Page 14 of The Bitter Rival

“Well, there may not be anything here full-time, but you could start part-time and be the first considered when a spot opens. Or do you need insurance? For Austin?” I see the grimace hit Jeff’s face. He’s probably realizing I’m older than most of the students he normally works with, bringing a host of responsibilities most of the twenty-somethings don’t have to contend with yet.

“No, we’re covered on health insurance. Austin’s father is a cardiologist in New York. I have no problem accepting the money he sends each month. He decided to leave our family and not look back. It’s the least he can do.”

“You’re right. Sorry if I brought up a touchy subject,” Jeff says, looking a bit embarrassed.

“Not at all. I think a lot of people assume the ex-wife of a doctor would want to take him to the cleaners. I simply want what the courts determine is fair. I put my dreams on hold to support Rick and Austin while Rick was in school. It’s only fair he contributes.”

“You’re absolutely right. I think it’s amazing you’ve raised Austin on your own, and now you’re going after the career you always wanted. You’re a very determined lady.” He smiles.

Again, I can’t help but wonder if these compliments are purely motivational or if there’s something more there. Jeff’s an incredible guy. Any girl would be lucky to go out with him. Sadly, I find he’s more akin to the Mr. Collins character in Pride and Prejudice than Mr. Darcy. You’d think I’d learn to find comfort in someone like William Collins. He provided for his wife, Charlotte, and didn’t make her crazy like arrogant, bad boy Mr. Darcy did Elizabeth Bennet. But after all of these years alone, I want to feel a spark. I can take care of myself. I don’t need a Mr. Collins. And if someone the likes of Mr. Darcy comes along, a man who cannot commit or treat me with the utmost respect, then I’ll simply use him for sex.

“Bella?” I hear Jeff interrupt my crazy tangent.

“Oh, I’m sorry. My mind trailed off. What were you saying?”

“I just said it would be great to have you on the team. Hey, we decided on going to The Zone for my birthday. The girls in the department wanted to dance, and I don’t care where we go. We’re going the week after next. Think you can come?”

“I wouldn’t miss it.”

As we walk into the radiology department, I park the portable machine and follow Jeff into the dark area where we normally sit. It’s a small hallway behind the two rooms we use to obtain x-rays. The dim lighting allows us to verify the quality of the pictures before uploading them into the system for the radiologist to read.

“Jeff, please tell me you’ll switch with me and take the next OR case. Ireallyneed a break. It’s been a long morning taking x-rays on the hospital floor,” Erin grumbles.

“Sure, babe. I can do it. Bella can get more experience with the C arm, too,” Jeff replies.

I’ve worked with this device multiple times, and while it was intimidating the first time I operated the apparatus, I feel quite comfortable with it now. The most difficult thing I’ve found about operating it in the OR has been my height. It’s fine when I have someone with me. Jeff tends to slide a stool over so swiftly I usually step up without even thinking about it. I can maneuver the device easily. I’ve been told my shots are always good quality. Sure, there’s some fear about how things will go once I’m on my own. But, I’m certain every student has some concerns about working independently.

“Thanks, Jeff. You’re a doll. I haven’t sat down since I got here. I’m going to run and get something to eat. You guys don’t have long. That OR case starts in about thirty minutes,” Erin states as she practically sprints for the door.

“You have any questions before we get there, Bella?” Jeff asks, placing his warm hand on my shoulder. He’s so kind.Gah, why can’t I ever feel chemistry with kind?

“No. I think I have it. Doing this should allow me to sign that skill off of my checklist once and for all.” I hesitate, realizing I have no idea what type of case this is. “Do you know what type of surgery it is?”

“If I remember right, I believe it’s a finger fracture with tendon repair. It shouldn’t be a long surgery. Dr. Lee’s pretty fast.”

Lee? Why does that name sound so familiar?

“Boy, I’m glad you’re here.” Tiffany greets Jeff with a haggard look on her face.

“Well,nowthat makes one of us,” he replies sarcastically. “What’s got you looking so flustered? I thought this was a simple finger fracture with tendon repair?”

“Let’s just say, I was here the last time Dr. Lee operated, and Erin was operating the C arm. It didn’t go well.” She shakes her head in memory of the event. “And that’s putting it nicely.”

Oh, that Dr. Lee.Now I remember. Erin was going on about a surgeon who was less than pleasant to work with. Could she have shirked this case because of him? My confidence from earlier is suddenly waning.What have I gotten myself into?

“Okay, Bella. Get out of your own head,” Jeff scolds. “I can see it written all over your face. Don’t let the opinions of others impact your ability to do your job. You’ve had no issues with handling this C arm in the past. There is no reason to think you will today.”

“But-”

“No buts. We have a job to do. Dr. Lee has a job to do. So long as you focus on your part of the procedure today and ignore the rest, you won’t have a problem. You need to get used to this now. Surgeons are a different breed. Many of them have a God complex. I’ve never had an issue working with Dr. Lee. But I don’t tend to let his antics bother me. You’re a tough cookie. Look how well you managed to get those x-rays of winey Mrs. Walsh earlier. You never let her behavior rattle you. Don’t let his.”

I know he’s right. What’s more, I’m not a woman who cowers in fear of a man and his bravado. After Rick discarded Austin and me, I developed a thick skin. I have no problem demanding what is fair from him or anyone else. I’m a strong woman in my personal life, so why should this be any different?

CHAPTERSEVEN

Isabella

After scrubbing in, I don my surgical gloves and gown and follow Jeff into the operating room. We always stand over to the side so as not to get in anyone’s way. I’ve tried to learn from Jeff’s actions. He watches the team closely and seems to pick up on subtle cues on when to intervene. I know I’ll get there eventually, but I hope one day to be able to read the room as well as he does.

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