Page 7 of Summer with a Doctor

“I think so.”

“I’d like that.”

I feel my cheeks flush and it’s a good thing we’re sitting in the dark. “I appreciate everything you did for me earlier. I don’t know what I would’ve done had you not come along.”

Dean reaches over and places his hand on mine. “I’m glad I could help. I’m not being weird or anything, but I’ll wait for you to crank your car before I pull off.”

“Goodnight.” I push the door open then look back over my shoulder before climbing out. “And just so you know, I’m a pretty good painter.”

Chapter Six

Dean

I don’t feel the least bit bad for sleeping in this morning. As soon as I get out of the shower, I put a call in to the hospital for an update on Mr. Hillman. The news isn’t what I was hoping for and I wonder if Liz has been notified yet. I don’t doubt that she can take care of him, but she’s certainly going to have her hands full. With two broken legs, it'd be a struggle for anyone.

She answers her phone after the second ring and I can tell by the way she says hello that she doesn’t have a clue it’s me.

“I hope I’m not calling too early?”

“Dean? How did you get my number?”

“It was on Mr. Hillman’s paperwork when you checked him in at the ER.”

“I totally forgot about that. I’m sorry, my head was all over the place yesterday.”

“Were you able to get any rest?”

“Surprisingly, yeah, I slept very well. I did some stuff around here to try and keep my mind off things but now I’m pacing the floor. I was hoping Mr. Hillman’s son would call me with an update. I’m worried sick about him.”

“I checked in with one of the doctors and Mr. Hillman’s finally been moved to a regular room. I’m free this morning if you’d like me to take you down to the hospital. He’s scheduled for surgery right after lunch and I know he’d love to see you.”

The phone goes silent and I wonder if she’s still on the other end.

“Liz?”

“I’m here. I didn’t anticipate his injuries would be this bad.”

“Dr. Anderson wanted to consult with another surgeon first and they both feel that adding a metal plate will help with his recovery.”

“Are you sure you don’t mind?” she asks.

“Not at all.”

“What happened to the painting you were going to do?”

“It can wait for another day.”

Liz gives me her address and in half an hour I pull up outside of her apartment. Mr. Hillman’s home is quite lovely and I can see why she feels fortunate living here.

I can’t help smiling when I see her walk outside. Wearing a light blue dress and beige sandals, she’s perfect in every way imaginable.

“Hi. You look very nice.”

“Mr. Hillman is always saying blue is my color, so thought it might make him feel better. I also brought a few of his favorite snacks. You don’t think they’ll mind him having them?”

“Not at all. It’s actually very thoughtful of you.”

“Some of the nurses keep a few things on hand, but nothing like that.” Seeing the bag filled to the top with crackers and snack cakes, it’s no wonder Mr. Hillman enjoys having Liz around.

---