Page 15 of Fourteen of a Kind

“Grandma, what will you do tomorrow when I’m at the hospital?”

“Don’t you worry about me, darling. I’ve booked myself a spa day.”

“Okay. I’ll see you after my lectures.”

The following morning, I took a cab to Mount Sinai and met with Dr. Bainbridge in his office.

“Dr. Ella Kind.” He smiled. “It’s an honor to meet you.”

“Thank you, Dr. Bainbridge. The pleasure is all mine.”

I stood in the auditorium before a group of medical students, talking about and presenting complicated cardiothoracic procedures, showing them how their career choice could save many lives. I answered questions, and after my lecture was over, I went to the cafeteria with Dr. Bainbridge for lunch.

“Any chance you’d be interested in coming to work here?” he asked as we looked at the sandwiches in the cooler. “We have excellent doctors, but you would be this hospital’s biggest asset.”

“And leave the warmth and sunshine of California all year round.” I smirked.

“A doctor could hope, right?” He smiled.

Reaching into the cooler, I grabbed a tuna fish sandwich and placed it on my tray.

“You don’t want to eat that.” I heard a man’s voice behind me.

Turning around, my eyes locked with the blue eyes of an incredibly handsome man.

“I don’t?” A smile crossed my lips.

“No. It’s terrible here.” He smiled.

“Then what do you suggest?” I asked, looking at his badge. “Dr. Malone.”

“The ham and cheese is much better. That’s if you like ham.”

“Ham and cheese it is, then.” I returned my sandwich to the cooler and grabbed the ham and cheese. “Thanks.” I smiled at him.

“You’re welcome.” His captivating smile made my belly flutter.

After lunch with Dr. Bainbridge, I returned to the hotel to see if my Grandma Barb was done at the spa.

“You look great, Grandma.” I smiled, stepping into her suite.

“Thank you, darling. I feel refreshed. How did your surgery go?”

My brows furrowed. “I didn’t do surgery today, Grandma. I gave a lecture.”

“Oh, that’s right—silly me. I’m just so used to you being in surgeries all day. Let’s go shopping on Fifth Avenue and buy you something special.”

We spent the rest of the day shopping. As I was getting ready for bed, my phone rang, and my dad Facetimed me.

“Father,” I answered, sitting on the bed.

“Daughter.” He smiled. “I know you’re not happy with me right now.”

“Why would you do that, Dad? I mean. I love Grandma Barb to death, but I really needed to be by myself this weekend.”

“A young, beautiful girl in New York City alone isn’t safe, Ella.”

“You act like I’ve never been here before. I know the city, Dad.”

---