Page 13 of The Rules We Broke
He nodded, the corners of his mouth lifting in quiet amusement.
Now came the lie. “Unfortunately, she had a bad experience with a doctor from your illustrious . . .” I nearly gagged saying it, “. . . alma mater. I’m sure you’re a wonderful physician, truly. But by any chance, is there another doctor on call this morning?”
He gave a courteous shrug. “Miss Eaton, I’m the only cardiologist on staff.”
Well, that was a problem. I wanted her to be seen to. “Dr. Sandstrom, did perhaps you attend another school for pre-med? Maybe Auburn?”
He tilted his head, confused, but then I saw it. The flicker in his eyes. He understood.
Yes, I was asking the doctor to lie, too.
I flashed him my most charming smile. “I know it’s a lot to ask of an Alabama man, but could you please?”
He studied me for a moment, brow furrowed. “You look familiar. I swear I’ve heard your name before.”
“Do you have any little girls?” I asked.
“Yes, two.”
“Do you read to them?”
His eyes lit up. “You write theAunt Calliope and Janebooks. My daughters love those stories.”
“Fabulous.” I gave him my most persuasive smile. “In exchange for your help this morning, I’ll send over signed copies of my new release.”
“You have yourself a deal.”
“Oh, and it might help to mention to my aunt how much you—and your daughters—adore my books.”
“All right.” He grinned.
Together we walked back, and the doctor gave a performance of a lifetime. Thankfully, it did the trick.
He managed to examine her and ordered the necessary tests, though she did make sure to let him know what a mistake it was not to finish his MD at Auburn. He nodded solemnly, like a man absorbing scripture. Just for that, I’d throw in someAunt Calliope and Janedolls.
Once we were finally alone, I took Aunt Lu’s hand and sat beside her.
“Don’t look at me like that, Ella Lu,” she said, her voice soft but still tinged with fire. “This was only an episode.”
I grinned. “Yes, I’m sure, but humor me. Behave yourself and let the doctors do what they need to do.”
“As long as they aren’t from that forsaken school. No Alabama graduate will be touching me.”
I sighed and stood, knowing exactly what I had to do.
I slipped out to speak with the nurses, and—with more charm than shame—bribed them all to lie. Nothing dramatic. Just a little chart note: “Please refrain from mentioning University of Alabama credentials.”
I had a feeling I would be buying lots of pastries and rounds of coffee on a daily basis for those taking care of my aunt. They had no idea what they were in store for.
While Aunt Lu was out for testing, I sent an email to my office and agent. I let them know I’d be out for a few days—at least. We’d likely need to reschedule some bookstore signings set for the holiday season. I hated doing that, but family came first. And Aunt Lu was the only family I had.
With the adrenaline finally wearing off, I tried to catch a few winks. Hospitals, I quickly learned, are the worst places to sleep. Just as I started to nod off, they wheeled Aunt Lu back into the room. I sat up and gave her a sleepy smile.
“You look like hell, Ella Lu,” she said lovingly.
“I love you, too, Aunt Lu. And I’m fine.”
“Go to the house and get some rest,” she suggested—more like commanded.
