Midnight Rider

Chapter 7

“Sis you’ve been really smiley this past week. What’s up?” Christian was stuffing his face with breakfast one morning.

“Ya Angel. Who have you been texting?” Dru giggled. She knew. But she hadn’t really told Christian.

“No one that important,” I smiled.

Christian raised an eyebrow at me, “Oh really? Well however he is, he better treat you right.”

“Ok” I smiled. I ate some pancakes Dru had made and went to work. I’ve texted the midnight rider a few times. Usually he only answers late at night. Mostly just flirty short texts so far. Even that makes me really smiley.

Ciara keeps laughing when she looks at me. She says she hasn’t seen me this smiley in a while. So instead I keep making faces at her while I work.

“Are you gonna see the rider again?” she asks.

“I have no idea. I’d love another ride but I don’t think he really wants me knowing much about him.” It’s true we didn’t talk about anything to personal. I don’t even know him so I’m not telling a stranger to much of my business.

I started to help one of my other favorite patients, Jay. He’s an older guy, retired military. He has a lot of interesting tattoos from the different places he’s visited. I know he’s talked about how he owns a motorcycle shop in town. He is unfortunately one of our sicker patients.

“I heard through the grape vine that your single now?” he asks.

“Yes I am….but work is not a dating service. No matter what Ciara says.” I eyed her from across the room. I’m pretty sure I now where this conversation is going. I’ve had quite a few patients tell me about their sons and grandsons since they found out I’m single. On the one hand I’m flattered that my patient’s are fond of me enough to want me to date their family member. On the other hand, I still feel burned by Jason. For some reason I keep the rider in the back of my mind also.

“Ok I won’t pressure you,” he smiles, “but, if you ever need a date I’ve got a grandson your age. Gabriel, have I told you about him?”

“I think you’ve mentioned him. How he’s taking over your bike shop now.”

“You two have a lot of things in common. He’s a hard worker, family is important to him, and he’s been through some things too. I’m hoping he finds someone right for him. OH, and your name’s Angel and his is Gabriel which is an angel.” He laughed.

I smiled, “how do you know Gabriel would go with me if a needed a date for some reason? We’ve never met.”

“Oh I’m sure he’d love to go with a pretty girl like you. And if not, I’ll go!”

“Well, thanks” We both laughed. I went about my business at work and came back to check on Jay before my shift ended. He wasn’t looking as good as earlier.

“Jay are you feeling ok?” I was starting to get a little worried. He was pale and sweaty.

“I think I’m ok, I just feel very well.”

“Have you ate today?”

“Yes……well no not really. It’s been hard to keep things down. I’m not always hungry.”

I called Ciara and another nurse over to check him out. He blood sugar was to low from being dehydrated and not eating enough.

“Jay you need to go to the ER to get fluids. I’ve already called them to tell them you’re coming. Do you want to go my ambulance or should I call someone?”

“Call Gabriel, his numbers in my phone.”

The phone rang a couple times before he answered, “Hola abuelo! I’m pulling into the clinic now to get you.”

“Gabriel? This is Angel I work here at the clinic, your grandpa is sick and needs to go to the ER. We’ve already called and they know he’s on his way.”

His tone became very serious, “I’m coming up to the door now”

Ciara, me and the other nurse helped get Jay into a wheelchair and take him outside. Gabriel pulled up in a shiny black old hot rod pickup truck. I could see that “Jay’s Shop” was painted on the doors. I came around to the drivers side as they put Jay in the truck.

“His blood sugar is getting low, probably from being dehydrated and not eating enough. They know you’re on the way.”

“Ok thanks” and they sped off. I guess we had been holding our breath because we all let out a huge sigh as we walked back into the building.

“Ok, enough excitement for today, I’m going home” Ciara said while grabbing her things.  I walked out with her.