Doctor's Orders (Complete Series)

by Lilian Monroe

  His eyes are hard and steely. I can see the old Pop in them, the one that took care of me. He’s clear-headed and determined. I know I won’t change his mind, so I nod.

  “Okay, Pop.”

  I can’t believe I’ve just agreed to that. It’s unusual for me to give in to someone so easily. Usually I’m the one telling other people what to do.

  But with that two-word sentence, Izzy Daniels has officially passed her probationary period as my grandfather’s day nurse.

  “Now, that’s out of the way.” Pop leans back in his chair and closes his eyes for a second. “Tell me about you, Davey. Any women in your life?”

  I glance up at my grandfather and see a spark in his eye. For some reason this sounds like more than a simple question.

  “I’ve been busy with work lately. Not much time for women.” I glance up and grin. “You know, enough time, but nothing serious.”

  Pop nods and smooths his shirt down with his wrinkly hands. He glances up at me again.

  “It might be time to get serious, Davey.” His voice is quiet but completely serious. I frown, waiting for him to go on. “There’s something I need to tell you about your inheritance.”

  Pop pauses, watching my reaction. I try to keep my voice steady and my face neutral.

  “Okay, sure. What is it?”

  “Before your father and mother passed away, they set up a trust fund for you, as you know. They wanted to make sure your kids and grandkids would be provided for. It becomes available to you when you turn thirty-five.”

  “So, this year.”

  “This year.” He pauses, flicking his clever blue eyes at me. I can feel my eyebrows knitting together as I try to make sense of what he’s telling me. “There’s just one condition to you having access to the money, besides your age.”

  I nod. “Okay, what is it?”

  Pop grins and then suddenly starts laughing. My confusion reaches a peak and I start chuckling along with him. “Come on, Pop, just tell me,” I plead with him between confused laughs. “What’s going on?”

  “Your mother had some twisted sense of humor,” he says with a wink. “I always thought my son made a good choice with her.” He laughs again and it turns to a cough. I reach over and hand him the glass of water on the side table next to him. He takes a long drink and places the glass down with a shaky hand.

  “Ah, thank you,” he says, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. The arthritis in his fingers makes his hand permanently curled up like a claw.

  I stare at him and wait for him to continue. He takes a long, slow breath and I feel the anticipation and impatience growing inside me. I know about the trust fund, but what could this condition possibly be?

  Pop glances at me and smiles. “No sense beating around the bush. Davey, you have to be married to get the money.”

  “I… what?”

  Did I just hear that right? I have to be married? What could that possibly have to do with anything? My parents never seemed like the traditional type, why would they write that in as a condition?

  My jaw is on the floor. There are too many things going on right now, from Pop’s declining health to Izzy being here and now this? I thought we were having steak and cigars, not steak, cigars, and long-hidden family secrets.

  Pop shrugs. “I’ve spoken to the lawyer, but the way the document is written there’s no way around it. Unless you’re married you get nothing. With my health the way it is…” Pop trails off and stares out the window. “I was trying to give you time, to let you find your own way. But Davey, if you don’t get married before I go, the money will be tied up in my affairs and you’ll lose most of it. Son, I love you.”

  His eyes are misting and he stares into my face meaningfully. “I’m dying, Davey. I don’t have long.”

  “Pop, don’t say that, come on–“ I start. Pop puts up a hand to silence me.

  “When you get to my age, you’ll know what it feels like to know you’re on the way out.” Pop grins. “I’m just a shriveled up old man now. You’re in your prime, and it looks like you’ll have to get busy finding a wife.”

  Before I have time to respond, the door swings open and Izzy pokes her head in. Her hazel eyes shine brightly as she looks over at me. Just as quickly as our eyes meet, she looks away.

  “Dinner is ready.”

  “Thank you, Isabelle,” Pop answers. “We’ll be right in. Help me out of this chair, will you, Dave? I never thought it would be this difficult to stand up on my own.”

  “Of course, Pop,” I say, standing up to help him out of the plush chair. I can’t manage to say anything else right now. My head is spinning and I know that life as I know it is about to change forever.

  4

  Izzy

  Just. Be. Professional. I’m at work. This is my job and I need it desperately. And you know what, I like it. Arthur is smart and wise and I like our talks. I’m enjoying my job for the first time in years. I can’t lose this job and I don’t want to lose this job.

  But oh my goodness… When Dave walks through the door holding Arthur by the elbow and guides him to his chair I pretty much melt into a puddle on the floor. Why does he have to be so damn sexy? He’s muscular and tall, and his tousled brown hair makes it look like he’s a surfer who’s permanently just walked out of the ocean toward me. Or maybe it looks like he’s running into the water to save me, and the water is splashing around him, glistening on his skin as his muscles shine in the sun. He’s reaching toward me and our bodies touch in the water and —

  I clear my throat and turn to the counter where I laid out Arthur’s medication. Get a grip, Izzy.

  “Now Arthur, I’m going to leave this here. Make sure you take it after you’ve eaten.” I glance at Dave to make sure he understands. He gives me a subtle nod and his icy blue eyes drill into me, sending a thrill straight down my spine.

  “That’s no problem, Isabelle. You take the evening off now. Davey will take care of me for the next few hours.”

  “All right, Arthur. I left my number on this paper here in case you need anything.”

  “Go, enjoy yourself. I’ll be fine.”

  I smile and nod at the two men before making my exit.

  Once I leave the room, I can finally breathe easier. I grab my bag and head out the front door. Dave’s car is in the driveway — a shiny new Mercedes. I walk past the sleek black car and down the driveway to the shed. I parked my car next to Neville and Maria’s. My fifteen-year-old Honda just looks out of place next to the big house, and I’m extra grateful that I parked out of sight today.

  I climb into the driver’s seat and put my purse down next to me when my phone rings. I look at the screen and sigh.

  “Hi, Dad.”

  “Izzy, kid. I’ve been trying to reach you for days.”

  “That’s funny, I didn’t have any missed calls from you.” I’m glad he can’t see my eyes rolling.

  “Oh, strange. The calls must have failed.”

  “Right. What did you want to talk to me about?”

  “Oh, I just wanted to see how you were doing. How’s work?”

  “Work is fine.” I’m definitely not telling him I’m working for the Langleys now, and that I just saw Dave Langley for the first time since the accident happened. Somehow, I have a feeling that wouldn’t go over well.

  “Good, good. Listen, I need you to take care of your sister for a little bit longer. We’re all tied up here and I won’t be able to get home for a couple more weeks.”

  “You’ve been in the Bahamas for almost a year, Dad.” I sigh. I’m barely keeping my head above water and he’s off sunning himself with his newest lover. Or I mean, working on a new ‘business opportunity’.

  I try to keep my voice steady as I continue. “Her school fees will be due soon, and her after-school gymnastics and daycare are starting to get expensive. Any chance you can send some money through?”

  “Ah, Izzy, I’m sorry. I just don’t have anything to spare right now, it’s all tied up. Isn’
t she old enough to look after herself? Why does she need daycare? Just pull her out of gymnastics if it costs too much.”

  My whole body stiffens when he says that. Jess’s whole world changed when she discovered gymnastics. It would crush her to give it up. Watching her struggle would crush me too. My dad would know that if he’d bothered to be here to raise her.

  “She’s eleven, Dad. That would be fine if it was just for an hour or so but I don’t get home until after eight. She can’t be at home all evening on her own.”

  “Well, see if you can get your hours changed. I’m sorry, kid, I just don’t have any extra cash right now.” Of course you don’t.

  “All right, well I’ll see you in two weeks then.”

  “Yeah, two weeks. It might be a little bit longer, I’ll let you know.”

  “Yeah, sure.”

  I hang up the phone and close my eyes, sighing and leaning back into my car’s worn seats. Our family has fallen apart. After mom left, he’s been off attaching himself to one rich woman after another under the guise of chasing ‘business opportunities’. More like chasing an easy life and running away from his family. What’s left of his family, anyway.

  In the end, it’s Jess and me that are left holding the pieces. Tears prickle at the corners of my eyes as I think of my little sister. At least she’s better off with me than she is with our mother, if you can even call her that. I wouldn’t wish my childhood on anyone. I push that pain down a little bit further and think of Jess’s smiling face.

  She’s better off with me than she is with either of them, but she’s only eleven and she should have real parents. Jess doesn’t deserve this. I wish I could provide for her and give her a better life. She’s so smart, she should be going to the best college to set her up for the future but I can barely keep a roof over our heads, let alone start a college fund for her.

  Rent is due next week. I don’t have to look at my bank account to know I’ll have to choose between rent and food this week.

  A single tear rolls down my cheek as I think of Jess’s little chubby cheeks and the way she sticks her tongue out at me when she’s trying to make me laugh. I love that girl with all my heart.

  I take a deep breath and feel my resolve strengthening. I don’t need my deadbeat dad to help us out if he doesn’t want to. I won’t degrade myself by begging him for a few bucks. I’m going to make her life better than mine if it’s the last thing I do. All I need to do is keep my head down and stay in this job. There are real opportunities for nurses in this city, I just need a little more experience and a little more time. Then I’ll be able to help Jess out and make sure she can choose what she wants to do.

  She won’t live under the shadow of the past like the rest of us do. The past is the past, although seeing Dave Langley has made it all come rushing back. The accident seems like it happened yesterday, not ten years ago.

  I shake my head and start the car to head out the driveway. I’ve left notes for the night-shift nurse, and Jess is sleeping over at a friend’s house. For the first time in weeks I have a few hours to myself. I turn the car in the direction of my favorite pub. After a day like today, I need a glass of wine to calm my nerves and think about how I’m going to get Jess and myself through these next few months.

  5

  Dave

  My knife slides through the steak like butter. I don’t know where Maria gets these cuts of meat, but they’re always the best. I bring the meat up to my mouth and savor the explosion of flavor as it hits my tongue.

  “Are you sure you can’t have any steak, Pop? It’s unreal as usual. One bite wouldn’t hurt.”

  Pop smiles. “No more red meat for me, I’m afraid. Old age isn’t pretty.” He holds up his forkful of white fish and grins at me. “I don’t mind. If it keeps me on this planet long enough for you to find someone to marry then I’ll eat whatever they tell me to eat.”

  His words send a pain through my chest. I’m not ready to think about him dying. Once he goes, I’ll be completely alone. I won’t be able to call him up and ask for advice. I won’t have the rock that’s been grounding me for the past ten years.

  I shake my head and take a deep breath as I take another bite. I can’t think like that. I need to just enjoy every moment we have left together.

  “So, can you explain this whole wife thing to me again?” I ask, just wanting to change the subject and stop thinking about the inevitable.

  Pop chuckles. His shoulders move up and down slowly as he laughs. He places his fork down and reaches for the glass of water in front of him. Every movement looks like it’s in slow motion.

  “What is there to explain? Get married, you get all the money set aside for you. Don’t get married, don’t get the money.” He shrugs. “I don’t make the rules. I tried to find a way around it but unfortunately your parents’ will is watertight. But hey, a guy like you shouldn’t have any problems finding someone.”

  “You’d be surprised, Pop. I don’t have time to date.” And plus, they all end up lying or leaving anyway.

  “Excuses, Davey. Those are excuses. Open your heart up and love will come in.”

  I snort and roll my eyes before I look at him. Pop’s eyes are shining bright as he looks at me across the table.

  “Remember this, Dave. Love is the most important thing. All this,” he waves his hand around the large dining room. “All this is meaningless. When your grandmother passed away, I realized what loneliness really is.”

  “I’m not lonely, Pop. I love my life!”

  “I’m not saying you’re lonely, Davey. I’m saying you have no idea what you’re missing. You’ve never had the love of a woman. I mean real love. And I don’t think you’ve ever really loved a woman either.”

  “Hey, I don’t know about that. What about Mel in college? I loved her.” I hate how whiny I sound. It sounds like I’m trying to convince myself. It’s Pop’s turn to snort as he picks up his fork and turns to his plate again.

  “That fizzled as soon as it sparked. When you find someone to love, you’ll remember this conversation. Real love is a slow burner. It takes time to grow and it doesn’t fade. It’s instant and it’s endless at the same time.” Pop shrugs and looks up at me. “But what do I know, I’m just a dying old man living alone in a big empty house.”

  “Will you stop talking about dying, Pop? And you’re not alone, you’ve got Maria and Neville.” I pause. “And Izzy. And me.”

  He nods and keeps chewing his dinner. I look at my grandfather and feel another pang shoot through my heart. I’ve been so selfish these past months. I’ve completely neglected him and just focused on myself. Sure, my career is going well but what’s it all for if the one person I truly care about is here wasting away on his own?

  “Listen, Pop. I’ve been thinking about taking some time off work. I have a bunch of vacation days saved up. I was thinking of coming back here and writing that book I’ve always wanted to write. You know, clear my head and get out of the city.” And spend some time with you before you go.

  Pop nods and looks at me.

  “Door’s always open, Dave. You know that.”

  My chest tightens and I nod back at him, the corner of my eyes prickling with emotion. I pick up my knife and take another bite of steak, trying to ignore how hard it is to swallow right now.

  I don’t know how I’m going to find a wife, but at least I’ll be here with Pop for a few weeks. That’s the most important thing right now, because once he’s gone, I won’t have anyone to turn to.

  6

  Izzy

  It’s a short drive from Arthur’s house to my favorite dingy dive bar in Queens. I walk down the steps to the basement bar and take a seat on the end barstool.

  “Izzy, haven’t seen you in a while!”

  “Hey, Meg. How’s it going?” The bartender puts a big wine glass down in front of me and I nod. The usual. As she grabs a bottle and starts pouring, I take a breath and feel my shoulders relax. It’s nice to be somewhere familiar.


  “Oh, you know. Same-same around here. How about you? You look like you need a drink.”

  I chuckle. “Long day.”

  “Tell me about it. It’s been so slow in here the past few weeks. Makes the days drag on. You were telling me last time you were in you got a new job? How’s that going?”

  “It’s good,” I say as my voice goes up a few octaves. Meg’s eyebrows shoot up and I know it sounds fake even to my ears. I grin. “It’s all right. The client is really good, really easy to deal with. It’s just…. I didn’t realize until after I took the job that we have family history with them.”

  “Oh yeah?” she sounds intrigued as she leans against the bar, tea towel thrown over her shoulder.

  “Long story,” I respond, taking a sip of wine. Meg waves her arm around the empty bar in a dramatic gesture.

  “I’ve got time,” she grins.

  “You know how I told you about my mom? About how she left after that car accident with my best friend? It’s… it’s her grandfather. My best friend’s grandfather, I mean.” I haven’t told her about my mom’s abuse, or why the Langleys were coming to get me that day. I haven’t told her who was driving the car that hit us. I especially don’t want to tell her about Dave being there tonight.

  “Whoa,” Meg breathes. “That sounds complicated.”

  I nod and take another sip. The wine fills my mouth and I close my eyes to savor the flavor of it. I haven’t had a drink in weeks, and I can feel my whole body relaxing sip by sip. Meg grabs the bottle and tops up my glass, winking at me.

  “You probably need this more than we do,” she laughs. I chuckle.

  “Thanks,” I respond.

  Meg walks over to another customer, leaving me alone with my thoughts. They immediately drift back to Dave Langley. Davey. Right before he recognized me, he looked at me in a way that sent a shock straight through me. His eyes looked me up and down, lingering on my hips and chest and then finally up to my face. I’d felt naked and exposed but in a way that was thrilling, not uncomfortable. I take a sip of wine and think of the way his eyes filled with pure desire when he saw me. I don’t remember ever having a man look at me like that, not in a way that made my own heart beat faster.