. Tell Chad we’ll pick him up at school on Wednesday.”
“Will do.”
Ben Two grinned. “Why don’t you and the wife make an evening of it? Take her to dinner. Buy her flowers and chocolates.”
“Black licorice,” Tony said.
“My favorite, too. Knew she was a special lady. See you.”
Tony stood in the treatment room doorway and listened to the Smithton brothers. Had Ben Two been right about Carrie? Sure she’d bought a new uniform or two, but he didn’t think the change was for him. He figured she was preparing for the immediate future when she wouldn’t have to provide for her mother and she’d be free to look for love.
* * *
On Tuesday, Ruth asked Carrie to lunch in her office. What have I done? Carrie wondered. She couldn’t think of anything but, as she approached the nurse manager’s office, she felt like a kid heading to see the principal. She knocked.
“Come,” Ruth said.
Carrie slid into the room and closed the door. “Have I goofed?”
“Not that I know of. I’ve something to ask you.”
“So ask.”
“I’d like you to act as nurse manager while I’m on maternity leave.”
“Me!” Carrie swallowed. “I don’t have the experience in leadership other than classes in school, and we all know how far from reality they are.”
What Ruth offered was tempting but practically impossible, especially when she and Tony split. How could she stay here when he didn’t want her?
Wrong. He wants you.
That’s my body, not my heart.
“Carrie, are you with me?”
“Just shocked.”
“Do you think I had any more experience when this job was dumped in my lap?”
“But you have a Master’s.”
Ruth shook her head. “Never finished. Maybe when the kids get older.”
“What about Jo and Dorrie? They have seniority.”
“Jo doesn’t want the hassle of leadership and filling in where and when needed. Dorrie likes nights. She’s too timid to discipline the aides. You haven’t been here that long, but the aides respect you.”
“Let me think about it.”
“Talk to Tony. I think he’ll go for the idea. Give me your answer on Monday and we’ll start your training. Now, let’s eat.”
Carrie opened her lunch. Could she accept Ruth’s offer? The experience would be great. What about school? She’d planned to start after the first of the year.
She frowned. School could wait. What kept her from grabbing this chance was the situation with Tony. How could she stay when he didn’t want her? How could she leave when he was the one she’d always wanted?
* * *
Carrie sat across the table from Chad and checked his homework. “Your dad and I might be late coming home from the city tomorrow. He wants to look for living room furniture.”
“Maybe you could stay real late.”
“Why would you want us to do that?”
“’Cause Hazel’s boys are taking me to the mall and the arcade. They said if you were late, I could spend the night and sleep in a sleeping bag. That’s cool.”
“You’d rather be with them?”
Chad shook his head. “Just to give Dad a break. Sometimes he gets bored at the arcade. Did you know Ben Two’s a Seal, and Abe flies a plane? Dave might go up in space. Frank’s in the army, and Cal’s a Marine. He even has a tattoo.”
Carrie laughed. “I can see why you’re fascinated. Your homework’s correct. What do you want to do?”
“Want to come with me to the haunted house?”
“It’s getting dark.”
“It’s more spooky.”
Carrie shook her head. “It’s more dangerous and I don’t like spooky. Is the haunted house the one in the woods behind the house? I saw it when I went for a walk. It didn’t look safe at all.”
“That’s what Dad says. Me and the guys are careful when we go.”
“Do you ever go alone?”
He looked away. “Maybe...A couple of times. It’s a good place to think.”
“If you go alone again, let me know. Okay?”
“Sure. What are we having for dinner?”
“A surprise.”
“Oh brother.” He stopped at the door. “Do you think Hazel’s boys will wear their uniforms when they pick me up at school? Remind Dad to write the note so they can get me.”
By the time Carrie finished two loads of laundry, Chad had returned. “Your dad called. He’ll be late, so it’s you and me.” She opened the microwave and took out a long meatball hero.
“Cool,” Chad said. “Your cooking’s getting better.”
“Thank Hazel and frozen meatballs.”
“I will...What story are you telling me tonight? I found some pictures of you, Dad, and Uncle Jerry, when you were in a play. He was wearing the Merlin suit.”
“That was the Christmas pageant at church. Finish your dinner and we’ll watch a bit of TV. Then you’ll hear about the Magi’s quest.”
Should I tell him the whole story? How Tony’s mother had come alone, and how Tony didn’t see his father again until he died? Not a good idea, she decided. Maybe one day Tony would tell him.
“Did you know your Uncle Jerry, and Aunt Sue, and the baby, will be at my mom’s for Thanksgiving?”
“Neat. Sure hope my mom doesn’t ruin things by making me come to her house.”
“We won’t let it happen.”
Chad’s shoulders slumped. “She always does what she wants.”
* * *
Carrie paused at the foot of the stairs. “You about ready?”
“Almost.”
She headed to Chad’s room and sat on the lower bunk. After she studied the pictures he’d chosen, she wove a tale about the misadventures of the cast during the play and used the pictures to illustrate.
He lifted a group shot taken in front of the church. “I see you, Dad, and Uncle Jerry. Who else do I know?”
“My mom. Johnny A. He’s Father John now. Your Aunt Sue. Your Grandmother Flynn.”
Chad looked up. “Where’s my grandpop. Was he already dead?”
“He didn’t come to the play.”
“What did he look like?”
“You, your dad, your uncle. I’ll sort through the box and see if I can find a picture of him.” She looked at the jumble. “Someone should put these in order.”
“And put them in a book. We could do that.”
“We could, and if there are any pictures you’d like, we’ll have copies made.”
“That would be neat.” He grabbed her hand. “You’re way cool.”
She bent to kiss him. “Night.”
“One more picture, please. What happened here? Whose feet are these?”
Carrie looked and laughed. “That was after your dad scored the winning touchdown. I got so excited I leaned over the railing and lost my balance. He ran from the end zone and saved me from cracking my skull.”
“He sure saved you a lot of times.”
Tony stopped in the doorway. They hadn’t heard him come in. “He sure did.” The last time had been when he married her. If she told Tony she’d die if he made her leave, would he save her again?
Tony appeared at the door.
“Hi, Dad,” Chad said. “Carrie told me how you saved her at the football game.”
Tony
laughed. “She was always falling at my feet.”
Carrie rose. “That ends the stories for tonight.”
“One more.”
“No more.” She ruffled his hair. “See you in the morning. It’s going to be a big day for you.” And for me, she thought.
“Okay. Dad, don’t forget to write a note so Hazel’s boys can get me at school.”
Carrie headed downstairs. Would Tony avoid her company again tonight? She went to the family room and opened the weekly newspaper to the classified section, a mere half page. Apartments to rent were few. She circled two of the four and decided to call tomorrow evening after she and Tony returned from their appointment. They should be home by six, and she’d have her marching orders. Since she intended to accept Ruth’s offer, she couldn’t leave the area.
You mean you’re not going to seduce him? Have you lost your nerve?
Just facing reality.
He wants you.
Just my body. I can’t go that route.
Patience.
She shook her head. These internal dialogues went in circles. They made her realize the hopelessness of the situation.
She heard the door close and turned. Tony stood with his arms crossed on his chest. “We need to talk,” he said.
“Why?”
“About tomorrow.”
“You’re going to tell Mr. Hurcutt the marriage is a sham.”
“Why would I do that?”
“I don’t know,” she said.
“How long after tomorrow will you stay?”
Forever, she thought. “That’s up to you.”
He stared. What was she talking about? The choice was hers. She’d set the terms of the marriage. “Just until the money’s mine,” is what she’d said.
“Why push your decision on me?” he asked.
She walked to the window and stared into the night. “Because I want more than you can give me.”
“What are you talking about?”
“I love you. Do you love me?”
He cleared his throat. “I like being with you. I like what you’ve done to the house. I like the way you handle Chad. I want you.”
“Do you love me?” she repeated.
“I’m not sure what love is. I don’t know if I can promise to stay with you forever. I’m not sure I’m any different that my dad.” He moved away from the door. “I want you to stay here. Isn’t that enough?”
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