Lies from the heart.

Preston POV

I didn’t want to be here. I hated this stupid town, it was too small and it didn’t have the luxuries the bigger cities offered. But I was offered a lot of money to move here and I needed something new. I moved here 6 months ago telling myself this hospital needed me, which is technically true but I knew I was really running. I had the perfect life. I went to the best schools and was youngest doctor to be the head of the cardiac department at the best hospital our state had to offer. People from all over the country would come to see me and want me to be their doctor even though they had great options where they lived. And my girlfriend was perfect… till she wasn’t anymore. I found out that she was sleeping with not only my best friend but also the head of the board of directors. I walked in on them having a 3 way and I was instantly sick. They were cool sharing but I wasn’t. I loved her. I was planning on proposing this Christmas and wanted a life and family with her. But she wanted them, options. She wanted a life of doing whatever the hell she wanted, when she wanted and I apparently was holding her back. I had to leave. When my old college buddy reached out to me asking if I’d come to his hospital and help make it better, I couldn’t say no but I didn’t want to sound desperate. He begged and pleaded and offered me more money than was necessary. I told him I’d do it for him but deep down I knew it was so I could bail and not deal with my current situation.

I was headed back to my office after seeing a patient in the ER. They called me because he was complaining of chest pains but after doing a full cardiac work up and it all came back normal. I figured he was having a panic attack but I found some lame excuse to keep him overnight just in case. So I admitted him for dehydration with orders to have him watched all night with the tele tech.

I was 15 hours in my 24hr shift and I was desperate for a nap. I needed to go do rounds on a few patients after I grabbed some food and figured I could take a quick nap after that. Before I head for rounds my phone rings and I see that it’s Charlie. “Hey Charlie! Why are you up this late? It’s almost midnight” I hear my friend laugh “since Cindy had the babies I don’t remember what sleep is. But I was looking through the reports and were up 20% this month and 47% total since you started for us! I think a celebration is in order!” I smile knowing I’ve helped my friend. The board was ready to let him go if they didn’t start seeing results and I didn’t want to see that happen. “I’m just doing my job Charlie but if you insist we can go out this weekend and I’ll let you buy me drinks” as I hear one of the twins start crying. “Deal! Sorry I need to go before she wakes up her brother. Talk to you later” and I hear the call end. I head off to do my rounds which took me longer than planned and by the time I finished eating I didn’t get to the Doctors sleeping lounge till a little after 2am and quickly fell asleep.

I was asleep for 30 mins when I got a page to head to the ER. Not the best cat nap but it was better than nothing. The patient had a nasty infection in her leg and needed some IV antibiotics. I told her and her husband as soon as she got settled in her room I’d come check on her. It was almost 3am when I head to the floor. I groaned to myself when I saw Stacey was working.

“Hey Dr. Martinez. I didn’t know you were working tonight ?” As she flashed a big smile. She clearly knew I was working she she was the floor clerk and they always know which Doctors are on shift.. plus I admitted 2 patients to this floor.

“Yeah I’m covering for Dr. Pierce tonight” I replied. “Did Laura get the new admit all settled in?”

“I believe she’s finishing up now. You know how long the ER can take sometimes” as she rolled her eyes.

“I have another joke for your boy that I think he might like. What did one ocean say to the other ocean?… nothing it just waved.” Cindy let out a very annoying fake laugh that made my head hurt. I knew she had a crush on me and I was far from interested but I learned long ago that if I took that extra time to get to know my co-workers, especially the nurses and clerks they made my life easier and usually had problems solved before I knew about them.

“Excuse me, Dr. Martinez. Can I talk to you real quick about your patient in Room 813?”

I didn’t see Gemma come down the hall,

I turned to look at her and I let in a sharp breath. She was beautiful, even at 3am and bags under her eyes and her hair in a messy bun that looked like she didn’t touch for days.

“You’re not his nurse,” I replied in a sharp tone. I always knew what nurses has my patients so I was confused on why she wanted to talk about my dehydrated patient. “I know that Laura’s his nurse. Why do you need to talk to me about him? She just reported he was doing well” I realized my tone was harsher than I expected but I didn’t care. Even though Gemma was probably the most beautiful woman I’ve laid eyes on I couldn’t allow myself to get close to her. I had my reasons which I know are bullshit but she reminded me of someone i couldn’t put a name too and I figured subconsciously she reminded me of my ex. So naturally I’m going full asshole mode and take my hurt out on her.

“Laura asked me to go check on him while she’s admitting a new patient. Somethings not right. I double checked his vitals..”

“Which are normal”

“Yes, but he’s not…”

I cut her off again “Look..” as I tried not to gaze at her beautiful body. “Sarah, I’ve reviewed his chart and everything looks normal. If Laura has any concerns she has my pager number” and turn back to Stacey who was putting lip goss on and staring at me with crazy eyes. I know I don’t know a lot about women but who needs lip gloss at 3am?

I was getting ready to go check on my new patient when I heard the code blue alarm go off. I looked down the hall to my left and didn’t see anything then looked down the hall on my right and saw that room

813’s lights were blinking and Gemma race in there a second later. “f**k!” I jog to the room and when I got to the door I paused for a few seconds. I could hear Gemma talking to the CNA giving her calm but firm instructions. I walked into the room and assessed the situation, my dehydrated patient was purple, foaming at the mouth, I quickly glance at his vitals and see the monitor isn’t picking up his heart rate. I’m about to let them know to start CPR when Gemma starts compressions while instructing the aid to grab the CPR mask and get ready to give breaths. She did 4 rounds by the time the crash team entered. She quickly got out of the way, she didn’t looked fazed and she had a look that she knew she was right. She glanced up and saw I was looking at her and quickly headed for the door and I blocked her way.

“Sarah. That was…. adequate” I lied. Dammit why can’t I focus around her? And before I could apologize Gemma walks past me like I wasn’t even there. I quickly turned my attention back to room and start yelling out orders while trying to figure out what the hell is going on with my patient.

************

After I got my patient settled in the ICU and headed back up to see the last patient I admitted.

“Back so soon Dr. Martinez” cooed Stacy.

“Stacey how many times do I need to tell you that you can call me Preston?”

“At least a dozen more.” She replied

“Can you call Laura up here? I need to see my patient but if they’re sleeping I’ll wait a few more hours”

“Sure thing Doctor” as I wait for Stacy to get Laura up here I hear laughter. I turn around and look through the break room window and my heart drops. I have never seen a smile more beautiful than hers. But instantly jealousy fills up my chest as

I see how cozy she is next to Nox. What the hell? I didn’t know they were together?

“Stacey is Nox dating anyone?” I ask trying to sound indifferent.

“Hmm I’m not sure? He doesn’t really talk about his personal life but I do know he’s always connected at the hip with Gemma. Whenever he’s free he’s always seeking her out. I’ve always wondered if they are secretly dating?”

I silently nod as I keep my eyes locked on her.

“But I’ve always thought they would be the perfect couple” Stacey sighs “Nox is so protective and sweet….not to mention dreamy”

“Protective?” I interrupted. That’s weird?

“Yes. Its common knowledge that Gemma is off limits. One time Nox overheard some of the guys talking about the not so sweet things they’d love to do to her and it ended with one of them getting stitches”

“Ohh! Are we talking about Nox and Gemma?” Laura piped in. I didn’t notice Laura approach as my attention was glued on Nox now rubbing her perfect legs. “I swear they’re secretly dating but she keeps denying it” Laura finished.

Well thats interesting… wait i don’t care remember? “Enough gossip for tonight ladies. Laura please update me on the new admit” as I try to focus on any new information laura had for me and not the temptation that was in the break room.

*******

I head into the sleeping lounge and smell the hospital coffee Charlie has waiting for me as I hit the couch. Before I can tell him good morning the door flys open and my eyes lock with Gemmas.

“I don’t know what I’ve done to piss you off but you are an asshole! I am fully aware that a lot of doctors look down on nurses and we’re all used to the God complex you all have, but I know you can read and I deserve at the very least to be called by my correct name!”

And she storms out. Im in complete shock at what the hell just happened.

“What the hell was that? Charlie chuckled as he handed me my coffee. “I can fire her if you’d like? But it would need to wait till i can find a replacement”

“No. Thats not necessary” I sigh. I didn’t want to admit to Charlie or myself that some part of my needed to see her. “I..uh..may or may not have intentionally been a major asshole to her since day one” as I run my had through my hair.

“Ah… so you like her.” Charlie states with a smile. Before I can object he continues “Don’t worry friend. I wont fire her but I have to do something. Ill have one of the interns finish up your paperwork. Go home and sleep, you look like s**t. I’ll see you tomorrow.” And with that he walked out the door.

I don’t remember driving home. My thoughts were completely consumed with Gemma. Why cant I stop thinking about her? Im not interested. I refuse to allow another woman in my life at least for several more years. Maybe its just s****l tension? Yes that’s what it is. Gemma is beautiful so it would make sense I’m always affected by her. Once i get some mind blowing s*x I can continue like she doesn’t exist like usual.