Page 63 of Doctor Second Chance

I make it to the hallway, leaning against the wall for a moment to collect myself. I take another deep breath, trying to focus my thoughts on the notes I need to finish writing—time for my famous compartmentalization skills to kick in.

11:04 am

As I head out of the office, Charlie Hampton grabs my arm. "Hey, Shep. Got a minute?"

I nod, checking my watch. Cason and Opie probably won’t be home for another thirty minutes. "Sure, what's up?"

"How'd your call surgery go last night? I know it was a late one.” Charlie asks, gesturing towards the OR.

“Easy peasy," I reply with a grin. “It was an emergency because the guy lost his vision, but it turned out to be unrelated. I removed the meningioma the size of a golf ball, though, from the back of his neck. I swear, sometimes I feel like those are all I do. The good news is, I have a zero handicap."

Charlie smiles and then clears his throat. "We should get out on the links sometime. Listen, I wanted to talk to you about something else. I’ve got an unconventional ask for you. The hospital's breathing down my neck about freeing up beds. We're at 100% capacity, and they need space for new acute patients."

I raise an eyebrow, sensing where this is going. "Let me guess–Elle?"

He nods. "She's ready for a rehab facility, but there's not an open bed within a hundred miles. Given her recent bout with sepsis and the fact that she's still on those high-powered antibiotics, I'm not comfortable fully releasing her yet."

I feel my heart rate pick up, anticipating his next words, hoping I'm right.

Charlie continues, "But since you two are friends, I'd feel comfortable releasing her to your care. She could keep up with outpatient therapy here at UAB for another week or so. What do you think?"

My mind races, considering the implications. Having Elle stay with me would be incredible. I think about Opie, my schedule, and all the drama I have going on with that. Having her so close could have a calming effect. And the thought of being able to have her in my bed every night trumps any hesitation I might have.

And if I’m being frank with myself, there is no hesitation on my part.

"I'd need to run it by Elle first," I say carefully. "But if she's comfortable with it, I'm on board, sure. When would you want to discharge her?"

"I can do it this afternoon if that works for y'all. Or we can make it happen tomorrow. I have five patients I could move, and I need to figure out what to do with them, and she is just one. In the next day or so, if at all possible."

"Sure, I get it. Let me run it by her, and I'll get back to you."

"Thanks, Bud.” And with that, Charlie salutes, his hand in the air, and heads down the hall.

11:37 am

I spot Buster as I’m walking to the garage. He's got that shit bag grin on his face that he loves to sport.

"Hey, Duncan! You up for a beer later?" he calls out.

I shake my head, already feeling the pull of home and family. "Sorry, man. I'm done for the day and heading out. Need to put in some quality time with Opie and give Cason a break."

Buster's face falls a bit, but he nods in understanding. "Ah, the joys of fatherhood. I hear ya'."

"Definitely want to do it soon, though. I've got to fill you in on all the lady tales." I give him a knowing look, referencing our conversation about Elle at the bar a few days ago.

His eyes light up with interest. "Oh, ho! Sounds like there've been some developments. You better not hold out on me, Duncan. If I didn't have to get over to a patient, I would make you tell me now."

I chuckle, already walking backward towards the elevator. "Wouldn't dream of it. I'll text you once I see an opening, and we'll get something on the books."

"You better!" Buster calls over his shoulder.

As the doors close, I can't help but smile. It feels good to have something positive to share with my friends for once, even if Elle and I are still figuring things out. The thought of her staying with me sends a thrill through my body. I just hope she's as on board with the idea as I am.

TWENTY-ONE

Elle

11:54 am

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