Recreational Love

1. Spencer-2

I leaned against the nurses’ station and wiped my hand across my brow. Despite the chaos I felt great. Work was what I wanted, keeping my hands busy and my mind on anything but myself. Now that things had calmed down a little, they had me behind the desk until I knew more about how the department operated. At least, until the next big emergency.

“I brought you some lunch. Hope you like egg salad sandwiches. Let’s go back to that office. Normally we’d eat in the cafeteria, but I want to make sure we’re close by in case anything comes up.” Josh grinned and walked away. I followed behind, trying to keep up with his quick steps. Damn, if it was like this everyday, I wouldn’t have time to miss the slower pace of pediatrics.

“So how are you holding up?” He asked as I opened the white paper bag. I pulled out the soggy sandwich and was overwhelmed by hunger. I realized I hadn’t eaten breakfast, too nervous to hold anything down this morning.

“That was something else. I haven’t been that busy in years.” I mumbled, then scarfed down a quarter of the sandwich in one bite.

“You’re going to be just fine. I can tell you’ve done this before. You were a big help, trust me. And hey, we’ve only got six more hours to go!” Josh laughed, then started on his own meal. A couple of minutes later he put down his food and spoke.

“For the rest of the shift you’ll be working triage. I know you still don’t know all the procedures, but it will help you learn the department better than anything else. Just check people in, and figure out the top priority cases. If you have any questions, page me. I’m sorry to eat and run, but I want to make sure Dr. Pratt has everything he needs.” Josh winked, his grin giving his game away.

“Which one was Dr. Pratt?” I asked innocently, knowing exactly who the hot doctor was. I might be off of men, but he was a looker I’d immediately noticed as we took care of patients together. Blood rushed to Josh’s face and his blue eyes twinkled.

“Only the most delicious doctor in the hospital. Of course, he doesn’t even know I’m alive. But I can dream.” Josh sighed, then threw the remnants of his lunch in the trash. I bit my tongue, wanting to warn him away from nurse/doctor relationships. Ted’s face flashed in my mind, then I thought once again how my life would be so much better if I’d never pursued him.

“What’s wrong? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.” Josh asked, then stood. No way I’d let him in on my office romance humiliation. I needed to be professional, even if he wasn’t.

“First day jitters I guess.”