Page 34 of Paging Dr. Hart
The slow curve of his cheek lets me know I’ve made him smile. He’s so handsome when he smiles like that, open and radiant. I think back to how he looked playing baseball in the park today. How his body moved with catlike grace, all his rippling muscles. His expression of unadulterated joy.
Scrunching my nose, I search for something real to tell him, to make him happy. He deserves that. “It’s rare to find someone kind and…trustworthy.”
My words straighten Ethan’s spine. Confident again, he swigs back his beer. His eyes reflect the light from the window as he whispers, “Thanks.”
But I’m not really listening, too busy wondering why I usedthatword.
Trustworthy.
Do I believe it? Could I ever trust Ethan enough to let him in? To show him the full me? I search myself but find the answer keeps shifting.
Yes, no, yes.
Flickering like the light beneath us.
27
Ithrow myself into work. For every radiology case that Ethan reads, I read two. When a technician comes to get us for a procedure, I’m the first to jump up and volunteer. I introduce myself to each doctor and staff member until their names all blur together.
After lunch, at the end of our second week in Cleveland, I corner Dr. Santos in the hallway outside of the medical education office. He pushes his glasses up his nose with his index finger. “Yes, Tiffany? How can I help you?”
“Some of the medical students said they haven’t had much formal training in radiology.” My hands are buried deep in the pockets of my white lab coat, so he can’t see how I ball my fingers into nervous fists. “I could put together a series of lectures to give during their noon educational conferences. One would be about chest X-ray interpretation, the next would be about abdominal X-rays, and so on. I’d cover the topics they would encounter as interns or on call shifts. That kind of thing. What do you think?” Holding my breath, I anxiously wait for his answer.
“Why, that’s a wonderful idea.” Dr. Santos claps his hands together and beams at me. “The medical students would enjoy that. Our interns and residents would get a lot out of that as well.” He lowers his voice conspiratorially. “Just between you and me, some interns have a hard time telling the difference between pneumonia and congestive heart failure. They could use a refresher.”
I roll up on the balls of my feet, excited by his enthusiasm. “Really? That’s great. I’ll work on the lectures this weekend and should be able to give them early next week.” Already planning the presentation in my head, I know exactly which slides to put in and the best way to arrange them.
About to walk away, I remember my promise not to undermine Ethan.“Dr. Santos.” He looks at me expectantly. “Ethan could give a couple of lectures, too. He’s learned enough of the basics that he can teach them.”
“It would be excellent to have Ethan on board. I’m sure he’s been well prepared since he had you as his teacher.” Dr. Santos drops a quick wink before he leaves.
As I walk back to the Radiology Department, I’m glowing from his praise.
I’m coming for you, Resident of the Month award.
My phone dings, and I tug it out of my pocket.
Melanie: Sorry it took me so long to respond. Was watching an old Caleb Lawson movie. Damn, that man is FINE. Even my boyfriend thinks he’s hot.
Tiffany: Agree. Superhot. Heard he’s dating a doctor, but probably just a rumor.
Melanie: Lucky woman. Did you know Fred snores? No idea cats did that. It’s adorable.
Tiffany: I know! Sounds like an old man.
Melanie: How R U doing?
Tiffany: Good. On track to finish. One week left.
Melanie: Awesome. Congrats!
Melanie: Ethan??
Tiffany: Not so bad. He lets me pick out what to watch on TV. I’m torturing him with Hallmark Channel Christmas movies. Holiday Star is my favorite. He complains, but I think he secretly likes it.
Melanie: No way. My boyfriend and I take turns picking out what to watch.
Tiffany: He’s not as bad as I thought. Next patient ready. Gotta run. Kiss Fred for me.
