Page 7 of The Good Luck Cafe
Gil hurried into the kitchen, stopping short when he saw Moira crouching at Doug’s side. “What happened?”
“I called nine-one-one,” Doug told him.
Gil’s eyes widened. “Why? Are you okay?”
“I got dizzy, and Goldie knocked me down. Moira came over and gave me an ice pack,” Doug told him.
“He also asked for orange juice,” Moira said.
Gil’s gaze hung on Doug for a minute. He seemed to be analyzing whether Doug really was okay. “Juice is a good way to raise blood sugar levels quickly. Doug has type two diabetes. It’s a recent diagnosis.”
“Oh. I didn’t realize.” Moira straightened back to a standing position. “Well, he seems to be doing better now. I don’t think his ankle is broken, but I do think it’s sprained. He might need a doctor to check it.”
“Of course. I’ll see if Dr. Reynolds can work him in.”
Moira nodded. “Now that you’re here, I really do have to go. I’m not supposed to leave the dispatch. But no one was responding to Doug’s call.”
“Everyone is working the accident on Hannigan,” Gil said.
“Yes, they are. Why didn’t you answer Doug’s calls?” she asked, not meaning for her tone to come out accusatory.
Gil looked rattled for a moment. “I was in a meeting. I had to put my phone on silent mode. It was a media interview.”
“It’s okay, Gil,” Doug said, looking offended by the conversation. “I can take care of myself, you know. I’m an adult.”
Moira turned to Doug. “Of course. Even adults need someone they can call when they’re in trouble though. Are you feeling better?”
Doug’s offense melted away, and he smiled. “It still hurts, but Gilly is here now.”
Moira shared a glance with Gil. “Gilly, huh?”
“It’s a childhood nickname that Doug won’t let go.” Gil laughed. “I guess it’s better than how my friends call me Gilbert.”
Moira had heard Jake and Miles tease Gil with his full name on several occasions. She’d always loved the name Gilbert though, ever since she’d readAnne of Green Gablesone summer and had fallen in love vicariously through Anne’s character.
“Thank you for coming over, Moira.” Gil offered his hand to shake. “I’m sorry if this caused you any inconvenience.”
“You’re welcome.” Moira stared at Gil’s outstretched hand before slipping her palm against his, wondering at the way her heartbeat quickened. “I, um, really have to go,” she said a second time, pulling her hand away.
“Of course.” Gil nodded. “I’ll stay with Doug until his blood sugar is back to normal and see about getting his ankle looked at by Dr. Reynolds.”
“Sounds good.” Moira hitched a thumb behind her. “I’ll, um, see you later,” she said. Then, with a small wave, she turned and left. She practically sped back to her own house. She ran inside and pulled her headset back on, exhaling when she noted that there were no missed calls on-screen. Then she relaxed into her chair and exhaled.
What had started as a dead day had become dramatic. It was days like this she felt most fulfilled by her job. Some days she helped folks more than others. Some days she pretty much just sat at her desk and read books that she’d purchased from Tess’s store.
Moira grabbed her cell phone and texted Riley.
Moira:I’m back at the dispatch. I’m sorry for bolting on you like that.
Riley:It’s against regulation to go to a scene. What were you thinking?
Moira frowned at the text message. She hadn’t really felt like she’d had a choice in the matter. Doug needed help, and that’s all there was to it. Moira knew Riley was a stickler for rules though. She would never feel compelled to do what Moira had just done.
Moira:I was thinking that someone needed help.
Riley:Yes, but not from you. We’re not trained as medics. IfSheriff Ronniefinds out, you’ll be reprimanded.
Moira took that to mean that Riley didn’t plan on telling the sheriff. At least she hoped that’s what it meant.
