Page 9 of The Bitter Rival

The radiology technicians assist with more than just performing x-rays. We assist the interventional radiologist in procedures as well as operate the C arm during surgical procedures. The C arm is a machine that requires skill to operate, allowing the surgeon or provider the ability to see immediate high-resolution feedback to assist in completing their repair with precision. These cases are often high stress. Although I’ve had a lot of practice, I worry about the first time I have to operate this unit alone. Luckily, today is about checking off the remaining skeletal films I need to obtain. And we’re apparently on a hunt for clavicles.

“I let Kat know to call me if they have anyone who needs a clavicle or shoulder x-ray so we can get you checked off,” Jeff advises.

“You’re always looking out for me. I couldn’t have asked for a better person to show me the ropes during my hands-on training, Jeff. I know I don’t thank you enough.”

“Oh, you thank me plenty. Besides, that smile is all the thanks I need. It’s nice seeing you happy. What’s going on with you? You seem different.”

“Oh, I got to spend some time with my sister a few weeks ago. We hadn’t had a girls’ night in a while. Boy, did I need it.” I’ll leave out what I really needed and how I was satisfied beyond anything I knew imaginable.

I’ve replayed that magical night in my head repeatedly. I still can’t wipe the smile from my face when I think about how good I felt. How sated I was for the first time in years. I would’ve been happy with one good orgasm, but multiple? I’ve never been with anyone so capable. He was confident and with good reason. The whole night was over the top sexy, but at times, bordered on the fringe of ridiculous.

He was so cocky and arrogant. Normally the type I’d quickly run in the opposite direction from, yet, he was so flipping handsome I couldn’t turn away. And unlike many of the men I’d met, he was able to follow through. He wasn’t all pomp and circumstance. He could deliver. He wanted to please me for one night. And that’s exactly what he did.

“Hey, there’s a few of us going out to grab a quick drink after work tonight. You want to come?”

“Oh, Jeff, I’d love to. But I can’t. I have to get home. Maybe some other time?”

“Hope so. My birthday is coming up. Maybe you can make that one.”

Jeff is an incredible man. He’s about my age with two young daughters. He’d lost his wife a few years ago to cancer, and according to the other techs, he spends his time devoted to the girls and his job. He doesn’t date much, but he’s a catch. He’s quite attractive, smart, funny, and so kind. Any girl would be lucky to have him in their life.

I’ll admit, from time to time, I wonder if his attentions are all work-related. I’m not the best person at picking up signals. The dissolution of my marriage highlighted this particular weakness. There’s a certain twinkle in his eye I find appealing. However, Jeff is the ‘all in’ kind of guy. He’d want to date and marry a woman who could love his daughters. I’m not saying I couldn’t open my heart to someone else’s children. But with school and my current responsibilities fighting for space on my overcrowded plate, I have no room for anything else right now. Plus, there isn’t a spark there. Sadly, the only current I’ve felt in years was with that overconfident shark from the club the other night.

I’d dated a few men over the years, but there was never anyone I felt serious about. I’m sure part of the disconnect was the nosedive my self-confidence took post-divorce. I want to protect my heart from any further mistreatment. It’s a vicious cycle, I’ve found. Once you erect those protective walls, they’re hard to tear down. They’re like my security blanket. But, again, not sure I’m missing much right now. Until I graduate and secure a job, I need to maintain my focus on the important things.

“Hey, B. I didn’t know you were working today.”

Looking up, I take in Donovan’s broad grin. He, quite honestly, feels more like an older brother than a cousin. He and my two older brothers have been inseparable since I can remember.

“I’m putting her through the paces, Dr. Grant. If you see anyone who needs a clavicle x-ray, give me a shout. She still needs that one checked off of her list.”

“Yeah, Donovan. I can’t not graduate because I didn’t get a clavicle.” I laugh.

“Ah, Bella. If it comes to that, I’ll snap Damien’s for you.” He chuckles.

“Oh, lord. Can you come up with a clever way to break his collarbone? If it comes down to that? Like take my brothers to the park and play football or something? I can’t let my parents find out we sacrificed him so I could get my diploma.” I shake my head, knowing the joke’s on Donovan. Damien may be the younger, smaller brother, however, he was a state champion wrestler. That guy is scrappy. Anyone getting into a tussle with him has no idea what they’re in for. “Are you just getting here?”

“Yeah, you know me. I’m a night owl. Even on my days off, I tend to be up ’til 4:00 a.m. and wake at noon. I’ve been that way since residency.”

“Hey, Donovan. A respiratory distress patient is coming by EMS to room fourteen. You got it?” Dr. Silver asks from the hallway.

“Sure, man. I got it.” Donovan returns his attention to us and squeezes my arm. “Catch you later, Bella. I’ll call you if I see any clavicles come in. Jeff,” he adds before heading toward the front of the ER. My chest fills with pride, knowing how delighted my aunt would be if she could see Donnie now. God rest her soul. He’s worked hard to get where he is. He’s so handsome and successful. I have yet to figure out why that one isn’t married.

We take a few portable x-rays in the ER before heading back to the radiology department. I hope I can manage to get the last items on my checklist complete and a bit more experience in the OR before my time here is up. Graduation is only a few months off.

“Hey, Erin. What’s up?” Jeff asks one of the part-time radiology techs.

“Ugh. I just got back from the OR. That was a shit show,” she huffs.

“What happened?”

“Well, let’s see. I was using the C arm to assist Dr. Lee in the repair of a severed finger, and he was less than impressed with my skills.”

“It couldn’t have been that bad,” I reply, trying to reassure her.

“Oh, he had no problem voicing his disdain for my incompetence in our surgical suite today.”

“Oh, god. I know you haven’t worked here much. I should’ve offered to take that one. Dr. Lee is normally at Mary Immaculate, but Dr. Morgan’s been on an extended vacation. So, Dr. Lee’s been covering hand and wrist surgeries here in his absence. He can be a bear when things don’t go exactly to plan.”

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