“Yes, Kat. You need to go today. This isn’t a joke. I don’t know what he thought he was doing. Hell, you don’t have any idea what he might’ve done to you!” he shouts.
“But, Nate, he could release that picture. Obviously, he has a screw loose. I need to figure this out before I do anything that’ll set him off.”
“I’m going to kill him!”
“No. This is bad enough. I can’t have anyone else getting into trouble because of me. I’d never forgive myself. Please, Nate. I reached out to you because I thought you’d listen. Please. I need your help.” I’m almost hysterical in my attempts to reason with him.
Suddenly, the strong, loving arms of my dear friend are wrapping around me. I can feel my body sway back in forth in his embrace. I sniffle into his shirt. “Kat, we’ll figure this out. I’m going to try my best not to do or say anything to him, but I can’t promise I won’t lose it if I see him.”
“Nate, please. I beg of you. I couldn’t bear it if you hurt him, and he pressed charges. What if that happened, and then he released the photo? Where would that get us? I just need some time to figure out how to handle this.”
My big, handsome friend cups my cheeks and looks directly into my eyes. “You’re not alone, Katarina. We’re going to figure this out. Do you want me to stay with you when I’m not at the station working?”
“I don’t want to impose, but I wouldn’t turn it down.”
“Done. What does the rest of your week look like?”
“I have my volunteer meal delivery today. I’m looking forward to something normal for a few hours. Then I return to work tomorrow. As stressful as it is there, I’ll feel safe. As long as Mark doesn’t bring a patient in.”
“I don’t know if he’s working tomorrow, but I can get his schedule easy enough. You might feel like you’ve got a little more control when you know he could potentially come in.”
“You’re right. That would be helpful.”
I give Nate a hug, thanking him for his help. With another reassuring glance, he turns and heads to his car. It’s just as well, as I need to be heading out so I can deliver my volunteer meal route. I’ve never been so excited to see a bunch of little old people in my life
Nick
I’m exhausted. This week at work has been almost as busy as the week following my dad’s fall. I’m looking forward to the weekend. I have a soccer game Saturday, and Sunday I’m meeting the realtor to view a few homes.
Dr. Morgan referred an ER patient a few moments ago and although Dr. Morgan’s on call, he believes this patient’s issues are related to his rotator cuff which another shoulder specialist repaired before I arrived to St. Luke’s. As I walk in that direction, I secretly hope to see Kat. I’m so tired of giving her space. Even if it’s just a momentary visit, it’d make all the difference.
Arriving to the emergency department, I locate the patient in question and make quick work of evaluating him. I’ve given him a steroid injection, and encouraged him to follow up in the office. I haven’t seen Katarina, but I know she’s here. Her lab coat is hanging from her favorite computer chair. Deciding to enter my consult note in the ER versus my office, I sit in the chair next to hers. As if thinking of her has conjured her arrival, she whips by me in a whirlwind, muttering to herself.
“I don’t know why I think he’ll ever do anything himself. I have a thousand things to do, but ‘Kat, can you put a staple in room ten’s head? She only needs one.’” I try not to chuckle as she does a pretty impressive imitation of Dr. Silver. She continues to mumble, “If it only needs one, why do you need me to do it? Freaking douche canoe.”
“Ha.” I can’t hold back any longer. Turning, I look directly at her and realize she’s had this entire rant unaware anyone was sitting here. She must be in a bad way today.
“Oh, god. Sorry.” She covers her mouth, giggling because it’s me. At least, I hope that’s why she’s giggling. “I’m surprised you didn’t ‘Nice’ me.” She chuckles louder now.
“Nice.” I guffaw. Before I can continue my jibe, Dr. Silver himself comes around the corner.
“Oh, Dr. Barnes. Just the guy I was looking for. I have an orthopedic patient here who will need a splint placement.”
“Are you consulting me, Dr. Silver?”
“Yes, I guess I am.” He responds with a questioning expression.
“Well, Dr. Morgan is actually on call. You need to contact the service. I was seeing a patient in the ER for Dr. Morgan as a courtesy. I have to get back to my office. I have a waiting room full of patients I need to return to.”
“Ah, sure. Kat?” Dr. Silver now directs his attention toward her.
“I already did it. You can discharge her now.” Kat answers abruptly, her eyes never leaving her computer screen.
“Oh, thank you. That was fast.” I watch as Dr. Silver walks off, scratching his head.
Hoping to get one more smile from my girl, I mutter as she’d done just moments ago. “Asshat.”
Through my periphery, I take her in as she covers her delectable mouth with her hand and chuckles into it. I stand from my seat and find I’m physically unable to restrain myself from taking her hand from her mouth and pulling it to mine. Placing a kiss there, I bend down and whisper, “See you later, kitten.”
