Page 36 of Fractured

“That’s good. It’s great you’re disciplined enough to do that. Leaves your weekend to do what you want,” I say, a little impressed with him.

“Yeah, I wouldn’t call it disciplined. I don’t have a computer or internet at my house. If I don’t do it at school or the library, I’m usually left without a way to finish. Hell, I don’t even have a cell phone.” I watch as he turns to look out the window. “I don’t know anyone that doesn’t have a cell phone,” he mumbles.

I never considered this previously. “Well, maybe we can make that part of your earnings for working with Dad.”

“What do you mean?” he asks skeptically.

“Well, I have an old cell phone at home I don’t use anymore. When I upgraded, I just threw it in my desk and forgot about it until now. We could probably get you a no-contract service that isn’t too expensive. You can just upload minutes and data as you go. I think you can buy the minutes at Walmart or Target or something.”

He suddenly has a little more enthusiasm about our conversation. “You really think so?”

“Sure. After I drop you off with Dad, I’ll go home and see if I can get it taken care of. I can probably upload your first month for about twenty to twenty-five dollars. Considering how hard you worked last week, I was planning to pay you about fifty dollars a weekend. Even after paying for the phone each month, you should end up with about $175.”

I watch as his eyes light up. He’s never asked how much I was paying him. He seemed to just go along without questioning it. “Shit, are you serious?”

“Yeah. Gavin, you work hard, and you’re doing me a favor looking out for Dad. He’s getting up there in age, and it makes me feel better knowing someone can help him out once in a while. I think you two could be good for each other.”

I quickly glance back over at him and see he’s grinning now as he looks out the window. I’m glad I can do something to make things easier on him. He may be rough around the edges, but all in all, he seems like a good kid. I just hope that whatever he’s hiding doesn’t come back to bite me.

* * *

Back at home, I find the old phone.Hell. He’ll shit himself when he sees this.It was the top-of-the-line iPhone until the most recent model came out. Looking at my phone, I realize I haven’t received the first call from the ER today. Or anyone else, for that matter. I have to leave to pick up Gavin in about an hour, so I have time to get some laundry going and order some take-out to pick up on my way back home.Hmm, maybe I should order some extra food so Gav can take some back home-

My phone dances on the countertop, and I think to myself,damn, I spoke too soon.Looking down, I realize it isn’t the service. It’s Dad.

“Hey, everything going okay there?”

I hear a bit of panic as Gavin belts into the phone, “Nick, it’s your dad.”

Chapter Eleven

Kat

I’ve been ghosted. It’s official. It’s been a week since I got the complete and total brush off by the over-the-top, attentive, good Samaritan who carried me around all night to protect my ankle. I’m sure it was all part of Nick’s come-on. And boy did I fall for it.

I’ve only had to work one day so far this week, and I managed that without bumping into Nick, or Mark for that matter. Let’s see if I can make it two for two. I pull into the physician’s parking and decide not to look for his car. It’ll only make me crazy if I know he’s here. I just pray he isn’t on call today, as I don’t want to work with a feeling of impending doom.

“Hey, Kat, glad you’re here.” I look up to see Dr. Silver greet me as I walk through the ER doors a few moments later. “I have a girl with an ankle fracture. She needs a posterior short leg and a stirrup splint. Do you think you can do it, or should I call Ortho—

“No! I got it. I’d be happy to do it, Dr. Silver. Just let me put my things down, and I’ll get right on it. What room is she in?”

“She’s in room two. Thanks, Kat. Sorry to hit you with it the minute you walk in the door.”Wow, really? He does it all the time. Wonder why he’s being so apologetic.

“It’s okay. I don’t mind. Rather do it now before I pick up any new patients.”

“Great. Thanks,” he says as he walks back toward the main work area.

Placing my work bag at my usual station and taking off my jacket, I quickly log in to the computer so I can see how many people are waiting to be seen. Good, only one. I head in the direction of room two and think to myself,I just need to stay busy.The busier I stay, the less likelihood of thinking about anyone who doesn’t deserve my attention.

* * *

Over half way through my shift and I’m feeling like I can exhale. I still have five hours to go, but Nick is not on call today, and his office hours should be done. The likelihood he’ll be here is slim at this point. Reaching up to rub my shoulders, I realize the strain of worrying about his arrival has caused my muscles to spasm.

“Hey, Kat.” I hear from the hallway. I turn to see Justin. Justin Norton is a physician assistant with Nick’s orthopedic practice. He primarily works with Dr. Morgan but will occasionally help with call if they’re in surgery. He’s worked here for about a year now and seems like a nice enough guy, but often acts like he thinks he has MD behind his name instead of PA.

“Hi, Justin. You have a patient down here?”

“Nah, I did earlier, but they were easy. Having a hip replacement done tomorrow, so I just had to put in some orders and make sure the hospitalist sees them to do pre-op clearance. Hey, you going to the fall PA conference in a couple of weeks? I don’t usually go, but I need some extra continuing education credits, so I’m thinking about it.”

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