by M. C. Decker
He nodded in my direction before responding, “Looks like you’re in good hands here. Dr. Tyson and I graduated from med school together. Take good care of this one, Will. She’s one of us,” he added, patting Dr. Tyson on the back before exiting the room.
Carson
Not able to focus much on my work for most of the afternoon, I finally relented and called down to the ER to check on Ashlynn. Honestly, I didn’t really want to leave her alone down there, but I didn’t want to come across as crazy either. I couldn’t explain it. I was her colleague–technically her boss even.
After poking through her case file and dialing the mysterious number, I’d decided to let it go. Whatever secrets Ashlynn was keeping would remain her secrets. But after running into her at the coffee shop, that intuition from the day before returned. Then when she suddenly got sick something else inside me took over entirely. I’ve only felt that way once before, and even then, it was an entirely different circumstance. I was a doctor. I was trained to handle those types of situations–to remain cool and collected in an emergency. But, I felt anything but calm when I saw her gasping for air.
Making the call downstairs, Will told me that he’d released Ashlynn just a few hours after she’d been admitted. She’d be fine. She was just suffering from exhaustion and mild dehydration which probably brought on the panic attack. He was breaking hospital policy by telling me about his patient, but since I was a fellow doctor at the same hospital he could bend the rules a bit.
Checking in with Brad, I learned that he drove Ashlynn home after insisting that she take the rest of the day off to get some rest.
Pulling up to her place, I noticed her car was back in the driveway. Brad mentioned taking care of it earlier. I wasn’t sure if coming here was the right thing to do, but I had to see for myself that she was OK.
After opening her door, I could tell she was surprised to see me standing outside. Dressed in pink pajama bottoms and a matching tank top, she definitely wasn’t expecting any company. Her hair was pulled back into a messy bun, a stray tendril swept across her rosy cheek. It took every last bit of willpower to refrain from reaching out to brush the hairs from her face. She was beautiful when she was pulled together at work, but this side of Ashlynn took my breath away. “Hey! I didn’t expect to see you here,” she laughed, pulling her arms across her chest.
“Sorry, I hope I’m not intruding. I just wanted to check on you. I called downstairs, but Will told me he’d already released you. Then I talked to Brad and he told me that he made you go home for the day. I’m glad you listened to him since it seems like you don’t like listening to your boss.”
“Yeah, you’re both pretty relentless,” she laughed.
“Well, I’m glad he did a better job than I did. How are you feeling?
“Pretty good. I took a long nap when I got home. I guess I haven’t been getting enough sleep lately. It must’ve finally caught up to me. I’m sorry you had to witness my breaking point,” she said. “Thanks for being there though. It’s pretty scary going through that alone.”
“I’m glad I was there just when you needed me. Is this something that happens a lot? The panic attacks, I mean?”
“Not lately. I haven’t had one in years, actually. Not since I’ve been at the hospital. I thought those attacks were a thing of the past. At least until earlier today,” I sighed. “I’ve just had a lot on my mind over the last few days.”
“Want to talk about it?” I asked, hoping she might let me in.
“Nah, it’s nothing I can’t handle on my own. I’ve probably already said too much. If I don’t be careful, you’ll send me a bill,” she laughed, nervously.
“You’re not my patient, Ashlynn. I just want to be there for you–as a friend–if you need me.”
“Really, I’ll be fine. Besides, I’m sure you have enough to deal with from your patients. The last thing you need is for me to burden you with my problems,” she added, turning her lips into a half smile.
“I’m always here if you need me,” I said, giving her a reassuring smile.
“You know you could’ve just called. You didn’t have to come all the way over here to check on me.”
“Well I didn’t have your number,” I shrugged.
“But you had my address?” she laughed, raising her brows.
“Something tells me you aren’t going to accept lucky guess as an answer, huh?”
“Mmmm, probably not.”
“OK, you caught me. I asked Brad for your address. If I’d just called, I wouldn’t have been able to bring you this.” I said, holding up a brown paper bag.
“If that’s a bag filled with doughnuts then I need to call Brad right now and thank him for giving you my address.”
“Darn it. He did warn me that I needed to bring you doughnuts for breakfast, but since it was dinnertime I went with a brownie instead.”
“Brownies are definitely good too, but Brad is mistaken about doughnuts. They aren’t just for breakfast,” she said, with a hint of seriousness in her tone.
“Good to know,” I laughed. “I also brought you some chicken noodle soup and crackers.”
Letting out the most adorable laugh, “You know I’m not really sick, right?”
“I know, but I wasn’t sure what else to bring you for dinner. A steak dinner seemed a bit much,” I chuckled.
“I’m just teasing. Chicken noodle soup is perfect. Just what the doctor ordered,” she said with a wink. “Oh my gosh. I’m being so rude making you stand out there in the cold for so long. Do you want to come in and join me? It looks like you brought enough for both of us.”
“If that’s really what you want. I just planned on dropping it off, but I’d love to stay for a bit,” I said, hoping she believed I didn’t have any ulterior motives.
“It’s fine. Come in and make yourself at home. You might have to share the couch with Steve Urkel though,” she laughed, pointing toward the orange ball of fur sleeping on the sofa.
“I don’t mind as long as he doesn’t.”
“I doubt he’ll even notice. He’s been out for a while. We spent much of the afternoon playing fetch. He’s not used to me being home during the day–wore him right out.”
“Steve Urkel plays fetch? Is he really a dog trapped in a cat’s body?” I asked, truly impressed that the cat had actually learned to play fetch.
“Yeah, that’s pretty much Steve Urkel in a nutshell,” she laughed. “You two get acquainted while I change into something a little more presentable.”
As I watched Ashlynn walk back to her bedroom, I had to ask myself once more what exactly I was doing here. No matter how many times I questioned it, I kept coming up with the same reasoning. There was something about this woman that I was drawn to–something so intense that I hadn’t felt in a long time. I had a feeling that I needed Ashlynn Sommers as much as she needed me–even if she was reluctant to let me in.
Ashlynn
TOSSING ON A pair of yoga pants and a Detroit Tigers hoodie, I stepped into the bathroom, taking a quick glance at myself in the mirror. My hair was the precise definition of a hot mess and the mascara which I’d applied earlier in the day now left a dark smudge underneath my right eye. Dampening a washcloth, I scrubbed my face before applying a fresh coat of light pink gloss to my lips. Rummaging through the drawer in hopes of finding a few stray bobby pins, I finally settled on two small rhinestone barrettes that I’d worn in my cousin’s wedding to pull back the loose strands of hair.
Returning to the living room, I was surprised to see Carson had placed two bowls of soup along with spoons on the dining room table.
“Looks like Steve Urkel wouldn’t share the sofa after all?” I joked, walking into the dining room.
“Nah, I just thought I’d get dinner on the table while you were changing. I hope you don’t mind my taking the liberty of searching through your cupboards,” he said, pulling out a chair for me.
“No, I don’t mind at all. Thank you. Let me get us something to dr
ink,” I said, rising from the chair.
“No, no. Stay where you. Let me take care of it. Where are your glasses?”
“Second cupboard to the left of the stove,” I said, as Carson took out a pitcher of purified water from the refrigerator and poured us two glasses.
“I hope it’s OK, but I only have cheesy crackers for the soup. I forgot that most people just like plain, regular saltines in their soup.”
“Of course, it’s OK. It’s like you read my mind. Cheesy crackers are best in chicken noodle soup. Actually, cheese anything is the best–especially cheesecake,” I said, smiling.
“I sense someone has a bit of a sweet tooth,” he said.
“You could say that,” I giggled.
A moment of silence passed between us before Carson spoke again. “I didn’t take you for a baseball fan,” he said, pointing out my choice of wardrobe.
“Oh yeah, it’s OK. I actually got this at a minor league game earlier this summer. The hospital pays for a suite for the staff to use during home games. Brad and I checked out a few games this summer. I’m still learning a lot about baseball, but the free beer was awesome,” I laughed. “If you’re still around next summer, you’ll have to come to a game with us.”
“I’d like that very much,” he responded, shaking his head.
“What?” I asked. “You look confused about something. Was it something I said?”
“You just surprise me that’s all. I didn’t take you for a beer girl, either.”
“Ha! Well, I don’t drink a lot, but I can throw down a few brewskies especially if they’re free. Don’t get too excited though, I like a glass of wine and a fruity cocktail too.”
“Noted,” he said with a smile.
“So, do you know how long you’ll be at St. Therese?”
“Not exactly, probably at the very least through the end of the year. Looks like you’ll have to put up with me for a few months anyway.”
“Nah, I’d hardly call it ‘putting up’ with you,” I said, reassuringly. “Actually, I have a feeling that I’ll like having you around.”
“I think I’ll like being around, too,” he said, giving me a half smile, which highlighted the dimples in his cheeks.
After clearing the dishes from the table, I realized I didn’t want the night with Carson to end. I was actually enjoying his company and wasn’t really feeling like being alone.
“Wow, a man who brings dinner and cleans up afterward,” I remarked. “How are you single, Doctor Foster?”
“Sounds like a question my grandmother asks me every time I call her,” he joked.
“And, he makes time for his grandma. You must obviously be a serial killer in your spare time,” I said, laughing.
“No, nothing quite that serious. I date occasionally, but it’s hard to find the time for a serious relationship with my schedule. I guess I’m married to my job and my other commitments–at least for now.”
“Fair enough,” I said, as Carson stood from his chair. I hoped I hadn’t scared him away asking about his personal life. After all, a relationship was the furthest thing on my mind. “You weren’t planning on eating and running?” I asked.
“Well, I should probably get going. I don’t want to overstay my welcome, and you should probably get some more rest anyway,” he said. Noticing the disappointment in my face, he quickly changed his tune, “Unless of course, you want me to stay?”
“I would like you to stay. I enjoy the company. I’m usually not very good with chit-chat, but you really do know how to make it easy. Besides, I believe you said something about brownies earlier?”
“Yes, how could I forget?” he said, grabbing the brownies from the paper bag he’d carried the soup in.
“Do you want to eat those in the living room? We can play a game of Scrabble, or watch a movie? Whatever you want to do.”
“Scrabble sounds good to me. You play a lot?”
“Nah, I haven’t played in years. My dad would play it with me whenever I was sick growing up. That’s what made me think of it,” I said, reminiscing back to the days when everything seemed easier.
An hour later, with the score tied at 300 points each, I looked down at my remaining letters. Using the board to my advantage, I gave Carson a sly smile as I went in for the kill.
“F-L-A-P-J-A-C-K,” I spelled. “And, since I just used all my tiles and landed on a double letter score that’s 84 points. Looks like I win!”
“Not so fast, Sommers,” Carson said, returning with a sly smile of his own. “S-Q-U-E-E-Z-E,” he spelled. “That’s all my tiles as well as a TRIPLE letter score for the Z. That’s 95 points for me. I think my 395 beats your 384.”
“Wow, you’re much better at this game than my dad. I always won when I was a kid,” I laughed. Looking back on it, since my dad was an English teacher, he was more than likely letting me win all those times. I’d be sure to bring it up the next time I was over for Sunday dinner at my parents’ place.
“I did graduate from Harvard Medical. I guess it got me something other than a piece of expensive paper that I hang on the office wall,” he chuckled.
As Carson put away the Scrabble tiles, I searched for a movie on Netflix. Stopping on one of my favorites, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, I put the remote back on the coffee table. “I hope you don’t mind if we watch a chick flick,” I asked.
“Don’t mind at all,” he said, sitting on the couch beside me.
“So, was this the evening you had in mind when you mentioned the possibility of dinner being on the table? You know, before I had my meltdown on you earlier.”
“Not exactly, but I think I preferred this much better. I really enjoyed everything about tonight,” he said.
“Me too,” I said, my eyes meeting his. Just when I thought Carson might come in for a kiss, he pulled away, leaving me breathless and wanting.
“Looks like the movie’s starting,” he said, turning to face the screen.
“Right,” I muttered mostly to myself as I turned, hoping to hide my disappointment.
Carson
As much as I’d wanted to kiss Ashlynn, I knew the timing wasn’t quite right. Although she’d opened up so much, I didn’t want to risk scaring her away. Knowing I’d disappointed her, killed me inside. We sat in silence for the majority of the movie.
Shortly before the end, her head started to nod. I could tell she was getting tired and as much as I’d enjoyed spending the evening with her, I knew she needed to get her rest.
“Ash, I should probably get going so you can get some sleep,” I whispered, as she rested her head against my shoulder.
“I’m fine. It’s almost over anyway. Just stay until the end,” she muttered as she drifted off to sleep.
As the credits began rolling, she began to lightly snore. She was adorable and although I wanted to stay with her like this all night, I knew I couldn’t. Not wanting to wake her, I scooped her up into my arms and carried her to the bedroom. With Steve Urkel weaving between my feet, I laid Ashlynn on the mattress and covered her with the comforter which had been bunched up at the foot of the bed.
Placing a gentle kiss on her forehead, I turned and quietly walked toward the hallway.
“Carson,” she mumbled, just as I began closing the bedroom door. “Thank you.”
Not being sure if she was just talking in her sleep, I decided to leave her a quick note before leaving.
Ash,
I had a great time tonight. Thank you for the conversation and for letting me win at Scrabble. I hope we can do it again soon. Maybe next time you’ll let me take you out for a real dinner. Enjoy your weekend. If you need anything, please call. I may have taken the liberty to leave my number in your cell phone. We’ll see you Monday.
Sincerely,
Carson
Placing the note on her kitchen island, I flipped the lights off before locking the door and letting myself out.
Ashlynn
WAKING JUST BEFORE sunrise, I was surprised to find myself still d
ressed and in my own bed. The last thing I remembered was watching the movie with Carson and dozing off on the couch. Reaching for my phone, I wasn’t even sure what day it was. I sighed in relief when Saturday appeared at the top.
“Steve Urkel, what happened last night?” I asked the cat who was sleeping between my feet at the end of the bed. “Oh, that’s right, you can’t talk. I should’ve taken a trick out of Sabrina’s book and named you Salem Saberhagen and then maybe you could’ve answered me. On second thought, I think I like you quiet.”
Meow.
“Yep, definitely like you better when you’re quiet,” I sassed, walking into the bathroom.
After washing my face and taking care of business, I padded to the kitchen to start a pot of coffee. Yes, I said pot. I still couldn’t get behind those single-cup machines. Nope, this girl needed an entire pot to jump-start her day. Pulling a filter from the cupboard, I noticed a note from Carson left on the counter.
“Oh god, I hope I didn’t mumble anything stupid, or drool on his shoulder,” I said out loud.
Meow.
“You’re no help,” I accused Steve Urkel, chucking one of his toy mice across the room.
Meow.
“What do you want? Go get the damn mouse!”
Meow.
“Fine,” I huffed, opening the cupboard and taking out a fresh can of cat food.
“I spend more money on your food than I do on my own. You do realize that, right?”
Plopping down the can of food, my phone rang beside me.
“Hello,” I said without even looking to see who was calling.
“Hi Baby! Dad and I were wondering if you wanted to come over for lunch this afternoon? We haven’t seen you in weeks. We miss you!” my mom said from the other end.
“Hi Mom, I wish I could, but I promised Brad I’d go to this roller-skating-party thing with him. It’s his niece’s birthday and I guess he needs me to act as a buffer between him and his sister.”
As much as I loved my parents, I was glad I had an excuse not to go to lunch. Whenever I was with them, the topic of my divorce would always come up–no matter how many times I told them that I didn’t want to discuss it. They’d always loved Parker. I think it had crushed them more when I asked for the separation than it did Parker.
