She forced herself to prioritize the days’ “to do list.” With her parents expecting her for dinner, she would go for a run before church. Nothing compared to a five-mile trek through nature to clear the mind. Kicking the bedcovers to the foot of the bed, Ava grabbed the cordless phone from the bedside table before she thought better of it, and pushed speed dial. She should talk with Lina before the morning was in full swing. The phone rang several times before she answered.
“Hey girlie, what took you so long to answer the phone? It must have been a wild night with Jace.”
“That’s one way to describe my night,” Lina said flatly. Ava heard the other woman yawn, seconds later the sound of running water filled the receiver. Lina didn’t offer any details about her night. That was strange. Lina was a play-by-play storyteller.
“You told Logan where I lived?”
“I did. I thought Randall Lester the Nurse Molester had gotten you. Logan was going all Incredible Hulk over the phone and I didn’t know what else to do. Please tell me you didn’t run out on Logan.” Ava confessed everything that happened up to Logan arriving at her door. Without the water distorting the sound. She could hear Lina shaking her head at her antics.
“Logan is one of the good ones. I trust … I think he’s okay.” Lina’s voice sounded strange, teary.
“I don’t know anything about him.” Though she did have lots of questions. Putting the phone on speaker mode Ava started her morning routine. She pulled socks and running gear from the middle drawer, selected a pair of bright orange running shoes, before heading into the adjoining bathroom.
“Ava, answer me this question. You spent the better part of last night with the man. Did you ask him any questions?”
“Yes,” Ava remarked with smug satisfaction. “I know he’s thirty-four years old.”
“I’ll play along. What else did you ask him, Miss Twenty Questions?”
“That was the only question I asked. I didn’t want to seem too interested.”
“What are you afraid of?” Lina’s voice was gentle now, no longer teary, but she still didn’t sound right. “Everyone in the ballroom could see you two were digging each other.”
“I don’t know. Do you really think he’s into me?” She was terrified of choosing the wrong man. Of being consumed by another person, till she no longer mattered. Her heart rate increased at the possibility of it happening again.
“Of course I do. You know I do not joke about male attention.” That was true. Lina could be counted on for a laugh, but not when it came to relationships. When Lina started dating Jace, she was so full of hope that he would be the one.
“Why would Logan be interested in me? Why would anyone? He doesn’t know anything about me.” Which was probably for the best. She knew she had his professional respect. It was stupid to put her reputation on the line.
“You are a generous, beautiful, intelligent woman. Why not you? He should be kissing your tired nurse’s feet in my opinion.” Ava burst out laughing.
“Anyone that touched my feet after a twelve hour shift is a saint. What about the race thing?”
“What about it? You aren’t ignorant enough to allow skin color to dictate your decisions,” Lina said, in a venomous tone. “The color of your wrapper doesn’t matter to Logan. I saw how he looks at you, how he held you in his arms. He sees how amazing you are, not your skin color.” Ava’s self-confidence soared at Lina’s words. But she didn’t miss that Jace had somehow screwed up last night. There was no ignoring Lina’s foul mood.
“Lina?” She proceeded with caution, not wanting to cause her friend any more pain. And talking about Jace was obviously painful. Usually, Lina was the first to tell Ava about her dates with him. “What happened with Jace last night?”
“Jace is a human turd. He’s lucky the beachcombers didn’t find him doing the turd float this morning. I don’t want to talk about yesteryear. Something else happened with Logan or you would have called last night when he showed up at your door.” Lina knew her well.
“He asked me on a date,” Ava said, shyly.
“And your answer was?”
“I said no, but in my defense everything happened so fast last night. First Randall, then Logan materializing out of the dark.”
“Ava! It’s been six years. Stop punishing yourself and Cricket.” Thank goodness the phone wasn’t at her ear. Cricket was Lina’s pet name for a clitoris. According to Lina, if a man knew what he was doing in the bedroom, the Cricket would let you know. Ignoring Lina’s comment she continued on with her story.
“He said he likes me. Wants to know me better. He used the word involved. I came to the party as a third wheel and I’m involved by midnight. It’s crazy right?” Crazy events should be labeled what they are, a temporary deviation from the normal state of being. Morning light burns away the folly of darkness.
“Slow down. Take a breath. It doesn’t have to be crazy. Logan is a man that tells you what he’s thinking. Do you know how lucky you are? You don’t have to play these games like the rest of us.” Her friend sounded disheartened.
“Oh, Lina, I am sorry. What am I doing, talking non-stop about Logan?”
“You’re thinking like a woman with her brains scrambled by a man. It’s about time.” Lina released a soft giggle.
The statement dropped a dose of reality at Ava’s feet.
“Lina, what if...?”
“Don’t say the words. Give yourself a chance. You are not the same person you were in college and Logan is definitely not the same type of man.”
“You sound sure about me.”
“I am. You’re stronger than you realize. You can have whatever you want.”
Ava wanted to believe her friend. Glancing at the phone’s digital clock, she needed to end this call now to get in the miles before ten o’clock church service.
“I’m about to go for a run, do you want me to come over later?”
“Don’t bother, I have to work the mid-morning shift today. Run an extra mile for me. According to Jace, my butt is too big.”
“That’s not true,” Ava yelled. “You have a figure celebrities would pay for.”
“I know. Jace was being a jerk, as usual. He wasn’t right for me, but there’s a man out there. My heart’s desire.” Lina the romantic. “You can have your heart’s desire too, Ava.”
“Thanks for saying that. I’ll call later tonight.” She needed to believe she could have her heart’s desire because life had taught her otherwise.
Chapter 6
Ava should have considered it a rare honor to escort a group of SCMC financial donors through the pediatric unit. A twenty-bed state of the art medical and surgical hybrid unit framed by contemporary glass walls, trimmed in high gloss wood and accented with polished chrome. The physical building was as impressive as the patient care and clinical research occurring under its roof. The group was comprised of seven diamond-clad ladies, ranging in age from mid-fifties to early sixties, coiffed and coutured to perfection. One gentleman, maybe in his early fifties accompanied the group. He was lean with an athletic build, a dark complexion and intelligent eyes. So why did she have the distinct feeling of being beaten like a drum? Kathryn had asked her to showcase how foundation research grants and the medical innovations division worked together to develop best practices in pediatric inpatient care.
“You are very knowledgeable about the pediatric research at the facility.” That was from a short woman with pale skin and bright blue eyes near the back of the group. Ava offered a smile at the compliment as she led the group past a medical storage area.
“It’s her job.” The brisk retort was directed at no one in particular. The comment came from the woman who walked in front and slightly away from the group. The gold-buttoned nautical theme jacket with matching knit skirt made her look like a military commander to a squadron of Barbie dolls.
“Thank you,” Ava replied. “I serve as the primary nurse to several of the patients enrolled in the pediatric wound care p
roject.” A project that Logan led and she believed in. She was privy to the lifesaving treatment regimens developed from his research. Trying not to think about Logan, Ava focused on all the lives and limbs that had been spared because of the wound care project. That was enough to renew her determination to make a lasting impression on the donors.
The medical center depended on the annual infusion of grant monies and she wanted to do her part to help. She sutured her smile in place and continued with the tour.
“Take us to the patient care pods I’ve heard so much about.” It was Commando Barbie again. The woman had to know all the renovations were included on the tour. Ava didn’t need to be told what to do on the job. This was her domain. Care pods were a cluster of patient rooms oriented in a clover design. The nursing team was housed in the center of the clover with the ability to visually assess every patient at a glance if necessary.
The donors beamed at the upgraded room designs, a tangible representation of foundation dollars at work. New paint and equipment was much easier to conceptualize than medical research.
The final stop was the healing garden addition. An enclosed terrace complete with automated babbling brooks, natural sunlight and padded benches nestled under palm trees.
It was her favorite part of the unit. Cabin fever could be hard on children that required a prolonged hospital stay. The garden was a touch of normalcy.
“I hope the nurses aren’t hiding out in here.” Barbie, the battle-axe was at it again. “What policies are in place to ensure this remains a haven for patients rather than the nurses?” With clenched teeth, Ava reminded herself that the funding and Logan’s research were priority, not her pride.
“The professionalism of the nursing and medical staff at SCMC is above reproach. Our priority is the care of the patient, not the hospital based amenities.” Ava was proud of her response. She met the woman eye to eye, not backing down.
“If there are no more questions, this concludes the tour. Thank you again for taking time out of your schedules to visit us today.” That was the closing pitch with a cherry on top.
“Nurse.” Ava turned back to look at the Barbie, lips pinched in frustration. The devil wears St. Johns.
“Bring me a bottled water. I am so parched after these walks through the service wards.” No this woman did not say service wards, what was this, World War II? “I’ll have to remember to hydrate before we visit the clinics tomorrow.” She said for the entourage.
The woman seemed bent on relegating Ava to a position of servitude.
According to the unit manager these were annual visits, so why hadn’t she brought a personal stock of Perrier water to quench the thirst of the beast? Not only was her attitude grating on Ava’s nerves, the woman’s perfume had the stench of hair dye. Ava dug deep in her bag of love for all God’s creatures and pulled out the last of her patience with this woman. With her smile cemented in place she turned to speak.
“The drinks available on the unit are for patient consumption only. There is a drinking fountain and vending machines in the hall as you exit the floor.” Blonde, flat-ironed tresses partially obscured the woman’s face, but not enough to hide her scowl.
“A public watering hole. I think not.”
Ava offered her most professional persona, as she led the group to the fire safe exit doors. Thankful that the tour was over, Ava turned on her heel in the direction of the staff lounge. She needed a moment to unwind before she checked on each patient.
The charge nurse signaled to her from the nurse’s station. “Ava. Room 2B is requesting you?” The weariness she felt after escorting the donors was immediately replaced by concern.
Ava made a beeline to her patient’s room fearing the sixteen-year old had taken a turn for the worse. Monique Faulkner had been admitted to the unit from the SCMC emergency department three days before with fever, worsening arm pain, and drainage from her surgery site. The girl had suffered a vicious attack by a then boyfriend, resulting in a three-point break to her right forearm. Metal plates and screws had been surgically implanted to stabilize each bone segment.
“Ava! Where have you been, girlfriend?” Monique’s thick braids where twisted in an intricate knot on top of her head. Her cherubic face wore a smile, and her eyes danced in merriment. Ava returned a smile in kind as she moved closer.
“Monique, I was worried. Why did you ask for me?”
“I’m bored. I need someone to talk to. I’m sorry if I took you away from another patient.” Monique lowered her head but not before Ava recognized the shame. Time with Monique was a treat, especially after Commando Barbie.
“It’s okay. I got pulled for escort duty this morning, but I have time to talk.”
“With the President or something?”
“No, not that esteemed, but they are important people to this hospital.”
“That’s cool. Ah …” Monique didn’t hesitate. She was vocal when it came to something she wanted.
“What’s up Monique? You can talk with me about anything.”
“Are you sure? Because it’s probably not right or selfish or something, but … I was wondering.”
“Yes, go on.” Ava moved closer to the bed. She took Monique’s uninjured arm giving it a gentle squeeze of encouragement.
“When you’re on duty can you be my nurse?” Monique imitated mock air quotations.
“Has something happened?”
“No, no. Everybody is great, but you and me, we kind of have a mini bond thing happening.”
Ava hesitated a moment, not because she didn’t want to, but out of respect for the charge nurse she needed to discuss the staffing mix with the supervisor before giving an answer.
“It’s okay if you don’t want to, I just thought …”
“Of course I want to do a mini bond kind of thing with you. Let me talk with the nurse in charge to work out the staffing. We have to divide the more complex patients amongst the nurses.”
The smile radiating on Monique’s face warmed Ava’s heart.
The sound of the room door opening drew their attention.
“Just the two ladies I wanted to see.”
The stomach dip told her it was Logan before she could focus on his face. She had been avoiding him since the fundraiser.
“Dr. Masters, Ava has agreed to be my nurse. Isn’t that great? Now I have my favorite doctor and nurse together.”
The look that Logan gave her seared her insides and she gripped the bedrail to steady herself.
“This is great news, Monique. We both have the pleasure of forging a lasting relationship with Ava.”
She knew Logan wasn’t referring to a professional relationship.
“Ava and I will talk about the plan of care for you after I finish your exam.”
“Ah, Dr. Masters I feel fine.”
“I’m glad to hear that since I am responsible for your care, but no short cuts allowed. I have requested your medical records from the hospital that performed your surgery, just in case we have to remove the hardware from your arm. We will give the antibiotic more time to kill the infection, but I want to be prepared if more needs to be done.”
Monique did not look happy at the mention of another surgery.
“I’ll step out to give you both some privacy.” Ava gave what she hoped was a reassuring smile, squeezed Monique’s hand once before she released it, and then moved to exit the room.
She felt his familiar hand close around her wrist as she brushed by.
“Wait for me outside, Ava.” His expression told her there would be no escaping him today.
Logan’s thoughts strayed to Ava more with each passing day. That night with Ava was groundhog’s day on a repeating loop in his brain. Why had she rejected him?
She was attracted to him. He’d witnessed how responsive she was to his touch. He felt her very physical reaction when she pressed against him during the dance. She had leaned into his touch at her front door.
Today he was getting a date with her.
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He didn’t have to go in search of her as he expected. She was closing Monique’s intake chart when he stopped in front of her. He let her see the determination in his eyes. Without a word he took her elbow leading her to a more remote service corridor away from prying eyes.
“Why did you refuse to go out to dinner with me?”
In Ava fashion she sidestepped his question, posing one of her own. “Dr. Masters, I’ll do my best to support you in caring for Monique. She is a special young lady. Do you have a question regarding the patient?” She’d emphasized the word patient.
He took a page from her playbook with a reverse distraction of his own. “It’s because I’m white. Are you refusing my invitations because of my color?”
“No. Are you wearing crazy pants?”
“Crazy pants?” He repeated in an uncertain tone. “What in hell are crazy pants?”
“Don’t swear. It means it’s a ridiculous question. I’m not a racist. You should be ashamed for suggesting such a thing.” Ava responded in a loud whisper. A flash of annoyance covered her face.
Finally, a straight answer. No way was he letting up on the pressure. This woman was meant to be his.
“You’ve been deliberately avoiding me. It’s not my age or race. What’s holding you back?” He took both her hands in his. “Don’t give me another excuse.”
“I can’t date you. Furthermore, we shouldn’t be talking about this at work.”
He smiled at her choice of words. “You’ve been thinking about dating me, yet you refuse my invitation. Fine, we can talk about us over dinner tonight.”
“I’m not having dinner with you.”
“Why not? There is nothing wrong with me.”
“Other than being arrogant, bossy, and having a potty mouth,” she responded matter-of-factly.
“Like I said, there’s nothing wrong with me. I know you are attracted to me. Do you have something against a man with a job?”
Chasing Ava: A Bachelor of Shell Cove Novel (The Bachelors of Shell Cove) Page 6
