“All right then. I think if we make a few adjustments you’ll be fine.”
Anabelle shadowed Seri for most of the morning and was largely impressed with the aide’s work and her ability to see patients’ needs and carry them through. She completed her assigned tasks thoroughly, yet quickly. She also had a wonderful bedside manner and seemed to make patients feel special.
When they’d finished baths and morning care, Anabelle suggested a break. She complimented Seri on what she’d observed.
“I think you’re going to make a fine nurse or doctor.”
Seri smiled. “Thanks. Like I said, I like helping people.”
“I think what has happened with you is that you are able to get your work done quickly while the others are still working. I’d like you to offer to help the others. You’re welcome to take your breaks and lunch, but if you see that someone is especially busy or having a rough time, come alongside them. We work as a team here. We not only look at our patients’ needs, but at what we can do for our co-workers as well.”
“So I should do more than what I’m scheduled to do?”
“Possibly, yes. Be available to run errands for the others or help with bed changes and patient care.”
Seri nodded. “I could do that, but it doesn’t seem right to punish me because I’m more efficient.”
Anabelle grinned. “Rather than see it as punishment, maybe you could see helping others get their work done as an opportunity to commit random acts of kindness.”
“I see what you mean.” Seri’s eyes brightened.
“And you’ll get more experience. I really think if you become more of a team member, the others will see you for the competent worker you are.”
“You got it, Mrs. Scott.”
Anabelle felt good about her encounter with Seri. The girl had a great deal of potential. She was not only intelligent, she had people skills. Anabelle made a special point of observing her interaction with her peers. She also called Becky in to talk with her about Seri and explain the situation.
“I’m glad you told me,” Becky said. “The more I get to know her, the more I like her.”
“Me too.” Anabelle laughed.
At 11:15 AM, Elena stepped into the nurses’ station wishing Sarah would call to cancel. Too often throughout the previous day and this morning, she had asked God to let something happen so she wouldn’t have to go. Unfortunately, she was free to take her lunch as scheduled. Elena gave in and let Marge know she would be going over to the coffee shop.
“Oh, good.” Marge looked up from the computer. “Would you mind picking up a latte?”
“I’ll be happy to.” Elena smiled, glad for the distraction.
“Let me give you some money.”
“Oh, no need. You can pay me when I get back.” Elena waved and hurried off, wanting to get this unpleasantness over with as soon as possible. Truth be told, she didn’t mind leaving the hospital this morning. A somberness blanketed the Intensive Care Unit, having lost Tucker. Elena hadn’t personally treated him, but she had spent a part of the morning comforting the nurse who had.
At Cuppa Coffee, Elena looked around for Sarah but didn’t see her.
“Can I help you?” A young, blond barista asked.
Elena glanced up at the menu board and ordered a mocha latte and nachos. She’d get Marge’s drink just before she left. A few minutes later, with coffee in hand, she settled into a comfy chair in the corner where she could see everyone coming in. Elena had brought her notes for Isabel’s party with her to work on if she had time.
As it turned out, she had a full half hour. Her drink and nachos were long gone. She ordered Marge’s latte, decided to wait one final minute then left. She was both annoyed and relieved—annoyed Sarah had caused her so much angst and relieved she didn’t have to face her. Now Elena knew everything she needed to know about where Sarah’s priorities stood. Plus the time hadn’t been a total loss. She’d managed to fill out and address all of the invitations for the party.
“Well, Lord, I did my part,” Elena muttered as she made her way across the busy street.
But it might not be that simple.
Chapter Twelve
CANDACE, HAVING HAD A RATHER UP-AND-DOWN DAY, stopped for a latte at Cuppa Coffee. The espresso shop sat across the street from the hospital and was a favorite among hospital personnel. When she’d placed her order, she looked around for a place to sit and noticed Heath Carlson sitting at a corner table by the window.
His presence startled her. Part of her wanted to join him, but another part hesitated. The hesitation had little to do with common sense. He was a colleague and a friend. He looked up just then and put his paper down. “Hey, what a surprise.” He offered a welcoming smile and stood to pull out a chair for her.
“Hey, yourself.” Candace headed in his direction. “Is it okay if I join you?”
“Please do.”
“Thanks.” Candace set her hot hazelnut latte on the table and settled into the chair. She looked around. “I don’t usually come here in the afternoon.”
“I know.” He chuckled. “That sounded eerie. I come in almost every day about this time and have never seen you.”
“Oh.” She blew across the top of the hot brew. “I usually go right home and have tea with my mother. I needed something stronger today.”
“Bad day?”
“We lost a teenage boy today. I didn’t know him personally, but it’s sad to lose someone just the same.”
“I heard. Wounds in the abdomen can be very difficult to treat. He was a really nice kid. I took the X-rays when he came in.”
Candace didn’t want to dwell on death, so she switched to her favorite topic: babies. “We sent the Parsons twins home today. What a sweet family. I’m going to miss those babies.”
Heath smiled, the corners of his eyes crinkling. He leaned back and rested his right ankle on his left knee. A beat of silence passed between them.
“I probably shouldn’t ask this, Candace, but have you decided about whether or not to see a counselor?”
“It’s all right. You’re not the only one who’s been after me to see someone. I actually have someone lined up.” Candace didn’t tell him that her mother had been the one to set up the appointment.
“Good.”
“I resigned from the code team.” Candace wasn’t sure why she told him that.
“Are you feeling okay about that?” Heath ran a hand through his hair. “It sounds like I’m cross-examining you. I’m not, really.”
“It’s all right. And no, I’m not okay with it.” She sipped at her coffee. I feel like a failure.
“You can always go back to it. The most important thing is for you to get help.”
“That’s true.” Even though his concern stirred her emotions at times, Candace enjoyed his easy, laid-back style. “So how was your day?”
He chuckled. “Busy as usual. But it’s looking up. I like when I have the opportunity to spend some time with you.”
A hot blush crept up her neck. She avoided his eyes and took a long sip of her coffee.
Anabelle was about to leave for the day when she got a frantic call from Genna.
“Oh, Anabelle. I’m so glad I caught you. Would you mind stopping by the house on your way home? Drew is out digging in the yard. He wants to plant some rose bushes he got just before he went into the hospital. He’s afraid they will die. I told him I would do it, but he won’t listen. I don’t understand his reasoning. I’d much rather lose the rose bushes than lose him.”
“I’ll be right there.”
On the way to the Hamiltons’ house, Anabelle wondered what they could do to get Drew to behave himself. She knew how difficult this was for him. He wanted instant healing; and though he knew better, he refused to slow down.
She understood how he might want to be involved in the conferences with his peers to discuss his patients. A meeting where he shared his expertise with other medical staff was one thing, but what had pushed hi
m to indulge in heavy yard work?
Had he heard about Tucker’s death? Was he working off anger or disappointment? Had Mr. Blake’s son approached him about a lawsuit?
Anabelle tried to put herself in his place. She’d have a hard time sitting still too. She would want to keep her fingers on the pulse of her life and the lives of those around her.
What would it take to get someone as headstrong as Drew to realize how important it was for him to rest and adequately heal? Maybe if she and Genna talked with James, Elena and Candace, they could come up with some kind of plan. Maybe if they all talked to him at once, it would help. She sighed, not sure anything or anybody could get through that thick skull of his. But they had to do something.
Anabelle pulled into the circular driveway but saw no sign of Dr. Hamilton or Genna in their expansive front yard. They lived in an older, three-story brick home that was practical, yet elegant. She parked just past the entry behind Genna’s “happy car,” a new red Mustang convertible, and exited her own Ford. Genna opened the door before Anabelle could knock.
“Oh, thank goodness you’re here.” Genna flung her arms around Anabelle in a frantic hug. “He finally gave up on the rose bushes. After planting one, he dragged himself up to the patio. He’s resting for the moment and drinking some lemon water, but I don’t know how long that will last.”
“How many roses does he want to plant?” Anabelle asked, looking out the glass doors of the patio.
“A dozen or so.”
“Oh, mercy.” Anabelle pulled her cell phone out. “I’m calling Cameron. He can have those roses planted in no time.”
“Perfect.” Genna headed for the kitchen. “I’ll pour us some iced tea, and I’ll let you break the news to Drew.”
Twenty minutes later Anabelle sat with Drew and Genna on their lovely deck drinking tea from a tall glass and watching Cameron plant roses.
“I suppose I should thank you.” Drew sighed. “I have to admit you and Genna were right about the yard work. It’s a lot more strenuous than I thought it would be.”
“I can’t believe you tried,” Anabelle scolded. “You of all people should know better.”
“Okay, I admit it wasn’t my brightest idea.” Drew’s brows knit as he watched Cameron work, thinking no doubt about his disabilities.
“No, it wasn’t.” Anabelle watched her husband with admiration. He hadn’t hesitated for even a second when she’d asked for his help. He wasn’t bad to look at either. He’d taken his shirt off and wore cutoff jeans. Though his hair was graying, he had the physique of a much younger man.
“Just promise me you’ll call Cameron if you need more yard work done. He’ll be happy to do that for you.”
“I appreciate that, Anabelle.” He rose from his chair. “Now if you ladies don’t mind, I think I’ll take a short nap.” He kissed Genna. “Wake me when dinner’s ready.”
Anabelle and Genna watched him walk inside, a bit stooped and weary. “He doesn’t look good, does he?” Genna asked.
Since Anabelle’s arrival his color had changed from exertion red to pale tan. “He looks better than when I came. I’m glad he had the sense to stop.”
Once the plants were in, Genna invited them to stay for dinner. “It’s nothing fancy, but you’re welcome to join us.”
“Sounds good,” Cameron used a red cloth to wipe his brow. “But I need to go home and clean up.”
Anabelle thanked her. “I have dinner in the Crock-Pot. And I’m not sure Drew is up to having guests. Maybe another time.”
They said their good-byes and headed for their vehicles. Cameron opened the door for Anabelle and closed it after she’d settled in. Hands resting on the roof, he leaned down. “I appreciate your calling me, lass. Doc looked a bit peaked.”
“I have a feeling you helped him avert a major setback. Digging is bad enough; but in this heat and humidity…” She glanced up at Cameron. “What was he thinking?”
“That he isn’t like his patients, maybe. That he’s stronger than that. It’s a guy thing. He can’t stand the idea of depending on other people.”
Anabelle sighed. “I do understand that. I’m just afraid we’ll lose him.”
“I can have a talk with him if you’d like. He might be willing to listen to reason.”
“You can try, my love. I’m not sure anyone can convince him, unless…” An idea began to form in Anabelle’s head. “I think I might have an answer.”
“Are you going to share?” He lowered his head to kiss her forehead.
“Not yet. I need some time to work out the details.”
Anabelle watched Cameron climb into his pickup and then followed him home. She pulled into the driveway, and as the garage door opened, another car pulled in behind them.
“Looks like we have company.” She stepped forward to join Cameron on the sidewalk.
“Mmm. I forgot to tell you. Kirstie called earlier and said she was bringing a friend over to meet us.”
“Her date from the other night?”
Cameron shrugged. “She didn’t say, but I’ll let you do the greeting while I shower and make myself presentable.”
Anabelle walked back to the car to greet their daughter and her friend. Kirstie climbed out of the passenger side and Mark, her teacher friend, unfolded himself from the driver’s side.
“Hello.” Anabelle smiled even though her insides were churning. Bringing her boyfriend to meet her parents? Were they getting serious?
“Hi, Mother.” Kirstie hugged her and turned back to her guest. “You remember my friend Mark Holcher.”
“I do.” Anabelle reached out to shake his hand. “Welcome.”
“Mark’s been asking to see the farm, so I thought today was as good a day as any.”
“Sure, though there isn’t that much to see.”
He chuckled. “It is to a city boy.”
“Then by all means, enjoy. I trust you’ll be joining us for dinner,” Anabelle said, remembering her manners.
“If it isn’t too much trouble, Mrs. Scott.” Mark grinned. There was something warm and kind in his smile.
“Truth is, I’d be disappointed if you didn’t.”
When Cameron came down, he met Mark, then snagged a couple drinks from the fridge and headed outside with Kirstie’s “friend.” Cameron enjoyed showing people their farm. Now that he was retired, he wanted to raise goats and chickens and a horse or two.
Kirstie watched them disappear into the barn, then turned and hitched a hip onto a stool at the counter.
“Want some iced tea?” Anabelle asked as she checked the slow cooker.
“Sure. I’ll get it.” Kirstie walked around the island to the cupboard, took down two glasses, filled them from the ice dispenser on the fridge door and then poured in the amber liquid.
“Thanks.” Anabelle took the glass and set it on the counter, then pulled a bag of salad greens from the fridge. “You’re not limping as much as you used to.” Anabelle spoke her thoughts out loud.
“Really?” Kirstie chuckled as she made her way back to the stool. “You know, Mother, you are the first to notice.”
Smiling, Anabelle teased, “As it should be. A mother should be the first to know.”
“Yeah, right. Is that a hint? You want to know more about my love life?”
Anabelle shook her head and felt a slight flush creep up her cheeks. “We were talking about the leg.” She actually was very curious to know more about Mark but hesitated to ask. After a few moments of silence, she couldn’t stand it anymore. “So, are you two dating regularly?”
Kirstie shrugged and turned her attention to the salad. “Don’t worry, Mother. We like each other and we have a lot in common. And Mark doesn’t look at me like I’m an alien when he sees my leg.”
Anabelle forced a smile. “That’s a plus.”
Kirstie sighed. “More than you know.”
Sensing that Kirstie didn’t want to talk about her relationship with Mark, Anabelle asked, “Are you all ready for sch
ool?”
“Almost. I was thinking maybe you and Ainslee and I could go shopping. Like Ainslee told me the other day, I need more grown-up clothes.”
“I’d love that.” Anabelle lifted out the large, falling-apart chicken onto a platter, then set the potatoes, parsnips and carrots alongside. “Want to call the guys in?”
“Sure.” Kirstie set the salad she’d made on the table along with service for four. She slid open the patio door and called Mark and her dad in to dinner.
Anabelle watched her; for a brief moment, she let herself imagine what it would be like if Kirstie were married and had begun a family of her own. Going back to the kitchen, she shook the thoughts away. Her baby was nowhere near being ready to settle down. Besides, with Ainslee pregnant she’d soon be a grandmother for real.
Chapter Thirteen
ON FRIDAY MORNING, ANABELLE SPOTTED DR. DREW’S car in the physicians’ parking lot. “Oh no, not again.” She couldn’t believe that he’d come in today, especially after the rose fiasco the afternoon before.
Yes, she could believe it. One of the things that made him such a popular doctor was that he cared about his patients—too much at times. He would want to see his former patients and check on the final results of Tucker’s tests. He’d check on Dillon Blake as well. And who knew how many others?
Anabelle bypassed her floor and got off on the third, making a beeline for Dr. Hamilton’s office which was located just inside the Day Surgery area.
The door was closed, and no one answered. Concerned, she reached for the handle. “I wouldn’t do that if I were you.” Came the familiar voice behind her. “Breaking and entering is a major offense.”
She turned around and met Drew’s smile with one of her own. “So is working when you should be at home recovering.”
“I’m not doing anything strenuous. I learned my lesson on that count yesterday.”
He held up his free hand when she opened her mouth to argue. “I know what you’re going to say, but I’ve been doing some thinking. There’s no reason I can’t see patients and do some paperwork. I’m fine, Anabelle.”
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