Page 30 of Dr. Weston

“I’m trying not to. I waited too long for what Kat and I have. But it’s like quicksand. Sometimes, you don’t see how deep you’re getting until it’s too late.”

“Hey, was that Sebastian Lee I saw with you a moment ago?” I want to be careful not to pry, as the gentleman in question barely resembles the highly sought-after hand surgeon who used to work here. He seemed thinner and walking cautiously with the use of a cane.

Nick reaches up to stroke his scruff looking uneasy. “Yeah. He’s got a neurology appointment. He seems to be having more weakness. I’m hoping they can get on top of it quickly.” It’s clear he’s concerned for his friend.

Returning to my office, I replay my conversation with Nick. I’m sure watching his friend give up his career when he was in his prime had to be eye-opening. And they’re both younger than I am. If I’ve learned nothing else from working in medicine all of these years, it’s that every day on this planet is a gift. It’s time to get out of this quicksand I’m drowning in. It might take something big to turn my life around. But toss me some rope! I’m ready to start living.

My personal Ted Talk has barely finished when I see Poppy coming down the hallway in my direction.This is a sign. It’s got to be a sign.

“Hi.”

“Hi, Dr. Weston. I’m glad to see you.”

An uncontrollable smile crosses my face in response to her words. This woman must think I’m losing it.

“I wanted to thank you for what you did the other day. Your compassion for the employees of this hospital is unmatched. What you said to Dr. Silver on my behalf meant a lot to me.”

It hits me that she thinks I’m that way with all of the staff. While it’s true I’d come to the defense of any employee being mistreated, I doubt I would’ve handled the situation in quite the Neanderthal manner I did in the emergency room. That was all because of her.

“Poppy, I—” Do I tell her? Reaching back to massage my neck, I try to come up with the right words before she can walk off.

After a short pause where I’m unable to find a quick and engaging reply, she looks down at the floor and then back up at me before saying, “Have a good day.” As she starts to walk past me, I begin to panic.

“Go out with me.”

CHAPTERTWELVE

POPPY

Oh my gosh. What’s going on here?

I enter the dining area to find it’s much more populated than usual. There don’t appear to be as many people meandering around the salad bar or grill. They’re primarily clustered near the floor-to-ceiling windows that look out at the outdoor seating area. While my curiosity is tugging at me, it’s a Monday, and my to-do list is a mile long. I really should get my food and get back to work.

I reach for a prepackaged pasta salad and fruit before going in search of my favorite lemonade. There’s a loud commotion just beyond the cashiers, where many of the staff are gathered, animatedly talking to one another, arms flailing about in apparent excitement.

“Hi, Althea. Any idea what all of the fuss is about?”

“Lord, Poppy. You haven’t heard?”

“Heard what?”

“Evidently, the hospital is getting serious about trying to keep the staff happy. They’re doing an enormous giveaway. And the longer you’ve worked here, the more chances you have of winning. You and I should be getting quite a few.” She squeals, lifting her hand in the air, awaiting my high-five.

Well, it’s about time they started doing more to keep people feeling satisfied with their jobs. Plenty of competing hospitals are in town to lure people if they don’t. For me, it’s such a hassle to think about applying somewhere else. You have to go through the application process, the credentialing process, then orientation…

“Poppy?”

“Hmm?”

“You using your ID to pay, or you paying with cash today?”

“Oh, Althea. Sorry. I keep getting lost in my thoughts lately. I hope that’s not a sign of something.” I grimace.

“If it isn’t a man you’re lost in, it’s probably a sign you need a vacation.” Althea points toward the crowd, causing my brows to pinch. What does that mean?

“Thanks, Althea,” I say, feeling a bit perplexed. Tucking my wallet back into my lab coat pocket, I grab my things and make my way into the dining area. The staff is all abuzz about whatever is posted along the back wall. I’ve never seen so many people in the dining area at one time. My interest is definitely piqued.

“Poppy, it’s so exciting for you,” Kat declares as she comes around the corner. I lean in for a hug, as it’s been several weeks since I’ve seen her.

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