Page 52 of Dr. Alaska
Hadn’t she complained about how bitterly cold it was here?
Hadn’t she deflected staff members’ gentle comments about her remaining in Yukon Valley?
The planned completion date of her assignment was the end of March. Right now, it was the first week of February.
Her thoughts whirled.
Yukon Valley needed her until Dr. Pitka returned from maternity leave.
Lee’s job as a locums doc was to help staff facilities so that patients would receive safe, high-quality care in situations where the local docs were overextended or services had to divert because there weren’t enough doctors.
Of course, that was the reason on paper.
But she chose locums work for the quick fix on her finances, too. Her goal had been to go to wherever paid the most. Get back on her feet as fast as possible.
Take the offer from the highest bidder and help a hospital in dire need. Everyone wins.
Right?
She glanced at the time. Eight a.m. Barely enough time to shower and meet Deirdre, who had offered to swing her by the lodge this morning so Lee could pick up her car.
While there, Lee would check on Nick. Maybe Maverick, too.
What would he say to her?
Southern Utah. She rolled the location around in her mind. Warmer. Rural but less isolated than Yukon Valley. More lucrative.
What would she tell Maverick?
If she moved forward with the assignment, it wouldn’t matter what she said to him. She pressed a palm to her aching chest, unable to make a decision.
She wasnotin a headspace to evaluate the offer right now. Best to give it a little time and think things through.
Rushing to get ready, she tried to ignore the recruiter’s message. She also ignored things like feelings and what-ifs and credit card bills. All of it could wait until tomorrow.
Twenty minutes later, she closed Deirdre’s Subaru door and buckled up. “Thanks for giving me a ride this morning.” Lee was back in her outdoor gear from yesterday’s rescue.
Deirdre pulled away from the hospital. “Not a problem. Phew, what a crazy night.”
True. Not only had Lee wrapped up Nick’s ER care, but then she had helped with the C-section and resuscitated the baby. When it was all done, everyone was healthy. Without keys to the rental house or transportation, it had been easier to stay in the hospital.
Biting her lip, Lee said, “Didn’t expect quite this much adventure when I signed up to work in Yukon Valley.”
“Sounds like adventure found you.”
“That’s a good way to put it.” She smiled, but it felt tight, like a grimace instead.
After a moment, Deirdre shifted, her coat materialshushingin the close quarters. “Can I mention something?”
“Sure.”
“I’m really glad you’re here. Not only for the medical part—everyone appreciates your care. I know Dr. Moore and Dr. Burmeister and Dr. Pitka are so glad you’re part of the team. I’m sure someone has offered this, but we would love to have you continue working here at Yukon Valley. Indefinitely.”
Lee made a noncommittal, vaguely positive sound.
Planting her mittened hands on the wheel at ten and two to navigate the snowy ruts leading from this side street to the main highway, Deirdre continued, “But on a personal level, you’re a friend.”
“I agree.”
