One Sure Thing (Mamma Lou Matchmaker Series)

by Norfleet, Celeste

  Hope suppressed the smile for as long as she could. But eventually, it forced its way free. It crept from a single corner, than spread wide across her full mouth until her entire face was lit by her radiance. Raymond’s touching slightly comical remark had somehow sparked hope into a dismal memory. Hope easily succumbed yielding to the charm Raymond so naturally exuded. Surrendering to this man would be too easy.

  “I’m sorry for this, this...” she paused to consider her wording, “unprofessional...”

  “Why do you keep apologizing?” Raymond questioned still sincerely concerned. “There’s no need to apologize.”

  “It was unprofessional.”

  “To show emotion isn’t unprofessional?” She remained silent.

  “Do you want to tell me about it?”

  She slowly shook her head.

  “Okay.” He acknowledged her simple statement with acceptance.

  Hope looked around the small room uncomfortably. Suddenly being this close was too close and she needed breathing room. She stood up suddenly taking Raymond by surprise. “The final tests results came in. Mrs. Gates experienced a serious allergic reaction to something she ingested.”

  “I see. Do the tests indicate the catalyst?”

  “No, I’ve ordered a comprehensive allergy test later today. I’ve already contacted admitting about an available room.”

  “So you’re recommending she stays here?”

  “Yes, her blood pressure is still elevated. Her cholesterol is borderline dangerous and her heart rhythm is a little erratic. I’d like her to stay at least a day for observation.”

  Raymond walked over to the pot of newly brewed coffee on the side desk. He poured rich dark coffee into a Styrofoam cup. “I can have her transferred to Manhattan Medical within an hour.”

  “Transferred?”

  “Yes.” He took a sip of the hot brew then pulled his telephone from his jacket pocket and prepared to dial. Then closed it and looked for a landline.

  “Why would you want to disturb her rest by transferring her to another facility?”

  “Because it’s a better hospital and it’s my hospital.”

  “Are you implying that Golden Heart is less than adequate?”

  “I’m saying that I want my grandmother at Manhattan Medical, a hospital that I’m associated with where I can be sure that she’s receiving the best care and attention.”

  “And exactly what do we administer to our patients here, Doctor, chopped liver?”

  “That’s not what I said. I merely inferred that Manhattan Medical has doctors who are experts with this particular issue. Geriatric care can be complicated. Manhattan Medical has an extremely well-trained staff and they have a high level of expertise and experience. The doctors are less,” he paused to consider his wording, “constrained.”

  “That’s extremely generous of you, doctor,” she said sarcastically.

  “Hey, I’m only speaking the truth. This facility is sorely lacking in many respects. Even my brief time here has shown me that.”

  “So, not only are you questioning the quality of our care and concern, but you’re also degrading this facility.”

  “You’re twisting my words.”

  “You’re twisting your own words,” she replied sharply as she walked over to the door and angrily pulled it open. “When you decide to come down off of your high horse, let the rest of the world know. Until then, stay out of my way.” She stormed out of the room without a backward glance.

  “How can anyone be so damn arrogant and pigheaded?” She mumbled as she breezed through the empty halls.

  “And to think, I was just beginning to see him as a regular guy, then he goes and acts like a complete jerk by opening his mouth.”

  Her mind still buzzed with Raymond’s remarks. She ranted and raved with each step, pounding her footsteps harder and harder as she went. Within minutes Hope rounded the corner that led her back to the ER. Just as she breezed through the main doors her arm caught and held. She looked down, and then whipped around to face Raymond. She looked down at his hand gently gripped around her arm.

  Raymond let go instantly. “I’m sorry.”

  Hope looked at him coldly. “For what? Your honesty?”

  “It’s obvious now that some of my remarks were uncalled for. My behavior was unconscionable.”

  “You could say that.”

  “Look, I only want what’s best for my grandmother and her being in Manhattan Medical with me is what’s best.”

  “Maybe you should ask her.”

  “I don’t have to. I know what she needs.”

  Hope took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “You are a piece of work, aren’t you?”

  “Maybe you should get to know me better and find out for yourself.” His brow rose ever so suggestively.

  A proposition? Hope questioned silently. She looked at him oddly. He’s serious. Unbelieving, she smirked, shook her head and walked toward the nurses’ station.

  “Why you arrogant jerk.” She moved to walk away from him.

  Raymond stepped in front of her. “Name calling is a bit childish don’t you think Doctor?”

  “Get out of my way,” she said through gritted teeth.

  Raymond smiled the genuine smile that always got him his way. The fire in her eyes had sparked something deep inside of him and he was enjoying every bit of it.

  “I’ve got this uncontrollable urge to kiss you.”

  Hope’s eyes grew wide with shock. She was utterly speechless. She blinked twice, blew out a deep completely exasperated breath, turned and marched back to the nurses’ station.

  Raymond couldn’t help but smile. His suggestion had taken the confident Dr. Adams completely by surprise. The expression on her face was priceless. He looked over to the nurses’ station before entering his grandmother’s room. There was something about her. The indomitable spirit that came along with that wicked tongue made her interesting.

  Raymond paused by the open doorway a few seconds before entering. He turned, and looked toward the nurses’ station. Hope looked up. They stared at each other a moment. His dimple winked, she quickly glanced away.

  Raymond entered the room surprised to see his grandmother awake and smiling happily. She and Colonel Wheeler were talking quietly. “Come in dear, the orderly just left. My room is ready.” Louise looked up and smiled when Hope entered seconds later. “How am I doing doctor?”

  Hope smiled and checked the monitors. “Your paperwork is complete. An orderly will be here in a few moments to take you to your room. “Do you have any questions?”

  “No.”

  “Good. Sit back and relax.” She helped Louise lay back in the bed. Cautiously, she looked up at Raymond who had been silently staring at her the entire time. Uncomfortable under his intense stare, she looked away quickly, and began to fidget with the machines.

  Just then the orderly arrived. Hope breathed a sigh of relief and made a speedy exit. Thank God her shift was over.

  Chapter Eight

  Dr. Hugh Wescott stood at the window of his comfortable office and looked down at his surroundings. Trash, broken bottles, abandoned cars and dilapidated houses greeted him at every turn. He hated the view and he hated everything associated with his situation.

  He had been assigned to head the ER at Golden Heart for one reason. He was being punished for his lackluster performance at his last hospital.

  He looked far off into the distance. Beyond the hospital complex was a single six-floor building that connected to the four-level parking garage, which was situated on a few acres of less-than-prime real estate. Surrounded by a poor, working class neighborhood, the hospital was more than slightly rough around the edges. Yet what it lacked in charm, the neighborhood more than made up in civic spirit.

  Built in the early 1950s, the hospital was highly regarded in its heyday. Patients came from all over to seek medical treatment at a hospital, which a reputation for excellence. But like many public hospitals in the city, it fell
on hard times.

  It had taken nearly fifteen years for Hugh’s predecessor, Bartholomew Gibson, to get Golden Heart back on track. And it had been an uphill battle, but he had done an excellent job. Golden Heart had beginning to get the recognition it deserved and was well on its way to restoring its reputation.

  Because of that Golden Heart was ripe for a takeover, and two years ago the hospital was acquired by the Barclay Medical Corporation. Golden Heart had become a member of Barclay Med. Shortly thereafter, Bartholomew Gibson suffered a fatal heart attack.

  Hugh had recently joined Barclay Med and was eager to advance within the company. He was enlisted to take Bartholomew’s place. Within a few months, Barclay Med lost interest in Golden Heart.

  Barclay Med was a large conglomerate of privately owned hospitals that kept a close eye on the bottom line. Unfortunately, making money didn’t necessarily equate to quality healthcare. As a result, Golden Heart had lost a fair number of gifted doctors and nurses. But many stayed on, those who were committed to the health and welfare of the community.

  Still, Golden Heart’s reputation, as far as most were concerned, was good. Their doctors, nurses, and support staff were excellent. The problem was that once Golden Heart became private their mission—to provide quality public healthcare—went out the window. Although Golden Heart was part of Barclay Med, it was considered second-class compared to other more prestigious facilities.

  Hugh was determined to change that image. He needed Barclay Med to see him as a no nonsense hospital administrator who was finding ways to increase the bottom line. So what if a few people went without health care. Somebody had to make sacrifices.

  In his years as a hospital administrator, he had faced many challenges. And he knew Golden Heart was in serious trouble.

  Under the new Barclay Med régime, Golden Heart was literally on its last leg financially. And Hugh knew he needed to raise the profile and some capital if Golden Heart was to survive. To add to its troubles, the hospital had recently been plagued by several wrongful death lawsuits and malpractice litigation.

  Hugh sighed heavily as he looked up at the sky. The sun hung low on the horizon, just above the trees in Wellington Park. He smiled as he re-folded and placed his silk pocket square back in his jacket. He adjusted the perfectly knotted tie and stared at his reflection in the windowpane.

  His clear brown eyes, the color of mud on a rainy day, sparkled in anticipation. His thin narrow face creased with age lines was pinched in a smile. This day just kept getting better and better. He couldn’t believe his luck. Of all people to be admitted to the ER, who would have guessed it would be Louise Gates. He smiled remembering his early morning conversations with her.

  She was all that he’d imagined and more. But, the most important thing was, she was in his hospital, under his care. And her grandson Dr. Raymond Gates was on his way to his office at that very moment.

  Hugh was not prone to daydreams and saw himself as a pragmatist. Practicality was his mantra. Yet, for a brief moment, he allowed himself to indulge the possibility of having Raymond Gates on his staff. Having both him and his father, Raymond Sr. on staff would be nothing less than a dream come true. With their prestige and money, Barclay Med would give him practically anything he wanted. He could probably get Golden Heart rebuilt from the ground up. Ever since he received the early morning telephone call, nothing could dampen his enthusiasm.

  Hugh rubbed his neatly trimmed beard then pulled on the tiny diamond stud in his ear lobe. After a miserable start to the day, it was going to end on a high note.

  Now, grateful to have a moment’s peace before Raymond Gates arrived, he sat down at his desk and cleared the open files. He looked at his watch again. Usually he’d be well on his way home by this time. But, when he’d received a call requesting an immediate appointment, there was no way he was going to postpone it. Not after he’d been actively pursuing this man for the past two years.

  It was exactly six o’clock. And Gates would be arriving at any moment. A slow easy smile creased his thin lips as the intercom sounded.

  “Yes,” he pushed a button and leaned in excitedly.

  “Dr. Wallace is here to see you.”

  “Tell him I’ll speak to him tomorrow.”

  “He says that it’s urgent. He’d like to talk to you before he goes on shift.”

  Hugh rolled his eyes; everything was urgent as far as Scott Wallace was concerned. “It will have to wait until tomorrow.”

  “He says it’s regarding a disturbance in the ER last night.”

  “Send him in,” Hugh stated and exhaled an exasperated breath as he rolled his eyes to the ceiling. Scott Wallace was an excellent doctor with credentials that included an internship at Johns Hopkins under his tutelage. Unfortunately, when it came to his social skills, he hadn’t gotten past the third grade. He had the sometimes annoying habit of prying and tattling like an eight year old.

  Wallace scurried into Hugh’s office, and within five minutes outlined the early morning ER altercation between doctors Adams and Gates. Hugh sat quietly listening with his usual indifference.

  “…Dr. Gates and Dr Adams…”

  “What?” Hugh said. “Who did you say?”

  Scott repeated his story as Hugh’s thoughts drifted to two little words, damage control. He barely even noticed when Scott ended his report and left the office.

  He picked up the phone and had his assistant leave a message on Hope’s beeper that he wanted to see her as soon as possible.

  Hugh surmised that Raymond Gates was probably upset about his treatment and was preparing to lodge a formal complaint. So much for pipe dreams, he thought. Still, Hugh was curious as to why Gates didn’t mention the argument when they spoke on the phone earlier.

  Hugh relaxed in the cushioned leather chair with his arms resting comfortably on the armrests. He decided that he liked recent redecorating of his office. The dark, rich tones of navy, mahogany and tan suited his prestigious title of Hospital Administrator.

  He turned his head slightly to glance up at the impressive wall of degrees, citations and awards that were prominently displayed behind his desk. This was his showpiece and a self-serving display of his inflated ego.

  It was imposing to say the least, giving everyone who entered the office the impression that he was important.

  Hugh nodded approvingly after standing to straighten an award bestowed upon him from the board of directors a year ago. They had honored him for his efforts in securing a grant for much-needed equipment for the hospital’s radiology wing. It was a token of their gratitude given at the annual hospital fundraiser.

  Recently, Hugh had been given the responsibility of fundraising. Up to now, he had risen to every challenge. But he needed just one major contribution to get a seat on the Barclay Medical Corporation board of directors.

  Adding Raymond Gates to his staff would be a huge coup. After months of phone calls, Raymond Gates had finally called him and requested a meeting. Now, all he had to do was convince Raymond Gates to join Golden Heart, along with the philanthropic windfall that would follow from his well-connected family.

  Hugh quickly made a mental list of the items he wanted immediately, the items he would wait on and the items he would have to reconsider. With everything neatly listed he decided to scratch the last list, shoot the works and get it all. The buzz of the intercom interrupted his thoughts. “Yes.”

  “Dr. Gates has arrived.”

  “Thank you.”

  Hugh stood, straightened his tie then hurried across the room. He opened the door and enthusiastically thrust his hand out to greet his guest. The smile on his face was a bit too exuberant. “Dr. Gates,” he said, with a sigh of satisfaction as if he had just met a revered saint. “Please come in.” He stepped aside to allow Raymond to enter.

  “Thank you,” Raymond replied then breezed into Hugh’s office. “And I appreciate your seeing me on such short notice.”

  “Oh, think nothing of it. I’m always availa
ble for a distinguished physician.”

  Hugh briefly nodded a pleasant goodnight to his secretary then turned back and followed Raymond into the office. He found Raymond standing in the center of the room glancing at his wall of awards and citations.

  “Very impressive.”

  “Oh, it’s nothing.” Hugh smiled proudly. “Dr. Gates, please have a seat,” he offered with exaggerated charm. “May I offer you a cup of coffee or tea, or perhaps something stronger?”

  “No thanks,” Raymond responded quickly.

  “I must say Dr. Gates,” Hugh began smoothly, “it’s indeed a pleasure and honor to finally meet you. Your remarkable skill and reputation precedes you.”

  Raymond nodded, familiar with the pandering and flattery he often encountered. He took a seat across from the large neatly ordered desk. “Thank you, and please, call me Raymond.”

  Hugh nodded, smiled then slowly circled his desk but didn’t sit down. “And I insist that you call me Hugh. I must admit Raymond, I was both intrigued and excited to receive your call this morning. As I’m sure you’re well aware, we’ve been trying to get you at this hospital for some time. “But, first of all and most importantly, I’d just like to say that I have only just recently been informed of your problems in our ER last night. I am truly appalled. And on behalf of the entire Golden Heart staff, I’d like to formally apologize.” He lowered his eyes expecting the worst.

  “Doctor,” Raymond began, then changed his tone, “Hugh, I didn’t come here for an apology from you, but rather I came to offer an apology to you and your staff.”

  Suddenly lightheaded with his reversal of fortune, Hugh nearly passed out. He listened to Raymond recount last night’s incident, a version which was totally different from Scott’s. His head was spinning. Suppressing the urge to jump for joy, Hugh nearly leapt to Raymond’s side to shake hands. “So the events of yesterday were barely worth mentioning.”

  “Exactly,” Raymond added.

  With a surge of renewed confidence, Hugh began his pitch as he circled back behind his desk. “Raymond, our resources here at Golden Heart are far less than a Manhattan Medical in many ways. Our facility, although small, offers a tremendous range of medical services. Of course, we don’t have the resources of a medical facility like yours, but I’m sure if you find our care excellent, you might find a way to contribute to the hospital.”