More Than Ever: The Home Series, Book One

by Gretchen Tubbs

  ***

  Bennett

  When I walked over to the center, I never imagined my morning would end up the way it did. I peel off my vomit-covered scrubs and head into the showers lining the locker room at the hospital. Sure, I’ve been puked on before. Comes with the territory. Never have I been so damn happy about it, though.

  I am buzzing with a current of excitement about this morning’s events. I can feel it under my skin, flowing through my veins. This is not a familiar feeling. I don’t get excited about anything. Not much in my life has given me cause for excitement. I try to shake it off, but it’s impossible. Damn. Lucy has really done a number on me, and I barely spoke to her. I feel like I’m going crazy.

  I’ve got to find out more about this girl. She’s a sassy little thing, but I’m pretty sure it’s all an act. She’s got fire in her eyes, though, that’s for sure. And, God, she’s gorgeous. Sounds strange, considering she was sweating, panting, and puking, but I’ve never felt like I did when I laid eyes on her. I sound like a douche, but I felt it in my gut when I looked at her. Right down in the pit of my stomach. It was like a punch, which is something I am familiar with, when I put my hands on her to take her pulse. I think she felt it, too. Her pulse skyrocketed as soon as I laid my hands on her frail little arm. I also find it interesting that she was quick to clarify her single status to me. Thank fuck I have a new patient at the center that requires a lot of time and attention. Looks like I’ll be seeing a lot more of this girl.

  A smile crosses my face as I dry off and jump out of the shower. It feels foreign being there. Smiles don’t often find themselves there. I throw on a new pair of scrubs and head back to work.

  ***

  Lucy

  The rest of my appointment goes off without a hitch. Perky is back, going on and on about how Bennett changed my settings and made this so much more tolerable. Mom, of course, is recording everything in the notebook. I feel much better. Just exhausted, cold, and very confused about this man I just met. We barely spoke, but he put his hands on me and I want him to do it again. Just not in a ‘let me check to make sure you’re not dying’ way. This is so bizarre. I am roused from my thoughts by Maggie and Perky’s conversation. My ears perk up at the mention of Bennett’s name. Maggie is on a mission, trying to find out as much as she can from Perky.

  “So, if he’s a doctor, why doesn’t anyone call him Dr. Bennett? His nametag just said Bennett Strickland with some letters behind it.”

  “Bennett isn’t a doctor. He’s a Nurse Practitioner.”

  “What does that mean?”

  “He’s a nurse with a specialized degree and training. He can treat patients as their primary caregiver.”

  “An ‘almost doctor’,” Maggie giggles.

  Maggie and Perky continue gossiping about Bennett, Maggie digging for any information she can get. Perky doesn’t know much.

  “He mostly keeps to himself. He’s very quiet. Bennett comes here to do his job and goes back to the hospital. He’s incredible with his patients, but he doesn’t really interact with any of the staff much. Well, except for Rose. Those two are something. So, other than Rose, he’s very serious. No one can quite figure him out around here.”

  “He wasn’t very serious when he was winking and grinning at Luce,” says Maggie.

  Shit. I was hoping she didn’t see that.

  “He probably winks at everyone who throws up on him. You know, to make them feel better,” says Perky, sending a small grin my way.

  Maybe Nurse Perky isn’t so bad after all.

  My body hasn’t felt this worn out since gymnastics. The worst days of conditioning would fatigue my body to the point of complete exhaustion. Well, this is a close second. We get home from the center and I go straight to bed. I can’t even find the energy for a shower. I sleep for a few hours and am semi-conscious when Miller comes in to check on me. I feel him sitting on the bed, but can’t quite get my eyes open yet. He just sits, rubbing my arm, which is thrown over my covers. It’s still so sensitive. His touch is light and loving, and he steers clear from my fistula. I move my arm to rest across his waist so he knows I know he’s there.

  “You awake, Goose?”

  All he gets in return is a grunt.

  “Day one is over. You took it like a champ. Well, aside from throwing up all over that guy.” The humor leaves his voice. “I’m proud of you. You’re the strongest, bravest person I know. Do I need to skip class and stay with you?”

  “No,” I manage to whisper. My throat feels like sandpaper; it’s burning from thirst and emotion. What would I do without my Miller?

  “Maggie went to study. I called to let her know I’m leaving, so she’s on her way back home. I’m coming straight home after class. I’ll cook for you. I’ll even let you pick what we watch. Call me if you need anything.”

  I squeeze his waist, hoping he knows that means thanks, I will, I love you, and see you after class. It gets me a squeeze back and a kiss on my matted bed head.

  “Love you, Luce. See you soon.”

  Chapter Six

  I wake up hours later and come out to the front of the apartment. The living room table is host to a buffet of all my favorite foods. Veggies and ranch dip, hummus and pita bread, grilled cheese sandwiches, vegetable soup, and an assortment of pickles, capers, and olives. There are even unwrapped mini Snickers bars and some Junior Mints for dessert. Miller has outdone himself. As I sink down onto the couch, Maggie comes barging through the front door, quite dramatically, throwing all her stuff down. She makes herself comfortable beside me and digs in. Miller is coming in from the kitchen with drinks.

  “Did you get your studying done?” I ask as I dip the grilled cheese into the piping hot soup. It smells delicious, and I’m suddenly starving.

  “If by studying you mean stalking Almost Doctor Bennett, then yes. But the man is nowhere to be found. I can’t find him on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. What the hell am I supposed to do now?” Maggie asks.

  “Gee, I don’t know. Maybe get to know him the old fashioned way,” Miller chimes in. Miller is anti-social media. If you want anything from him, you need to do it in person or on the phone. Even then, it needs to be an actual call and not a text. He’s like an old grandpa when it comes to technology. I’m surprised he even has a cell phone.

  “And he really didn’t seem all that interested, Mags,” Miller adds.

  Maggie screeches in absolute horror. “As if! He was totally into me. He was just busy saving Goose’s life.”

  “I don’t know. I didn’t see any winks or grins thrown your way,” Miller throws back at her.

  “Is there anyone in that damn place that didn’t see that,” I huff. “That was strictly a ‘no hard feelings for throwing up on me’ wink.”

  “Maybe he has a fetish and you got him excited,” Maggie chuckles.

  I choke on an olive. She is so stupid!

  “Anyway, Goose, I am your official dialysis bitch. I will be at you beck and call, catering to your every need. I just need to get the 411 on when Almost Doctor Bennett will be there so I can plan accordingly and make proper wardrobe decisions. If I can’t get my info from social media, I will get it from that sweet old lady, Rose.”

  “Hell, no. You are not using this as a way to pick up men. You do enough of that on your own without using me as an excuse. I am banning you from the building. You are being ridiculous.”

  “And you are being jealous!”

  “Have you lost your mind?!” I yell. I can feel my blood pressure rising higher the longer this bizarre conversation takes place.

  “Well, you did make it very clear to him that Miller is not your boyfriend. Sounds like you are the one interested in some Bennett action. Scared of a little competition, sis?” Maggie asks.

  Maggie and I are yelling at this point, our chests heaving, our faces red. Miller is standing in front of the couch, just taking this all in. The two of us fighting like this is nothing unusual. He has been a witness to this our entire li
ves. I’m looking at Miller, just waiting for him to defend me. My eyes are practically bugging out of my head, sending him a silent message, asking for help. It doesn’t work.

  “She does have a point. Since when do you care if people think we are dating? You never say anything about us to anyone,” Miller tells me.

  “That’s not what I was doing. I don’t care what he thinks, Miller. I was in crisis mode. I thought I was dying, for God’s sake. Can we just drop this?”

  I look at my sister, who seems to have calmed down. “You can come, Mags, but we are not treating it like a bar. Besides, we will probably never even see him again.”

  ***

  Famous last words. As Maggie and I pull up Wednesday, we see him coming. He’s just crossing the street. I pause for a minute to take in the sight of him. He is in dark gray scrubs with a long sleeved black shirt underneath, covering his massive arms. I guess it’s cold at the hospital. He’s wearing aviators to block his eyes against the harsh morning sun. There’s a giant cup of coffee in his hand that I would kill for right now. He absent mindedly rubs his hand over his short hair. The thought crosses my mind once again that he looks like he was in the military, especially since I’m seeing the way he walks, but, since Maggie came up empty-handed in her stalking, I’m not sure. It doesn’t look like he’s shaved since I last saw him. Maybe the scruff is intentional.

  As soon as our car doors slam, he spots us and walks towards the car. Maggie is beaming; I am walking a little faster towards the door. It’s too early for all this.

  “Well, hello, Bennett. We meet again,” she says, her voice taking on a fake quality. It’s a bit nauseating. Could she be any more annoying?

  “Megan,” he says in a flat voice.

  “It’s Maggie. I guess you forgot since there was so much going on when we met.”

  Okay. Now she’s sounding a little desperate. I slow down so she doesn’t make a fool out of herself. Bennett looks at me and smiles.

  “Hi Lucy. You’re looking much better this morning.”

  He pushes his sunglasses off his face. His dark green eyes travel down my body and back up again. Not much to see, especially since I’m covered up in my new uniform of yoga pants and hoodie. But still, I can feel the pink hitting my neck and traveling upwards. Shit. He takes my bag from me as we walk.

  “I am. Thanks.” I grab Maggie’s hand and drag her to the doors.

  We walk in and Rose is getting out of her seat, beaming. Her eyes are aimed behind Maggie and me. Her frail little body starts to shuffle out from behind the desk.

  “Bennett, honey, come here and give me a hug. You didn’t even stop and visit with me before you left Monday.”

  Bennett towers over Rose and envelops her in a gentle bear hug.

  “I’m so sorry, Rose. Lucy here needed me. I had to take care of her.” He leans in close again, this time talking in a loud whisper. “And after I was done with Lucy, I wasn’t in any condition to visit with you.”

  “I heard about poor Lucy’s first time from her boyfriend,” she says, looking towards me. “Lucy, what is your young beau’s name? Oh, yes, Miller. He’s so polite and well mannered. Such a sweet young man.”

  Bennett jumps in right away. “Oh, no ma’am. Lucy made it very clear that Miller is not her boyfriend.”

  “Well, I could have sworn that he was. He treats her like my Frank used to treat me,” Rose says, getting a faraway look in her soft brown eyes.

  Geez. What the hell is going on?

  “Hello? I’m right here. I’m ready for my appointment now. You two can discuss my love life later.”

  “Rose, honey, it sounds like our Lucy is ready to get started. Why don’t you call her nurse and I’ll walk her back. You sit and rest. Finish your cup of coffee.”

  What is he doing? Our Lucy?

  “Bennett, you are such a sweet boy.” Her old, wrinkled hand is patting his cheek like he’s a small child and not a grown man. Then, she looks at me. “Lucy, isn’t he such a sweet boy?”

  She has a twinkle in her eye. So does Bennett.

  “Let’s go,” I say, ignoring Rose’s question.

  “Bennett, can we please have the same chair as last time?” Maggie asks him. “Lucy likes her privacy and you never know who will pop in later. We like our space.”

  Maggie is getting up in his personal space again, back in full flirt mode. I think she wants a reaction like Rose got. I hate to burst her bubble, but it doesn’t look like it’s going to happen. Bennett turns to me, placing his hand on the small of my back. I feel a zap of electricity run up my spine. Good God.

  “Lucy, do you want to be in the same spot?” he asks.

  “Sure. I like to be by myself. And, I’m sure some of the crazies will show up later.”

  Maggie butts in, “Miller said he was coming by before he left the apartment this morning. You know he would never forgive himself if you needed something and he wasn’t here to take care of you.” She looks up at Bennett, continuing, “Those two have loved each other practically all their lives.”

  What the hell is she doing?

  “But he’s not her boyfriend?” Bennett asks, obviously confused at Maggie’s little declaration.

  “Maggie, I’m sure Bennett has things to do. He doesn’t need to listen to you talk about me and Miller’s nonexistent relationship.”

  “Nonexistent? You’re so funny! You live with him!” Maggie is cackling like a damn hyena.

  “Here’s your nurse,” Bennett says, dropping my bag as he turns and walks off, his attitude quite different than just thirty seconds ago.

  This is getting so strange.

  My nurse takes my vitals, takes me for my weigh in, and finally gets me hooked up. Maggie gets her mind off of Bennett long enough to get herself settled in a chair and as far away as possible from my arm that’s connected to the machine. Neither of us can stand to even look in that direction. When the nurse leaves, I take the opportunity to ream her ass out.

  “What the hell are you doing? Why are you discussing me and Miller with him? It is not his fucking business!” I say, hissing through clenched teeth, yet not understanding why this is infuriating me so much.

  “Well, it’s obvious he’s interested in you. ‘OUR LUCY!’ Please. Plus, if he is ignoring me, he must mean business. You refuse to be around anyone but Miller, so if he thinks you ARE with Miller, he will back off. I’m doing you a favor.”

  “Back off from what? He wasn’t doing anything. He was humoring an old lady, and asking about my seating choice. Next thing I know, you’re going off on a tangent about Miller like we are practically married! There is nothing going on between me and Miller.”

  The longer I talk, the louder my voice is getting. Maggie’s eyes shift past my recliner. I look over my shoulder, and Bennett is standing at the next station over with a shit-eatin’ grin plastered on his face. I thump my head against the back of my chair. Maggie is sporting a matching grin. There goes her brilliant ‘make him think Lucy’s dating Miller’ plan. I have a feeling he heard that entire conversation, and things are about to get complicated.

  Chapter Seven

  Wednesday night we pull up at my parent’s house for dinner. Wednesday dinners have always been a sacred tradition in our household for as far back as I can remember. Even growing up, that was the only night of the week that I wasn’t at the gym until all hours of the night. It was the only night during the week we could have dinner as a family. Even now, Daddy always makes sure he’s not on the schedule to work. He’s a cop, and usually works nights, but not on Wednesdays. Nine times out of ten, you can find Miller at the table with us, too.

  The three of us walk into the house, and the smell of Mom’s gumbo hits us. It’s still too hot outside for it, but it’s our favorite, so she makes it year round.

  Dad’s patrol car wasn’t parked in the driveway when we pulled up, so we must be a little early.

  “Hey girls. Hi Miller. Come sit down and tell me how it went today.”

  “
Do you want the medical details, or the romantic details?” laughs Maggie, not wasting any time.

  “Did you meet someone, Maggie?” Mom’s eyes are blazing with interest.

  You say any variation of the word ‘romance’ and Mom turns into a giddy school girl.

  “Oh, we all met him Monday, Momma. I’m just not the one he’s interested in,” Maggie tells her.

  “Maggie, what the hell are you talking about?” Miller snaps, his tolerance for her drama low.

  Maggie shoots a look toward Miller but ignores his question. She is drawing this out for Mom’s benefit. She knows how Mom is about this shit.

  “Momma, do you remember that hottie that helped Goose Monday when she got sick?” Mom nods enthusiastically. “Well, I tried my hardest all morning to get him to talk to me, and he wasn’t having it. He was practically ignoring me. He and that old lady Rose at the front desk talked about Lucy and the fact that she didn’t have a boyfriend, he called her ‘our Lucy,’ he carried her bag inside, and he personally walked her back for treatment.”

  Mom is fanning herself at this point. Maggie keeps going with her pointless story.

  “Momma, I tried to make it seem like she and Miller are dating and he looked pissed. He left. Then Lucy got mad and was fussing at me about it, and he overheard everything. You should have seen his face!”

  “Lucy, this is fabulous,” Mom cries with delight, practically swooning.

  “Lucy, why was he even around you?” asks a pissed looking Miller. “He’s not even on your care team.”

  I rest my hand on Miller’s arm, trying to reassure him that this is all a bunch of crap. Maggie is just egging Mom on. She is so wrong.

  “Miller, I don’t know. He was coming in at the same time Maggie and I were, and he walked me back for Rose. Maggie is adding a bit of dramatic flair for Mom’s benefit. You know how she is. It’s fine.”