At least the locals appeared to be friendly.
Chapter 8
Mackenzie stepped out of her front door and drew in a deep breath. The sun wasn’t yet up and it was still blissfully cool. There was a fine layer of dew on the ground but the smell in the air and the squawking of the yellow-crested galahs promised it was going to be another stinking hot day. She was starting to get used to the weather in the Pilbara. On more than one occasion she had needed to use the electric blanket on her bed, as the nights were so cold. However, the days were hot, with today’s forecast an expected top temperature of thirty-nine degrees Celsius. She had never been so grateful for air-conditioning in her entire life.
Early mornings were Mackenzie’s favorite part of the day, when the air had a freshness about it and everything was quiet. Later in the day, once the sun was directly overhead, the dust seemed to be thicker. On the days when she wasn’t working, Mackenzie still rose early and walked the quiet streets alone before the sun peeked over the horizon and bathed the town in a golden glow. Not only was it good exercise, but it was a good way to clear her mind. The years of stress were washing away with every step she took.
After nearly two weeks, Mackenzie had quickly found her feet at work. Doc had literally flown off into the sunset bound for his home in the UK the day after she’d arrived. She’d been nervous, but Charlotte, Amy and Debbie had welcomed her with open hearts and arms and Mackenzie found herself fast becoming more than just work colleagues with the other women. After Mackenzie’s initial baptism of fire on the night she’d arrived, some of the shifts were monotonous in comparison, but she wasn’t complaining. It had allowed her time to work out what they expected of her in the job, to find her way around town and to meet some of the locals down at the pool.
After another busy day at work Mackenzie headed to the tiny IGA supermarket to do some grocery shopping. She and Charlotte were running low on food and Mackenzie didn’t think they could hold out until Wednesday when they’d planned a trip into the nearby town of Tom Price to go to the larger Coles supermarket. She was only ducking in to grab a few essentials, knowing the prices would be outrageously high.
As she walked from the hospital to the shops, the only sound in the near-empty streets was of birds calling out and answering one another. Her hair was stuck to the back of her neck by the time she made it to the supermarket. It was a good thing her scrubs were dark navy because they hid the sweat patches. The air-conditioned comfort of the shop was a welcome relief and she took her time choosing items and placing them in her shopping trolley. She was in no rush to head back outside into the heat.
Goose bumps erupted on her skin as she rounded the corner of the final aisle and saw Nathan Kennedy bending down to reach something from a bottom shelf, giving her the perfect view of his backside, clad in dark denim jeans, cinched in with a brown leather belt.
He must have sensed someone staring at him because he turned around slowly to face her. His eyes flicked over her body from head to toe before his gaze finally connected with hers. She watched as recognition dawned.
She gave a tentative wave. They hadn’t spoken to each other since his sister’s wedding and she had no idea whether he’d be happy to see her. “Hi Nathan.”
A grin split his face. “Mackenzie!”
He strode down the aisle toward her. The look of pleasure on his face caused an unexpected frisson of awareness to travel down Mackenzie’s spine and she shivered. Mackenzie quickly warned herself not to read anything into it.
Suddenly he was in front of her and she craned her neck back to look up into his face. She’d forgotten how tall he was. He took another step toward her, moving her shopping trolley to the side before pulling her into a tight hug. Mackenzie bit back a grin as he crushed her to his chest. If his welcome was any indication, maybe he was happy to see her. She returned the hug, wrapping her arms around him, feeling his well-toned muscles beneath the thin shirt. She inhaled deeply. He smelled amazing too.
“It’s so good to see you,” he said, finally pulling away.
“It’s good to see you too.”
She wasn’t lying. Her recollection of how good-looking he was had faded and it was good to have her memory refreshed. He was one hot guy!
Rich brown eyes flecked with gold stared into hers. “What are you doing here? And why didn’t you tell me you were coming?” He looked around, as though expecting to see someone else with her. “When did you arrive?”
“Just over two weeks ago. I can’t believe I haven’t bumped into you until now.”
In a place the size of Iron Ridge, it wasn’t hard to bump into the same people each day. It was more difficult to avoid them.
“I only got back from Sydney yesterday.” He shook his head. “I can’t believe you’re actually here. Why didn’t Kate tell me?”
“I didn’t want it to look like I was stalking you.” She shuffled from one foot to the other.
Nathan briefly touched her on the arm, causing tingles to race up and down her spine. “Don’t be silly, Mackenzie. I was the one that told you to come. Have you taken Doc’s job? If I’d known you were planning on coming out here, I would have helped you get settled. Where are you living? I’m in Anzac Drive. Have you been to the pub yet? How long are you here for?”
Mackenzie threw back her head and laughed, remembering how easy it was to chat to him. “Which question do you want me to answer first?”
He joined in her laughter before his face suddenly fell. Mackenzie held her breath. What was he about to say?
“Mackenzie, I never apologized properly for my behavior at Joel and Kate’s wedding. Liam had me wound up and I behaved like an idiot.”
Mackenzie shrugged. “It’s okay.”
“No, it’s not okay. I should have apologized the next day at the barbecue when we got chatting.”
“Forgiven and forgotten. Drunk guys are always idiots,” Mackenzie said with a smile.
He sighed. “I don’t generally drink much. I guess with the hot weather that day I had one or two too many.”
“And the rest,” Mackenzie laughed.
He hung his head. “Yeah, well I’m sorry. I don’t know what came over me when I saw him kiss you.”
Mackenzie blushed at the memory. It had certainly been highly embarrassing.
“Anyway, I’d like to make it up to you.” He touched her arm again, eyes full of anticipation. This time her skin almost burned at his touch. “How about dinner? Why don’t you come over to my place one night and I’ll cook? I make a good homemade pizza. Or we could throw some meat on the barbie if you like.”
She nodded and replied before he changed his mind. “A barbecue sounds perfect. I’d love that.”
They exchanged phone numbers, said good-bye, and Mackenzie left the shop as giddy as a teenager who’d just been asked out by the cutest boy in class.
*
A week later, they sat together on Nathan’s back deck. It hadn’t been easy to coordinate their rosters, but they finally found an evening when they were both free.
The fragrant smell of meat cooking on the barbecue wafted across to where Mackenzie sat, feet propped up on a chair. The night air was chilly after another hot day. When she started shivering, Nathan handed her a polar fleece blanket. She looked up again into the star-filled night sky and breathed deeply. She would never grow tired of the sight and it only served to remind her again that she’d made the right decision to leave her life in Sydney behind.
“Can I help with anything?” she asked.
Nathan shook his head as he continued throwing together ingredients for a salad. “Nope. You just relax. Let me handle it.”
Mackenzie did just that, closing her eyes and drawing in deep, slow breaths. Music floated from somewhere inside the house.
“Who are we listening to?”
“Ed Sheeran.”
“It’s nice. I like his voice,” Mackenzie said, humming along with the melody and not caring if she was out of tune.
A few seconds later Nathan swore loudly and Mackenzie’s eyes flicked open in surprise. Nathan was clutching his left hand with his right one.
“What’s wrong?”
“I just cut my finger instead of the onion.”
“Show me.”
He held both hands out toward her, keeping his gaze averted. “Just so you know, I don’t do so well with blood and guts.”
She laughed at him. “Sit down then.” The last thing she needed was for him to faint on her.
He obediently sat, still holding his hand protectively to his chest. She tried not to laugh at the look on his face.
Mackenzie gently prized his right hand away and blood immediately spilled onto the deck. He quickly clamped his hand back around his finger. “Oh god,” he said, sitting back in his chair, his face ghostly pale.
“Don’t look at it,” she said firmly. “It’s probably not that bad. Do you have a first aid kit in the house?”
“In the glove box of my ute.”
“Where are your keys?”
“It’s not locked.”
She raised her eyes to meet his.
“It’s not Sydney. We even leave our keys in the ignition in case someone needs to borrow the car in an emergency.”
“Just sit still then and I’ll be back.”
“Should we call the ambulance?”
Mackenzie laughed. “I’m pretty certain you’ll just need some steri strips or maybe a stitch or two.”
“But what if I’ve cut the end of it off?”
“If you’d cut off the end of your finger we’d probably see it mixed with the onions.”
Nathan looked like he was about to be sick. Mackenzie stifled another chuckle. He wasn’t wrong. He really did not cope with blood.
Mackenzie dashed out to the car and found the small first aid kit exactly where he said it would be. Returning to him, she unzipped it and pulled out some disposable gloves. Nathan was breathing too quickly. If he didn’t stop, he’d hyperventilate.
“Relax, Nathan. You’re going to be fine.” She spoke sternly to him and was pleased when he listened and slowed his breathing down.
She pulled his hand away and pressed some gauze to the wound. He sucked in a quick breath.
“Sorry. Does that hurt?”
Their eyes locked. “It’s fine,” he replied through clenched teeth.
Mackenzie removed the gauze and inspected the cut. “It doesn’t look too bad. Can you wriggle your finger?”
He tentatively wriggled the digit, his eyes not leaving her face.
“It’s going to be sore for a few days but I’m one hundred percent sure you’re going to live and make a full recovery.” She began cleaning the wound, with skilful hands applied three steri strips, and then covered it carefully with a waterproof dressing. She sensed Nathan following her every move with his eyes. “You’ll need to keep it dry for at least three days and then get the dressing changed.”
“Do you do house calls?”
She chuckled. “I think you’ll be able to replace a simple dressing on your own.”
“I’m pretty sure I won’t.”
She tipped her head back and laughed loudly. “Seeing the way you just reacted to a bit of blood, maybe I’ll make an exception to my no-house-calls rule.”
A hint of a smile lifted the corner of his mouth and Mackenzie relaxed. Thank goodness some color had returned to his face.
“Oh crap!”
“What now?”
“The meat.”
Mackenzie glanced at the charred remains of the steaks on the barbecue and giggled. “At least we’ve still got salad.”
Nathan’s face fell. “I’m sorry, Mackenzie. I wanted tonight to be special.”
Her eyes flicked to his again. Under his slow scrutiny, her face began to heat.
With purposeful movements, she gathered up the rubbish and zipped the first aid kit together. “I’d be just as happy with a toasted sandwich. I’m not fussy.”
“I’ve got Cup-a-Soup if you’re interested.”
“Sounds perfect.”
Over dinner they chatted easily, neither of them stuck for things to say. In many ways Nathan reminded Mackenzie of Kate – she could talk to him so easily. And, judging by the way he spoke of his sister, they were as close as Mackenzie had suspected. Once again, she found herself wishing she had that type of sibling relationship with her own sisters.
After eating and cleaning up Mackenzie curled up on the couch, still wrapped in the blanket, and Nathan flopped in an armchair opposite her.
“So, how are you going with homesickness?”
Mackenzie smiled. “I guess to be homesick you need to have some place you call home.”
Nathan sat forward in his seat, resting elbows on his knees. “And don’t you?”
“Not really.”
“What about Sydney? How long did you live there?”
“Sixteen years,” Mackenzie said, “but I always felt like a visitor or tourist. It was never home for me. Just somewhere I worked and lived. And with Sydney prices, there was no way I’d ever have been able to afford a place of my own.”
“So where is home? Where did you grow up?”
At his question a faded image of an old church, a primary school, a bluestone pub on the corner and a row of shops either side of a wide tree-lined street flooded her mind. More memories of her little sisters always tagging along behind her filled her head.
“Oh, it’s a long story and not very interesting.” Mackenzie did not want to delve into that closet of skeletons and ruin a perfectly good evening. “What about you?” she asked. “When you finish your contract here will you go back to Sydney?”
“No. I don’t think so. Like you, I never felt like I fit in the city. Although I love it here, I can’t see myself living here for the rest of my life. It’s too remote. Not the type of place I want to raise a family. I want my kids to grow up with their grandparents and aunts and uncles living nearby. Family is everything to me.”
At his words, a dull pain squeezed Mackenzie’s heart. Family was everything to her too. At least it had been once.
“Do you plan to settle down then? Get married? Have kids?” She fired the personal questions at him, sensing he wouldn’t mind her asking.
“Absolutely.” The reply came fast and his answer didn’t surprise her. She’d guessed as much even after meeting him the first time. She still couldn’t believe he was single.
“Why haven’t you then?” she asked.
“My sister reckons I’m just too selective.”
Mackenzie laughed. “Is she right?”
He shrugged before gazing at her. “Maybe. Or maybe it’s because I haven’t found the right person yet.”
He didn’t take his eyes off her and Mackenzie stared back at him in surprise. She was one hundred percent certain she wasn’t imagining it – he was flirting with her!
When she left his house later that night and headed home, his words rang in her ears.
“I’ll call you.”
Chapter 9
He didn’t call.
Two days later Mackenzie was working on her own at triage. All she’d done for the morning was treat a nine-year-old girl with a flare-up of her asthma. After giving her Ventolin and reminding her how to use her spacer device properly, Mackenzie had sent her home. The girl needed a follow-up appointment with the doctor for an updated asthma management plan and she’d be fine. What she also needed was for the kids at school to stop making fun of her when she started wheezing. Half the reason her asthma wasn’t well managed was because she wasn’t using her puffers properly for fear of being bullied. It made Mackenzie so mad.
Mackenzie looked at her watch. Time was standing still. She knew better than to mention the word “quiet” aloud, but if she was completely honest with herself, she was a bit bored. While the slower pace was nice, and the lack of stress that had accompanied her previous job was a welcome change, the work so far was hardly demanding. Most days at the hospital br
ought minor things like sick babies, cuts, abrasions, burns, skin infections, foreign bodies in eyes and ears and other easy-to-solve medical problems. She wasn’t an adrenaline junkie, but in the three weeks since she’d arrived, other than her frightening first shift, the job was a cinch.
She checked her watch again. Only eleven o’clock. Tapping her fingers on the desk, she debated getting her book out of her bag. Who would know if she sat at the desk and read? There was nothing else to do. She had already restocked everything and cleaned the already spotless department. She stood and paced around the empty room. She needed something to do. If she didn’t keep busy she’d keep replaying her conversation with Nathan from the other night. She knew she hadn’t been imagining it. It might have been a while since any man had showed genuine interest in her, but she was quite certain he had been flirting with her. And he said he’d call.
She plonked back down at the desk and stared out the window at the clear blue skies. The sun was burning its way in a perfect arc across the northern sky. Every now and then a car drove past the hospital, trailing dust in its wake. She sat quietly in contemplation for a while, listening to the rhythmic ticking of the large clock on the wall. Why hadn’t he called? She checked the blank screen on her phone again. Two whole days since she’d seen him and no missed calls – no text messages. Maybe she could phone him on the pretext of coming over to make that house call he’d requested to change the dressing on his hand. She dismissed the idea. She didn’t want to come across as being too pushy. She opened the Facebook application on her phone then closed it again. No. She couldn’t add him as a friend either.
She was debating what else to do when she heard the front door open. An older man walked through the doors, looking as though he’d come straight out of the garden. Dressed in an old hat, a navy singlet and baggy khaki overalls, the ensemble was finished off with heavy steel-capped work boots.
Emergency Response Page 7
