Page 21 of Moonshot

Mick: I’m sorry, Ava. Have I upset you?

10:30 p.m.

Ava: No. I’ve pictured the same thing. Just embarrassed to admit since we’ve only had one date. I haven’t even kissed you yet.

Michael York

10:33 p.m.

Mick: Well, I need to take care of that then. Good night, Ava.

Putting down my phone, I close my book and slink into the bed linens. I can’t stop smiling. Staring up at the ceiling, I think,how am I supposed to sleep now?

* * *

“Joanie, I’ve got to run down to the ER for about thirty minutes to see a patient of Dr. Stark’s. Please tell Michael I’ll try to get back as soon as I can. I didn’t bring anything for lunch today and need to stop by the physician lounge on the way, but I’ll make it quick.”

“Oh, Michael already called ahead and said he was bringing lunch for the office today. And don’t worry, Ava. I’m sure he’ll wait as long as he needs to see you.” She beams.

I feel a blush hit my cheeks. “Wow. That’s so nice of him. Well, I’ll try to be fast.”

Taking the stairs to the ground floor, I head for the emergency department. I have to admit, I get a thrill whenever I’m able to evaluate an acute orthopedic patient in that setting. Most of my patients are pretty run-of-the-mill. They’ve either done what they were asked to do to ensure proper healing, or they didn’t. Sure, occasionally, there’ll be a patient with an unexpected post-op course. They may develop an infection at the surgical site or have some nerve damage. But for the most part, they’re pretty mundane.

I never really know what to expect in the ER. As exciting as this is, I know my limits. I’m a strong woman who’s managed a career in medicine I can be proud of. I’m financially independent and don’t need to rely on anyone. Yet my headaches are still a fact of life. Sure, maybe in a career without Joseph Stark, I wouldn’t have them quite so often. But I know the stress of the emergency room would be more than I could keep up with. And there’s no going to a dark room to rest there.

As I approach the locked doors to the ER and reach for my badge to allow access, the doors suddenly swing open, and none other than Eve Manning stands before me.

“Ava,” she squeals as she comes in for a hug. “I’m sorry, Dr. Harris. I know this isn’t very professional. Ava’s my best friend. I didn’t mention the visit today because I knew I had to head back to Norfolk.”

“What’re you doing here?” I ask, still shocked at her presence.

“Dr. Harris was orienting me to the place since I’ll be starting on Monday, and he’ll be off.”

“Hey, Ava. It’s been a long time. I don’t think I’ve seen you down here in almost a year.”

Jake Harris is the ER director and one of the nicest physicians I’ve had the pleasure to meet. “You’re right. They don’t let me out much upstairs.” I laugh. “How’ve you been?”

“Busy. We’re glad to have Eve aboard. I’ll probably have her working alongside Kat while she’s here.”

I only know of Katarina Kelly in passing. I’ve never worked with her, only the ER docs. I hope she’s ready for Eve. I have to push down my internal giggle, so they don’t think I’m crazy.

“Well, I’m sure Eve will learn a lot from both of you. You know, if there’s ever anything I can do, I’m happy to help.”

“You know, there might be now that you mention it,” Jake replies, surprising me. “I was thinking about setting up an educational opportunity for some of the techs in our department. Many are EMTs or paramedics who sling and splint patients in the field with makeshift temporary materials. But quite a few of them have expressed interest in a class where they could learn how to place various OrthoGlass splints correctly. It’d be a huge help to our department if you could swing it.

“Oh, I’d love to help with that. Just name the time. If you call the office, I’ll let Joanie know you may be reaching out.”

“Thanks, Ava. That’s great.”

“Well, I better go. I have to see a patient and run back upstairs. It was good to see you again, Dr. Harris. And you…” I point at my dear friend who’s following our every word. “You need to let me know when you’re here and when you’re off so we can get together.” I give her another quick squeeze before scanning my badge to reopen the doors and attempt to find Dr. Stark’s patient.

* * *

Looking at the clock on the ER wall, I find it’s 1:35 p.m. That took far longer than it should have. I lost some time seeing Eve and Dr. Harris, but the patient’s noncompliance is the real cause of my delay. They haven’t followed the post-operative instructions and have stressed their shoulder. Luckily, the x-rays look okay, so hopefully, they’ll continue to wear their immobilizer to prevent any further problems. I walk swiftly back to the clinic, realizing Mick’s been waiting. Looking at my watch, I confirm I only have about ten minutes before I need to resume seeing patients.

Practically running into my office, I notice a covered plate, utensils rolled in a white napkin, and a bottle of water. But no Michael. The disappointment I feel is instant. I drop my head and bite my lower lip to contain my chagrin. Oh, don’t let me spend the next ten minutes trying not to cry.

“Ah, there’s my girl.” His deep sultry tone thrums against my back.

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