Page 53 of Let Leaves Lay Where They Fall

He pushes the med cart back in line with the others, parked next to the nurses’ station and pulls his phone from his pocket.

“Hey.” Smiley face. Jamie had text.

Nathan scans the row of glass doors to various Doctor’s offices until he sees Jamie, sitting on a raised examination chair. Dr Supermodel is checking his thigh and probably giving instructions about further care.

Jamie catches Nathan staring and waves with that adorable, crooked grin pushing at a dimpled cheek. Then seems to remember the Doctor is speaking at him and reverts his attention.

“Hey.” Smiley face. Nathan types back. He watches Jamie glance at the phone in his hand and look back up with that dimple dipping even deeper. He tucks his phone back into the scrubs pocket and checks the tablet for the next patient.

He settles Hank with the three days long migraine into a darkened cubicle. Checking his vitals and recording them into the system before noticing Darla has arrived to collect Rosemary. The younger woman with frizzy brown hair, frumpy sweater and wire rim glasses looks like a librarian and could easily be her daughter.

Rosemary waves at Nathan for him to join them.

“Nathan. This is Darla, my neighbor. She’s come to take me home.” The sweetest little woman says.

“Hi Darla.” Nathan flashes a genuine smile. “Let me go grab a wheelchair and we’ll get you out to the car.” He speaks to Rosemary.

“Okay.” She smiles at Darla who is gathering up the coat hung off the bed’s side rail and presenting it on display for Rosemary to slip an arm in.

Nathan strides to the nearest wheelchair in line against a far wall and returns to Rosemary and Darla. He helps the tiny frail woman off the clinic bed and into the seat, pushing her behind Daria, leading the way out through the reception area and to the car parked near the entrance.

Rosemary holds out a folded slip of paper for Nathan. “This is my number. Call me and let me know how that date goes next week. I want to hear all about it.”

He takes the paper from her fingers and tucks it safely into his pocket. “I will call you first thing.” He melts a bit. Softly squeezing her boney shoulder.

She pats his hand and smiles up at him.

Nathan helps her rise to a standing position and guides her to the car where Darla is holding the door open. He loads Rosemary into the seat and waves as the pair drive away.

He turns back toward the clinic entrance and almost bumps into the person standing right behind him.

“Hey.” Jamie’s dimpled face is smiling back at him.

“Hey.” The flutters fill his chest and float up through his head. “How was your checkup?”

“It was good.” He rolls his eyes. “How is that damn doctor so pretty?”

Nathan laughs. “Eh. He’s okay.”

Molly grunts, reading a text on her phone.

“What’s wrong?” Jamie and Nathan both turn to her.

“I’ve got to go into the restaurant tonight. Colin is out sick.” She stuffs the device into her lavender puffer coat pocket.

“I guess we’re not grabbing sushi?” Jamie pouts.

“Oh yes, we are. I’ll get there when I get there.” She crinkles her brows.

The trio all laugh.

“I’ve got to get back inside.” Nathan addresses the pair. “Text me later?” He speaks to Jamie.

“He will!” Molly responds before Jamie can get words past his own lips.

Nathan grins at the pushy little waitress.

“I will.” Jamie adds, hip checking his spunky friend.

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