Page 7 of Hidden Desire

“Here we go,” she mumbled, clicking on the icon.

Five jobs instantly popped up. She took a moment to consider each one. She didn’t qualify for a physician’s assistant and didn’t have any medical schooling or background. She didn’t want to clean toilets for the hospital. If she had her way, she would hire a maid to clean her own. She definitely couldn’t apply to be an HVAC technician, as she didn’t even know what that was. So that left only two choices.

“Cafeteria cashier? Medical receptionist?” She could throw a dart at either one and let that choose the outcome, but then she read through the medical receptionist criteria and ultimately decided that was the best one. She didn’t want to transition to a traditional career, but there were worst things out there. She could apply but still keep her modeling career on the side. She looked over to her Cirque magazine and frowned. One day she would get back to that. This was only a temporary situation. Things would soon turn the corner and head back in the right direction. It just had to.

Sage

“You’re doing great, Tyler. That’s right, just a little bit longer.” She held onto her patient’s leg as he bent it. She could see the tension on his face. Once, something so trivial that it took little effort was now something that put pain in this young man’s face. When he had the stroke at just twenty years old, the doctor said he’d most likely never walk again. She was there to prove to him that the doctors weren’t God.

“I can’t!” he groaned, even though Sage had his leg in her hand. She was pushing him to his limit, but it was exactly what Tyler needed at the moment. He didn’t realize it now, but he would eventually understand.

“1… 2… and 3,” she counted, finally releasing his leg, and allowing it to extend out straight. He let out a few puffs of air, and she smiled. “I’m sorry, Tyler, but I knew you could make it.”

He chuckled. “Even when I think I’m at my last straw, you know how to push me.” Sage tilted her head and helped him to a seated position. “And in the end, I feel better for it.”

Sage grinned. “Just doing my job.” Sage helped him into a wheelchair, and he was still smiling, which was a great sign. “Same time next week?”

“I’ll be here, kicking and screaming if I have to.” He laughed.

Sage put her hand on his shoulder and gave a slight squeeze. “You’re improving. I’m very happy with your progress.”

“All because of you.” He offered her a wink, and Sage motioned for Genevieve to come over and help him out of the room. “See ya next week.” He waved, and Sage stayed there watching him. It was patients like him that allowed Sage to see the difference she made in their lives and never took that for granted. She loved the happiness she could bring to their lives when they always thought all hope was lost.

Sage grabbed his chart, documented his progress, and left the therapy room to check on her next patient. She had just refiled his chart when she caught Lena headed her way. Sage glanced at her watch and frowned.

“What are you doing up here? Lunch isn’t for another two hours.”

Lena shrugged. “I was just in the neighborhood.” Sage rolled her eyes when Lena started cackling at her joke. Lena shrugged as her laughter died. “Just wanted to tell you about this gorgeous woman and how I think you two would make a hot couple.”

Sage shook her head. “Do you ever stop? Do you recall how I told you last week I would never do another blind date? Or has that minute conversation been swept from your brain in such a short time?”

“Au contraire,” Lena began. “You said blind date, which this is not. This person is right under your nose.” Lena shrugged. “The truth is, I’m surprised you aren’t already gaga over her. She’s in your department.” She leaned in closer. “And headed our way,” she whispered.

Sage rolled her eyes and looked over her shoulder. No one was there, and Lena started laughing. “You’re nuts,” Sage muttered.

“Hey, you must be interested enough that it made you look.” Lena had a mischievous grin on her face. She was obviously proud of herself, which added to the fact that Lena didn’t know what the blind date from hell had done to Sage. She wasn’t ready to get with anyone, and Lena would just have to accept that. “Anyway, I really think you’d like this chick. I would say she’s your type, based on the few minutes I've seen her.”

“And you know my type?” Sage crossed her arms in front of her and arched her brow.

“I’m your BFF,” Lena argued. “I know you better than you know you.” She laughed. “Mark my words. This woman is for you. She’s a new receptionist that’s training with Darlene.”

Sage frowned. “Where’s Darlene going?”

Lena shook her head. “Don’t you get any of the gossip? Darlene is getting married, and they’re moving to Tennessee. Her last day is Friday.”

“I’m wondering how you know all this. This isn’t even your floor.”

Lena laughed. She was a pediatric nurse that was two floors down. Yet, she always seemed to be able to have an eye on everything. There were times when Sage was jealous of that, but other times, Sage wanted to shake her head and tell Lena she needed to be more invested in her own life and instead of others’.

“I heard it from Marcus, who heard it from Seth, who heard it from….” She shrugged. “You get the gist.”

“I sure do.”

“She is clearly leaving if she’s training someone, so I would say some of it’s probably true.” Sage frowned. Darlene was a great receptionist, and Sage just hoped that whoever they got to replace her would be half as dedicated to the patients.

“Well, I have to get back to work. Duty calls.”

“For me, too,” Lena replied. “See you in a couple of hours?”

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