“I know, I know. Just say the word and you’ll be on the next flight.” I badge into the psychiatric ward, lowering my voice. “I love you, Mama.”
“Love you more, baby girl.”
I end the call and lean against the wall, exhaling slowly. Between Vivienne’s interference, Asia quitting, and my own guilty conscience, this wedding is becoming less dream and more nightmare with each passing day.
“Morning, Meesha!” Tara, the night shift nurse, looks up from her computer at the nurses’ station. “Ready for handover?”
I slip into professional mode, tucking personal worries away. “Hit me with it.”
“Mr. Goldstein had a rough night. Refused his meds until Dr. Lei spoke with him around 2 AM. Mrs. Lopez finally slept through the night without nightmares.” Tara scrolls through her notes. “And we’ve got a new admission. Sixteen-year-old girl, Kayla Andrews. Panic attack at school led to the discovery of self-harm. She’s been asking for you specifically.”
I raise my eyebrows. “Me? Why?”
“Apparently, you helped her cousin last year. Created quite an impression.”
My phone buzzes in my pocket as Tara continues with her report. I ignore it until we finish the handover, then duck into the med room to check it.
Unknown Number:
Beautiful morning, isn’t it? Just like Vegas. I think about it constantly. Can’t wait to see you again. Soon.
My stomach drops as I read the message. I don’t recognize the number, but there’s only one person it could be. Dennis. I quickly delete the message.
How did he get my number? Then I remember when I let him use my phone to contact his friend. He must have texted himself from my phone.
Another text comes in before I can block the number.
We have unfinished business, Meesha. That kiss was just the beginning of our adventure together. I’ve never felt such an immediate connection with anyone.
I immediately block the number. But the thought of him somehow contacting Connor makes me nauseous. Taking a deep breath, I grip the edge of the counter and close my eyes for a moment.
“You okay in there?” Dr. Renick’s voice from the doorway makes me jump.
“Fine,” I say quickly, straightening up. “Just checking something.”
She gives me a curious look but doesn’t press. “Patient rounds in five.”
“I’ll be right there.”
Once she’s gone, I tuck my phone away and smooth down my scrubs. The hospital has always been my second home, the place where my personal problems fade into the background as I concentrate on helping others. Today would be no different.
With renewed determination, I review my patient list once more, mentally preparing for each encounter. Professional Meesha takes over, pushing Vegas, Dennis, and wedding drama temporarily aside. My patients deserve nothing less than my full attention.
After reviewing the rest of the patients, I start my rounds. I coax Mr. Goldstein into taking his morning medication by discussing his favorite sitcom—I Love Lucy. I sit with Mrs. Lopez while she picks at her breakfast, encouraging her to trya few more bites. I check in on Mr. Washington, who’s being discharged today after six weeks with us.
By mid-morning, I finally make it to Room 214.
Sixteen-year-old Kayla sits cross-legged on her bed, dark circles under her eyes. Her thin arms show fading scratch marks, some old, some new.
“Hey, Kayla. I’m Meesha. I heard you were asking for me?”
She nods. “You helped my cousin Dani last year. She said you were the only one who didn’t make her feel crazy.”
I smile, remembering Dani. She was bright, creative, and struggled with severe anxiety. “How is she doing?”
“At college in California.” Her eyes fill with tears. “I did something stupid. Really stupid.”
I pull up a chair and sit beside her. “We all do stupid things sometimes.”
