by Kacey Shea
“That’s your oldest, I assume? But you said you had ‘kids,’ so how many of those do you have?”
“Just two boys. Ezra is eight. Eli is five.”
“Brothers. That’s nice they have each other.” He glances out the window.
“I think so. Do you have any brothers or sisters?” He ignores my question and nods to the garden.
“That’s new.”
“Yeah, they put it in last year. It’s a healing garden. Whatever that’s supposed to mean. It’s peaceful, though. A place to sit and think or not think after a long day.”
“I like this place. Seems they really care about their patients. Everyone I’ve met that works here takes pride in the care.”
I nod. “It’s the main reason I can’t seem to leave. I’m sure someday I’ll want a job with regular nine to five hours, but I love it here. I mean, it’s a nursing job so it’s not easy, and a few of my co-workers are real pain in the asses, but overall it’s what I feel called to do.”
“It doesn’t bother you being around sick kids.” He states, not a question, but I answer anyway.
“No. It doesn’t. They’re some of the best people I’ve ever met. And sometimes, yes, it’s gut wrenching, but I’d want someone to love and care for my boys the way I care for my kids when I’m on duty, so this is what I do.”
“You’re amazing.” I look into my cup and take a drink, not sure how to accept his compliment. I’m sure my face is stained with a deep blush.
“So, enough about me, friend. I want to know about you. What do you like to do when you aren’t here or with your band?” I tease and take a long sip of brew.
“Eat pussy and fuck.” I choke on my coffee and Derek howls with laughter. When I can finally breathe normally again I glare at his smiling face.
“Why do you always do that?”
“What? I have a very healthy sexual appetite.” I think back to the woman from his earlier phone call.
“I’m sure you do.” I roll my eyes. “But you must like to do something besides that.” What if he doesn’t? What if he’s some kind of sex addict? He just grins.
“I write.”
“Like stories?”
“No. Music. But not the kind you hear our band play. More of a folk singer songwriter style.”
“Like the stuff you play with Luis?”
“Yeah. Those are my songs.” I raise my brows and stare at his confident face, my mouth wide and gaping.
“Those are great songs, Derek.”
“I’m glad you think so. I’m actually working with an agent to sell the rights to a bunch of my stuff.”
“What? You can’t do that! Those are your songs.”
“Yeah, but what else can I do with them? I don’t sing. My voice is horrible.”
“I like your voice.”
“Well, thanks. I like it too, but what I mean is that I’ve no desire to start a solo career. I write music because if I don’t, I literally turn into a crazy person. The zombie who walks around the world talking to himself because he can’t sleep type of crazy.”
“That’s really cool, Derek.”
“No. Not cool. You never want to see me turn into the crazy zombie.”
“No.” I roll my eyes, “That’s not what I meant.” He laughs.
“I know what you meant, Carly. Thanks. I love writing music. It’s a blessing to be able to make a career of it.”
“Well, I better get back upstairs. My break is almost up.”
We stand and walk toward the doors when I recognize Dr. Brooks fiddling with the coffee machine.
“Hey, Dr. Brooks!” I call out. He turns and smiles, those dimples in full effect.
“Carly from Oncology, it’s been too long. But I told you to call me Garrett.” He pokes a few more buttons on the machine and curses under his breath. That machine can be a temperamental bitch sometimes.
“It was nice having coffee, Derek, but I better go help him.” I glance over my shoulder at Dr. Brooks. Derek studies him as well with a dip of his chin. I wave, but before I can back up Derek pulls me into his strong arms for an embrace.
“Friends hug goodbye,” he whispers into my ear and then releases me with a cheeky grin. “’Night, Carly.”
“Goodnight.” He jogs out the doors and I head over to where Garrett’s still messing with the dispenser.
“Having a bit of trouble? Maybe I can help?”
He turns his head to grin and blows out an exasperated breath. “Please tell me I’m not the only one who has trouble with this.”
I ease to his side and push the button in a slow, steady manner. Click.
“She’s a little high maintenance, this one. You’ve gotta ease the button slowly with constant pressure until it clicks.” The stream of hot brew fills the paper cup and I step back.
“Thank you, Carly.” He covers the cup with a lid and nods toward the exit. “You heading back up?”
“Yeah, my break is almost over.”
“I’ll ride with you.” He holds the door open for me with a soft chuckle. “You know, four hours ago I had a scalpel to a six month old’s heart. But I can’t even make my own coffee. What does that say about me?” I join in his laughter.
“Well, they have a much better coffee maker on the surgical floor, so the real question is what are you doing down here?” I ask. He grins and runs one hand through his hair.
“Yeah. I get antsy if I’m in once place for too long. I start to feel like a caged animal up there. Heck, sometimes I wish I could get outside more.”
“Have you tried any of the hiking trails yet? The weather is perfect for that sort of thing if you like being outside.”
“I’ve thought about it but everyone says you shouldn’t hike alone and I don’t know many people yet. Do you like to hike, Carly?” We reach the elevators and he pushes the button.
“I do. I just don’t get much of a chance between work and taking care of my boys.” He glances at my hands.
“You’re married?” I shake my head.
“No. Not married. But I have two sons.”
He nods and we watch the floors tick by overhead. I don’t know what to say. It almost felt as if he was about to ask me out, but as par for the course of my life, the mention of my kids sends any man worth dating running in the opposite direction. A wave of disappointment rolls over me.
“I know you’re a busy woman, but would you maybe have time . . .” he clears his throat and I turn to meet his gaze. “On a weekday maybe, when your boys are at school, to meet for a hike? I’ve heard Camelback has an excellent view from the top.”
“Yes. I’d love that. Maybe after I finish a shift we could head over? I’m always too amped up after work to fall asleep anyway.” His dimples pop, his smile wide and inviting.
“When is a good time for you? Tomorrow?” The doors open to my floor and I step forward and turn, blocking the doors from closing. Garrett shakes his head and studies his shoes. “Sorry, that’s too soon. I’m sure you have plans. You can just let me know. I mean, when it’s good for you, just find me. I practically live here.”
He’s adorable and nervous and it’s refreshing to have a man this talented and gorgeous ask me out without vanity or a cocky attitude.
“Garrett.” I reach out to touch his arm, to stop his babbling and gain his attention. “I’d love to go hiking tomorrow. I get off at seven. Does that work for you?” He grins and nods.
“Meet you in the lobby at seven-thirty?”
“That’s perfect.” I back out and the doors start to shut.
“I’ll look forward to it all night, Carly.” I’m glad the doors close because there’s no way in hell I can contain the giant grin that fills my face or the giggle that escapes.
I have a date. With a doctor! And he knows I have two kids and didn’t bat an eye. I fist pump the air and skip down the hall to check back in with Marilyn.
AFTER MY SHIFT I RUN out to my car and grab the change of clothes I store in my trunk. With two active boys a
nd a job that requires a uniform of scrubs, I’m always prepared with play clothes. Today, I’m extra thankful for the foresight.
My phone rings and it’s a blocked number. I glance around the parking lot before shutting my trunk to walk back to the hospital.
“Hello?”
“Yes, hello, this is Amanda Ramirez. I’m calling for Carly Reynolds.”
“Speaking.”
“I just wanted to let you know that you’ve been pre-approved for your home loan. We’re sending the letter over to your realtor now. Congratulations.”
“Oh, thank you so much, Amanda.”
“Is there anything I can help you with or questions I can answer?”
“No. I think I’m good for now. Thank you.”
“Have a nice day, Miss Reynolds.”
“You, too.” I do a little dance and throw a fist pump into the air. Then stop to make sure no one I know saw me. Holy crap! I’m buying my first house. And I have a date with a handsome man. I smile wide as I make my way back to the staff locker rooms on my floor.
I change and pull my hair up into a messy bun. It’s only hiking, so there’s no point in trying to wear makeup or look cute. Besides, Garrett’s seen me in scrubs in the middle of the night. If he liked what he saw then he won’t have a problem with this.
I wait in the lobby and wave when I see him exit the elevator. He steps out with an attractive blonde; I can’t remember her name, but I recognize her as one of the radiology techs. They’re talking but as soon as he spots me he excuses himself, waves in my direction and jogs over. “You ready for our hike?” He grins.
“I sure am. You excited?”
“Yes, for the hike and for the company.” He places his hand at my back, just above my waist with the gentlest of touches and moves us toward the exit. The affection fills me with delight.
“My car or yours?” I ask and he nods toward the covered parking.
“I’ll drive, though I may need help getting there. I Googled directions and I have my GPS, but I’m sure you know the way better.”
Small talk fills the ride over and nerves start to get the better of me as he recounts his career to date. He’s done so much and only just turned thirty. I’m almost thirty-two and what I’ve done feels plain and simple in comparison. He’s way out of my league.
“What made you want to become a doctor, Garrett?” I ask as we start up the trailhead.
“To make lots of money, of course!” He laughs and then adds, “My dad’s a surgeon, and his father before him. It sounds cliché, but I always grew up knowing that I would follow in their footsteps. In our family it was always expected, though I never minded.”
The morning is perfect for a hike with slightly overcast skies. Cool air fills my lungs as I follow the dirt pathway with Garrett just behind. It’s a Friday and although we pass several hikers along the way, the trail isn’t crowded.
“Tell me, Carly, what made you decide to become a nurse?”
“Well . . . I’m from Portland, but I was offered a partial scholarship to ASU and that’s how I ended up out here. I was one of those freshmen with an undecided major.” I grin and Garrett lets out an exaggerated gasp.
“Oh, God! Not one of those! Please don’t tell me once you finally declared a major that you changed it several times.”
“Ah, but I did!” I giggle and he shakes his head.
“Let me guess . . . it was psychology at one point?”
I full on laugh. “How did you know? And anthropology, and then a brief stint in science before I finally discovered my calling . . . and went nursing.”
He laughs and those gorgeous dimples say hello.
“What brought on your discovery? I have to know.”
“Well, in the midst of trying to find myself I joined a women’s studies group.”
“Of course you did.” He smirks and I mock glare.
“Full college experience, right? Anyway, we met one morning to volunteer at Children’s and I just knew. From the moment I walked in I thought, these people are really doing something, helping people who need it most. I mean, I’ve always loved children, wanted to be a mother, have a big family, so I guess it was a natural choice. And honestly, it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I get paid well to do something I love and I have the flexibility I need to spend more time with my boys.”
“That’s wonderful. What a different world it would be if everyone did a job they loved.”
The hike becomes more strenuous the further up we travel. I forgot how steep the end gets, and Garrett offers to help me at the narrow parts where I have to practically rock climb. The gentle, sure touch of his hand at my back gives me a little thrill.
We’re almost to the summit when I stop. The muscles in my entire body go taut at what I see. Garrett must not notice. His front slams into my back and if it weren’t for his arms wrapping around me, I’d fall flat on my face. I suck in my breath as my stomach fills with nerves, fear, anticipation, attraction, and lust all battling within. The sound of the rattler wins, filling me with terror.
“Carly,” Garrett breathes into my ear. “Is that a rattlesnake?”
I nod, unable to form words. I am terrified of snakes. Adrenaline pulses through my veins and my breathing comes in quick puffs, but I’m rendered still from the fear. Garrett, arms still bound firm around my waist, pulls me back inch by inch. The rattlesnake continues her warning tail shake.
It’s only when the damn reptile is out of sight that I’m able to speak again.
“Oh, my god! Garrett, I’m so sorry. I hate snakes so much!” My skin crawls with the memory and I can’t help the shiver that works its way up my spine. I give a shake with my limbs as if somehow that will discard the memory.
He chuckles and I’m met with those dimples, but his eyes are kind through his laughter. “You’re so adorable.” He pulls me into a side hug and kisses the top of my head. I don’t know if it’s my imagination that his lips linger a little longer than friendly. The heat of a blush works its way up my neck to my face. I hope my cheeks are already flushed from hiking and help hide my reaction.
“I’m guessing you don’t want to go back and climb to the top?” he says.
“Would it be selfish to say no? I guess I can if you want to see the view from the very top, but only if you promise to carry me, and I’ll close my eyes.”
“As tempting as that sounds, I say we just head back.” I was only joking about the carrying part because I don’t want to go near that snake, but part of me is a little disappointed at his answer. I turn and start down the trail, keeping on high alert for any more signs of wildlife. Garrett walks behind me when the path is narrow and at my side where it’s wider.
“Carly?” He studies the ground but keeps his pace.
“Yes, Garrett?”
“Would you like to have breakfast? When we get back to the car?” I try to school my grin so I don’t seem overeager, but inside I’m throwing up a fist pump.
“I’d love to.”
I spy his grin from the corner of my eye.
“Great.”
A few more minutes and we’re back at the car. He pops the trunk and pulls out two water bottles. He offers me one and then tilts his head back to drink. I take the opportunity to check him out. He’s tall and lean, waist trim and I wonder what he does to stay in shape. I know the demanding schedule of a hospital doesn’t support the healthiest of lifestyles. I bet he runs. He looks like a runner.
He smiles with a playful grin and I realize I’ve been caught ogling. I try not to look embarrassed as I drink from my bottle.
“What were you just thinking?”
“I was wondering if you’re a runner.” He laughs but then stops when I don’t join in.
“That’s really what you were thinking?”
“Yeah.”
“Oh. Yeah, I do. I train for marathons. Do you run?”
“Only if there’s food at the finish line.” My stomach rumbles loudly and we both laugh.
“There’s a place really close that has the best breakfast sandwiches. Does that sound good?” I offer. He starts the car and smiles a charming grin.
“That sounds perfect.” He pulls up the GPS on his dash. “What’s the name of it?”
“La Grande Orange.” I smile back and his grin falters a second.
“Oh, can we maybe not go there. It’s near my apartment. And I . . . uh . . . I’ve gone there so much I guess I’m sort of tired of it.”
“Oh, sure. Yeah, we can go anywhere you like. I’m not picky.”
“Thanks, Carly.” He smiles and places his hand over my own where it sits on my knee. “I’m having a really good time with you. Thanks for getting me out of the hospital.” He squeezes my hand before letting it go to turn the steering wheel and back out of our space.
“I’m having a good time, too.” Sans snake sighting.
“I know this great little smoothie shop and it’s close to the hospital. That sound okay?” He asks and I agree.
With his attention on the road I study his features. The strong jawline, his nose and how it juts out at the bridge slightly, the day old scruff and thick blond locks that just beg for a woman to brush her hands through them.
I shake my head and turn my head to watch the streets as they pass. Enough daydreaming. This is only one date. And while I’ve had a good time, I can’t tell if he reciprocates the attraction I feel. He’s been the perfect gentleman, which is refreshing, but I also don’t know if he’s only being polite. I’m so out of my comfort zone. Hell, I haven’t been on a date in nine years. It seems a lifetime ago, though I remember it clearly.
“Come on, Carly, you’re coming out with us tonight,” my roommate whines.
“No way. I’m studying.” I flip the page and start another notecard.
“Oh, my fucking God, you’ve done nothing but study since finals! We’re graduated for fuck’s sake! Life is too short! You need more excitement! Let loose and live a little! You can take one night off to celebrate.”
“Angie, I have nothing to celebrate until I pass my boards.” I blow out a frustrated breath. I’ve been staring at these study guides and making flashcards for a week straight. I really could use a few hours off.
