As Caleb Winstone rode the elevator to the fifth floor of Eastlake Community, the familiar aromas shouting hospital engulfed him. Though slightly different from the scents of his last placement, they smelled of coming home. Exhaustion threatened to swamp him but he had places to visit and things to accomplish before he sought sleep.
The indicator flashed five. The
doors parted and he stepped out to face the nurses’ station. A half dozen women
stared and collectively sighed.
“Enter the handsome doctor.”
Gasps and giggles greeted him.
Caleb felt his face heat. Had he
really said that? He considered a strategic retreat but the elevator doors had
closed. Though he’d been called handsome often enough, he had no reason for the
blatant announcement.
A burst of male laughter
interrupted his swirling thoughts. “Hello, Caleb. You certainly know how to
make an entrance.” A tall blond man rounded the end of the desk and offered his
hand,
“Alex Carter, good to see you
again.”
Alex clasped his hand. “Are you
in town for good?”
“Looks that way. I’ve joined Joe
Grogan’s practice.” Caleb grinned. “Blame my announcement on jet lag. Arrived
this morning from
“Have you been home?”
Caleb shook his head. “Came
straight here. Decided to complete the paperwork and get my parking pass and
then go to the office before I go home. I’m meeting Joe at one thirty at the
office. Actually, I’m in no hurry to reach the stone mansion.”
Alex nodded. “Are they still
upset over your career choice?’
“Naturally. They equate my
straying from the financial sphere as a betrayal like they did when I chose
swimming over football in high school.”
“Shame. Let me introduce you to today’s
crew.” Alex walked to the desk.
The nurses smiled. Were they
hiding laughter? He felt sure his appearance and words would make the rounds.
Alex grinned. “Ladies, this is
Caleb Winstone, the newest addition to our staff. He’s joining Dr. Joe and vying
for the handsome doctor award.”
Caleb shook his head. Years ago
Alex had been a tease. His first wife’s behavior had soured him. The second
marriage had brought a welcome change. “I’ll get you.”
Alex mentioned name after name
until they reached the tall brunette at the end of the desk. Her lab coat
marked her as the unit’s nurse manager.
“Caleb, Jenessa Bradshaw, Acting
Nurse Manager. Her husband is Director of Nursing.”
“Glad to meet you,” Caleb said.
“Sorry about the grand entrance.”
She laughed. “You said what we
were thinking.”
“Don’t encourage him,” Alex
said. “Half the girls in high school followed him around.”
“The other half followed you.”
Caleb turned to Jenessa. “Why are you just acting nurse manager?”
“Our newly hired one was to
start two months ago but a family emergency intervened. She’s starting on
Monday.”
“She must be special.”
“She is. She’s a nurse
practitioner.”
“I’m impressed.”
Jenessa smiled. “Let me give you
a quick tour.”
Caleb walked beside her. “Is the
name of this new nurse a secret?”
“I forgot you weren’t here
during the selection process. She’s a friend from my class at Grantley.”
Alex nodded. “She’s one of the
infamous Grantley Gang. You were seldom home back then to know about their
antics.” He turned to Jenessa. “Are we holding a welcoming party to celebrate
the event?”
“I would tell you to ask your
wife but just the Gang minus Rick,” Jenessa said. “She’ll be tied up at Rehab
getting her brother settled.”
Caleb halted. “Just who is this
person?”
“Suzanna
Rollins,” Jenessa said. “She worked at City.”
Caleb held in a groan. Not her. Not here. He prayed his face
didn’t show his feelings. Of all the women in the world to invade his space.
Suzanna Rollins had no use for him. Their days of dating hadn’t ended well.
“Do you know her?”
Caleb shrugged. “I may have seen
her a time or two.” Or more. They had
dated for several months until the night he’d asked her to give up her job and
move in with him. All her expenses would be paid. All she had to do was warm
his bed.
His cheek still stung with the
memory of her reaction. She’d walked away. He’d managed to avoid her and leaped
at the chance to spend three months in
My Places
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