Page 32 of Deep Down
“He’s good. Enjoying his few days off, I believe.”
“If he’s anything like me, he’ll be sleeping. If I have more than a couple of days off, I sleep two days solid.” Alex snorted.
Logan smiled. “Yeah, knowing him, he is flat out, right now.”
They reached Craig’s room. Alex saw Ava posted outside the door. “Hi, Ava.”
“Hi, Dr Wick.”
“Alex, please.”
Ava nodded. She had never been one to talk excessively but getting a word in edgeways would be difficult with four older brothers. Having a slim frame with long limbs was deceptive with regards to how strong she was. She could hold her own. Logan had told him a story before, which showed what she was capable of.
“Right, I’m going to see the psychologist, and I’ll be back shortly.” Alex wanted to see Craig, but he wouldn’t wish to leave if he did.
“We’ll keep an eye on him. Don’t you worry.” Logan squeezed Alex’s shoulder before Alex walked off, fighting not to circle back.
Dr Bagworth worked on the same floor as Craig’s ward, luckily enough. Alex knocked and waited for her entry words.
“Hi, I’m Dr Wick.” Alex held out his hand as he strode towards her.
“Hi, Dr Wick. Nice to meet you.” Dr Amanda Bagworth had blonde hair cut into a bob with a fringe that flirted with her metal-framed glasses. She had a round face, with blue eyes and a wide smile that made you instantly at ease. Wearing a pale-yellow blouse tucked into black trousers, flattering her slightly rounded figure, she exuded the part of a psychologist.
“Nice to meet you, too, Dr Bagworth. How are you settling in here?”
“Oh, please, call me Amanda.” Amanda had been working at the hospital for the past three months after the previous role holder had retired hastily due to ill health. “I’m doing alright, thanks. Busy, as expected.” She picked up a file. “You’re here to speak to me about Craig Talbot, is that correct?”
Alex nodded. “Yes. I approached him this morning about the option to see a psychologist, and he seemed receptive, eager, to talk about his situation through with someone.”
“Sounds reassuring. I won’t ask you anything else about the case. I prefer to hear from the patient first, and if I need to, I will speak with additional people, should Craig agree.” Amanda appeared to know what she was doing. “And it so happens I have an appointment spare this afternoon because of a cancellation. Do you think he’d be agreeable to see me then?”
“Yes, I think he would. I’ll be heading back to check on him after this anyway. I can let you know as soon as I’ve spoken to him.”
“Perfect. I’ll pencil him in, let me know either way.” Amanda paused, studying Alex. “Why is this important to you?”
Alex was surprised by the question, although he shouldn’t be. He wasn’t going to hide anything because that wouldn’t help Craig in the long term. “I’ve developed some feelings for Craig,” he held out his hand to forestall any interruptions, “but nothing has happened, and nothing will happen until Craig is ready for it. Nothing. You have my word.”
Amanda smiled. “I’m not concerned about your ethics, Alex. I know they mean a great deal to you.” At Alex’s raised eyebrows, she continued, “Your reputation precedes you.” She chuckled.
“I feel protective of him, and I can’t help wanting to take care of him.”
Amanda exhaled in a sigh. “Craig will have a long journey ahead of him. He will have to learn to support himself before allowing someone else in. It won’t be easy for him. It’s an extensive road to travel. Craig needs stability in his life, a friend. Can you be that friend, Alex? Can you be a friend and leave all your feelings out of the picture? Because that is what Craig will need.”
“I will do whatever is necessary to live up to the person Craig needs me to be.” Alex nodded.
Amanda smiled. “I believe you. But I will withhold my judgement until I have spoken with Craig.”
“I understand.”
They said their goodbyes and Alex strolled back to Craig’s room, wanting to check in before he dealt with other patients. He knocked and entered, pausing when he saw Logan with Craig.
“Oh, sorry. I’ll come back later.” His feet stalled when Craig called his name.
“You can stay.” Craig appeared more refreshed than earlier in the day, and Alex wandered over to check his file and the machines.
“You’ve not mentioned your family.” Logan tilted his head.
“I’ve not had anything to do with them in the past couple of years.”
