Page 52 of Fractured

“Yes, why?”

“It’s just beautiful. It’s like something out of a fairy tale. The landscaping is gorgeous.”

“Ha. Well, you can thank Gavin for that. He’s been helping Dad on the weekends. Once you come in and meet Dad, I’ll show you around back. It’s pretty spectacular what he’s done with the place over the years. My mom loved her roses, and there’s a lake that backs up to the property.”

“That’s amazing. You had a great childhood here, I bet.”

“I did.” I’m again reminded today of just how good I had it. I’m also aware I know nothing of her upbringing. It doesn’t sound like she may have had it as well as I did. She said she had no family nearby. Was that by choice?

Walking inside the house, I’m hit with the overwhelming aroma of Thanksgiving. I can smell the turkey and something with a hint of cinnamon.

“Nick, Gavin, who’s this pretty lady?” my dad greets in his usual charismatic style.

“Hi. I’m Shelly. Shelly McReedy.” I watch as she reaches out a slender hand to my father.

“Nice to meet you, Shelly. I’m Garrett. I’m thrilled you two could join us.”

“Well, I’m happy to be here. Is there anything I can help with?”

Grabbing Gavin’s arm, I decide to relax in front of the television for a bit as my dad puts Shelly to work. He’ll talk her ear off, I’m sure.

“You want something to drink?” I ask, finding the remote and flipping through the channels, looking for the game.

“Got any beer?”

“Sure,” I answer and walk toward the kitchen. I can see him standing up a little taller. I turn back to him before stepping into the kitchen. “But you can have a coke and a smile.” I wink at him. Shaking his head, he plops onto the couch.

* * *

Two hours later, we’re all stuffed and rubbing our stomachs. My dad completely overdid it and has fallen asleep in his recliner. I’m sure he’ll feel the after-effects of his active day tomorrow. Gavin and Shelly rinse dishes and place them in the dishwasher as I collect the containers Dad directed me to use for leftovers. I manage to place enough food in to-go containers for Gavin that he and his mom should enjoy leftovers for days. All and all, it hasn’t been a bad day. There was only one thing missing.

Kat

It’s been a calm day in the ER. The majority of the patients I’ve taken care of today have either had flu-like symptoms or a kitchen-related injury. I’ll forever be afraid of using a mandolin to slice cheese, as these seem to be some of the worst lacerations that present each holiday.

It’s four o’clock, and I have six more hours to go. I’ve been snacking on food items from the nurses’ lounge all day, but I’m getting hungry for a real meal. The cafeteria’s options are not at all appealing. Why would they serve stuffed peppers on Thanksgiving? Suddenly, I smell something amazing and notice a covered dish is sitting in front of me. I look up to see Jake’s smiling face.

“What incredible cuisine is tucked away in this container?”

“Ah, you know Mel. There’s probably enough food to feed you for a week in there. She said to tell you Happy Thanksgiving, by the way.”

“It’s a shame you had to work. I’m sure she made quite the spread.”

“Oh, she did. I pulled a Kat and put myself down for the evening shift on purpose.” He gets a little closer, whispering, “Don’t tell, but I get a full belly without any clean-up duty.”

“Ah. I’ve got your number. Poor Melanie.”

“Poor Melanie? You should feel sorry for the kids. I bet Mel has her feet up reading a book right now.”

“Hey, now that you’re here. Do you mind if I run up to the NICU to check on Katrina and Grace? I brought Katrina a pie to take home. Although from talking to the nurses up there, I don’t think she goes home much.”

“Sure, Kat. Take your time. When you get back, you should eat, though. Things could pick up once dinner hour is over, and people start drinking too much and fighting with their family.”

“Ha. You’re right. I’ll be back soon.”

As I walk to the elevators, I reflect on my week. I’ve tried to settle down a bit about Nick’s revelation. I try not to ponder what I could’ve been doing without my knowledge under the influence of the sleeping pill. I made an appointment with Dr. Miller, but he couldn’t fit in an emergency visit around the holiday. I’m sure his business picks up this time of the year. I know I tend to get a lot lonelier and more depressed once the holiday season has started.

I haven’t seen much of Jake since my conversation with Nick Sunday night. I honestly don’t want to bring up the craziness in my life while I’m here. Maybe I can make arrangements with Jake to meet up later in the week so we can talk.

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