He’d never forget to look of laughter on Mitch Merrien’s face when he’d caught him with his trousers around his ankles mid change. He’d looked a million dollars with his tan, and why wouldn’t he being as he was married to a babe like Liddy. Although he still couldn’t quite work out that comment about his bachelor days being numbered: something about women attacking trousers as a way to a man’s heart? Completely bizarre.
His dark eyes narrowed as he reached for the stethoscope and patella hammer lying on the desk in front of him.
So this must be the same nurse Sorcha had texted him about - not that there’d be any danger of that. Middle height, as skinny as an anorexic rake all topped off with hair that would do any self-respecting carrot proud. She didn’t even have those stunning Irish green eyes to liven up her pale freckly face, only boring blue ones surrounded by invisible eyelashes just crying out for a coat of mascara. The luck of the Irish certainly hadn’t been shining her way when she was born, or she’d done something to upset the good fairy – either way he wasn’t interested. He wasn’t fussy when it came to girls, but he did at least want a half decent one on his arm. She didn’t have to be perfect, just something other men would envy instead of pity.
There were some benefits in having a photographic memory. He’d never muddled up a patient’s case history, he didn’t even have to write notes until the end of a shift as he had a 100% recall and he didn’t have to keep staring at girls – he had a totty filing cabinet in his head filled to the brim that he could bring up at will. She wasn’t even going to make the bottom drawer.
He brushed an invisible thread off his trousers. The only problem being of course he had to work with her and, by the firm set of her gob it looked like forming any kind of a working relationship was going to be an uphill struggle. He’d called her scatty was it? Not so scatty then if her nursing care was as good as her handover, although he’d think twice before putting her in charge of a glass of water again. It was a good job he was wearing scrubs that could be easily changed. If the water hadn’t been so cold he’d have probably found it funny.
Moving his eyes upwards he caught sight of her stern profile. She obviously thought as little of him as he did her. He continued his examination only to pause at the way she’d ruthlessly dragged her hair into a tight bun. There was no make-up either. Interesting - not that he was particularly interested. But girls; plain or otherwise not making any effort to improve their looks was a novelty. Normally they came slathered in creams and lotions, not that it made any difference, except to how they felt about themselves that is.
He wondered why she’d made no effort. She could have just woken up late or maybe she was married? Maybe she was married with a house full of screaming brats that she’d had to get ready for school while her layabout husband lolled about in bed. His gaze dropped almost of its own accord to her hands, her left hand in particular. It was an automatic response for him; something he’d always done after that one misfortunate incident when he’d gotten it completely wrong. It wasn’t his fault she’d decided to take her ring off but try telling that to the husband - it was only by luck the punch when it came managed to graze his jaw instead of knocking all his teeth out.
There was no wedding band, but then he’d never really expected there to be. There’d be no husband standing in the wings just as there’d be no posse of red haired infants pulling at her apron strings. She was a born spinster in his book; the ugly best friend, the plain sister, the dutiful daughter - none of which were marriage material, or bed material for that matter.
But there was a faint white outline just visible, an outline of where a recently worn ring had been removed. Mm there was a mystery here and, even though he’d been warned off by Sorcha he was intrigued. Not intrigued enough to date her or anything stupid like that. No, intrigued enough to find out more about the missing ring and what had made the giver or, his eyes flickering back to her stiff face, indeed the receiver remove it.
Making his way towards her he lifted his arm to wave her out of the door in front of him. He wasn’t being gentlemanly. He was simply checking to see if the back view was any improvement on the disappointing front one – It wasn’t!
‘I’m all yours nurse er….?’
‘Maguire. Grainne Maguire.’ The reply when it came almost inaudible. ‘As I said, he’s in bay two; I’ll just go and check on him.’
He watched her turn and walk away while he followed at a more leisurely pace, his mind dwelling on how he could discover more without either annoying Sorcha or leading her up the garden path. The former he could live with, as he seemed to spend half his life apologising to the stunning blond for something he’d either done or should have done. But the latter – he’d have to think up a strategy, there was no way in hell he’d want to lead someone looking as bad as that anywhere near the garden path. He had too much too lose, like his self-respect for one.
Pulling back the curtain on bay two he squirted alcohol gel onto his hands from the wall mounted dispenser before reaching for a pair of surgical gloves. His gaze flickered to where Grainne was kneeling on the floor wiping the old man’s head wound with a swab, all the time keeping up a steady stream of inconsequential chatter that all nurses seemed to be able to spout at will.
‘Hello Mr McDade, My name is Doctor Ruari Kelly. You seem to have had a little accident so I’ll need to patch you up.’ He tilted the man’s head and had a good look at the cut. ‘Don’t worry I’ll just stick that for you – we’ll soon have you back to normal.’ He continued, deftly cleaning and then gluing the ragged edges of the wound together before placing a white dressing securely over the top.
‘Staff, I can manage. Could you get a cup of tea with some sugar and perhaps some sandwiches from somewhere?’ He asked, moving just out of earshot of their patient.
‘I think it may have been a while since our Mr McDade has eaten anything. Do we know of any next of kin?’
Grainne shook her head. ‘I don’t think there is any, he told me he’d lost his wife a few years ago - they couldn’t have children apparently.’
‘Really?’ He raised an eyebrow at this unusually in-depth piece of information. Important information but not usually something patients disclosed whilst undergoing emergency treatment – she was good.
‘You know how they all like to talk once they have someone to talk to.’ She snapped. ‘I think he must be very lonely. It looks like he’s been living alone in a flat. There’s a tower block apparently near the train station?’
‘Ah, yes. A very well-known block of flats: known for all the wrong reasons, that is.’ He said, staring across at her heart shaped face but only seeing freckles.
‘What’s the bed situation like? Do you think Matron would be able to rustle up a bed for this concussed gentleman?’ Ruari threw her a quick sideways glance, just long enough for her to capture the sudden twinkle in the depths of his eyes.
‘He’s not conc,’ but he paused any further speech with a wink.
‘Okay, okay.’ She pooled her eyebrows together. ‘I’ll do my best but…..’
‘I’m sure you can manage er staff.’ He said, proffering a little smile before turning back to Mr McDade.
‘Now sir, I’d like to keep you in for a couple of days.’ He began but was interrupted by a voice obviously unused to speaking – a voice so soft he had to lean forward in order to hear anything.
‘Please, please I just want to die at home.’ He pleaded before closing his eyes and resting his head back onto the pillow.
He took his hand. ‘Mr McDade, you are far from dying. In fact at this rate you might even outlive me. I’ve had one heck of a shift and it’s only just started.’
Just as he’d expected a pair of, albeit faded blue eyes looked up at him.’ Yes that’s right, you’re not going to meet your maker just yet and, if you smile at that nurse standing just behind my left shoulder with her mouth open she might even stretch to a slice of cake to follow the sandwiches.’ He looked up to find himself on
the receiving end of a glacial stare from eyes colder than the sea that flowed outside his bedroom window.
‘You mean the cute redhead with the lovely smile don’t you?’
‘Er, yes, that’s right.’ He replied, the corner of his mouth lifting briefly. ‘Although we’re not allowed to say things like that to the female members of staff, or the male ones for that matter!’ He added, patting the back of his hand. ‘Right I’d like to keep you in for a few days just for observation and while you’re here would you like me to have a chat with one of the social workers to see if we can’t find you a flat a bit closer to town?’
‘Well sonny, as I’m going to outlive you can I have red’s phone number? I’ve always believed the road to happiness lies in never sharing either a car nor a woman, so if you’re not interested?’
Ruari exploded with laughter, remembering her less than warm reception, and that when he hadn’t even tried anything on.
‘Not likely, I’ve blown my chance there mate. Er I don’t have her number and I’m not really in a position to ask but I’m sure you’ll think of something.’
Chapter Four
Colour leached from Grainne’s face at the sound of that laugh. She shook her head in bewilderment as, working on autopilot she handed him the small blue tray with a pre-filled syringe before going in search of cake. She hadn’t recognised his voice, just as she hadn’t recognised his groin! Of course he’d changed his trousers since then, he’d have had to. But that laugh - that laugh was pretty much unmistakeable.
It would have to be him, she thought with derision. How on earth was she meant to work with someone who’d called her scatty and in public too? She felt the heat build in her cheeks as she remembered the stares she’d received in the canteen. She wasn’t alone in witnessing her humiliation.
But embarrassment wasn’t the only reason for her sudden ill humour. The thought of his derision was the most upsetting. Despite everything, despite his pithy remark here was a man that she actually liked as a person. His looks didn’t come into it. She’d still like him if he was short and round. The way he’d handled his patient was exemplary. It wasn’t everyone that would have gone that far to try to ease the lot of another. Yes, she liked him and he thought her scatty – great!
Much later with Mr McDade safely installed on one of the medical wards and the department manageably busy for the first time in several hours Grainne was sent off duty. Stepping outside after the artificial lighting of A&E was a shock to the system. The day was still warm with rays of bright sunshine beating down on the drab grey pavement outside, shrouding everything in its glow. With a little breath of relief she slung her rucksack over her shoulders and headed towards the staff car park situated at the back of the hospital. She had to think about food for supper, but apart from that her time was her own until her shift tomorrow. She’d get something simple and quick: perhaps some fresh pasta with cheese and garlic bread - something she could throw together and eat on her lap whilst sitting by the side of the canal.
Approaching her car she noticed a crowd of porters milling around the entrance, literally scratching their heads in confusion. Changing her direction she spoke to the first one she came across, a portly middle-aged man with tattoos etched up both arms.
‘What’s the problem?’
‘You won’t be able to use your car tonight luv; there’s been a bit of an accident’ She followed his gaze to where a lorry had impaled itself into the side of the wall, obliterating the exit.
‘Oh my God, was anyone hurt?’
‘No, no he escaped scot free, just like his load.’
‘His load?’ She looked around at the empty car park and the even emptier lorry.
‘Yep, he was taking a lorry load of pigs to the er….’ He paused. ‘To…. Well I’m not sure where to exactly.’ He laughed. ‘The lucky little blighters, they’ve all escaped and good luck to them if you ask me.’
‘So are you stuck here for the duration, along with the rest of the hospital?’
She spun round at the sound of the words only to find Ruari regarding her with a smile.
‘Excuse me?’ She reached up, pushing a stray curl off her face.
‘I asked if your car was stuck here for the night?’
She nodded. ‘It’s just great and I’m on earlies again tomorrow. How do they expect us to get to work?’
He laughed again. ‘Oh I think I can find it in my heart to forgive them you know. I’ve always felt a little guilty every time I’ve tucked into a bacon sandwich.’
She glanced at him uncertainly, a puzzled expression mirroring her thoughts. It wasn’t just her who was stuck now was it, what about him?
‘I don’t know what you have to be so happy about,’ she said. ‘So which one of these posh motors is yours then?’ She added, twisting her head towards the doctors section and the eclectic group of BMW’s, sports cars and 4x4’s on display.
‘None!’ He said, following her gaze. ‘Fancy a lift home then?’
Grainne frowned in bewilderment. ‘But the entrance is all but blocked. How the hell do you intend to give me a lift home?’
‘Ah, you’ve forgotten about the bike shed.’
‘Bike shed - but….’ She paused, still struggling to comprehend how she was going to get home. ‘Look, thanks for the offer but I think I’m a bit too old for handlebars.’
‘Yee of little faith. Come on - follow me.’ He answered, walking across to an old lean-to against the back wall. He pulled the door open to reveal a few battered bicycles and what looked like a brand new bright red Ducati motorbike.
‘Handlebars indeed, I would hope I can show a girl a better ride than a bicycle, even one made for two.’ He turned towards her. ‘Well, what about it? I always carry a spare helmet in case I pull.’
She looked at him, trying to make out whether he was serious or not. Was he for real? They’d only just met and, not under the best of circumstances and yet here he was trying to pick her up. Okay so he was cute in his scruffy jeans and even scruffier leather jacket but being cute didn’t cut it with her anymore. She’d been down the cute road before and look where it had gotten her – nearly three hundred kilometres from home.
‘Thanks Dr er.’
‘Ruari.’ He interrupted. ‘My name is Ruari and I was only joking about the pulling part, unless there’s a pint glass involved,’ his smile now a cautious one.
‘Well thanks Ruari, but I’m fine really. I’m sure I can get a bus or something.’ She said, turning away and starting to walk back towards the gate.
‘I didn’t think someone like you would be scared of riding such a superb beast - and the bike’s superb too,’ his voice following her.
She paused for a moment, digesting his words with a smile. She was well used to men teasing her, most of the men she’d worked with had teased her and she was starting to miss it. It was only Simon who’d treated her differently; that should have warned her.
‘I’m not scared.’ She said, turning back towards him with a defiant glare.
More like scarred. She added silently.
‘Prove it then. I’m only offering you a lift you know. I couldn’t ravish you even if I wanted to; this beast will be keeping both my hands fully occupied.’
Grainne exhaled slowly as she considered her limited options. She didn’t really have any reason to refuse and it would save her a lot of hassle. She didn’t know where the bus stop was, or even if it went anywhere near her house.
‘Okay, you’re on.’ She finally replied, walking towards the bike and running a hand slowly over its bright red frame.
‘She really is beautiful.’
‘That she is.’ He answered. ‘She’s the love of my life. She’s always there waiting for me. She’s never let me down. The only thing she’s not too good at is the ironing, but as I’m in scrubs or tee’s I’m not really fussed.’ He passed her a helmet before wheeling the bike out into the car park.
Then he waited, one foot balancing as she adjusted her helme
t and swung her leg over the seat.
‘Ready?’
‘Yeah I’m ready.’ She answered, moulding both arms around his waist.
‘So where are we going then?’
‘Er Crumlin, You know those houses along the canal, anywhere near there will do.’
‘Okay, hold on.’
Twenty minutes later the bike whispered to a halt outside her house. She hadn’t even needed to give him any directions as he’d already known where Freddie lived. That was a surprise. She’d got the impression, rightly or wrongly that Freddie, being a Vicar’s daughter would be shy and retiring - obviously not!
He jumped off before quickly kicking the stand in place and removing his helmet.
‘I haven’t been here for ages, not since Mabe’s house share walked out, leaving her in the lurch.’ He gave her a hard look. ‘God, she was a piece of work that one – she never had a good word to say about anyone.’
Mabe, who the hell was Mabe?
‘Sorry, but who’s Mabe exactly?’ She asked, feeling a fool.
‘Mabel, you know Mabel Fredrick.’ He let out a laugh. ‘I always call her that, she hates it, but that’s the perk of being an A&E doctor. All the nurses come through my hands some time or another.’ He paused before continuing, ‘figuratively speaking, that is - Look Grainne. I feel I owe you an apology.’
‘What for?’
‘I was rude to you earlier. Sorry, it’s just that I’d been travelling half the night and it was a shock, the water. It was ice ….’
She interrupted him. ‘Oh, that’s alright, your behaviour was perfectly understandable considering that I, that I er.’ She caught his twinkling eye and struggled not to laugh. ‘Anyway I tend to be a bit scatty at the best of times.’
Girl Descending (Irish Girl, Hospital Romance 2) Page 3
