Page 5 of Christmas With My Ex

Once the paramedics are gone I figure that's it for me. Unless I can jump on the lift and get a run or two in on the front of the mountain.

Benjy turns to me, motioning to the darkening sky. “Sorry again about today, man. I know we had to cut things short with the rescue, but with the storm rolling in, looks like we’ll have to call it a wrap.”

I glance at the sky, the wind picking up, carrying flurries of snow with it. It’s clear this storm’s going to be a big one.

“No worries,” I say, adjusting my gear. “You did what you had to do. Hell, that was a learning experience in and of itself, seeing you pop that sled out and take command of the situation. And, to tell you the truth, it took everything not to jump in and help. But out on a mountain and in the E.R. are very different, and you had it all under control. What a wild ride.”

It was difficult for me to take off my doctor hat and observe. But as soon as she removed her goggles and helmet and I saw that it was her, there was no way I was getting anywhere close to that once I knew Benjy was in control.

Benjy nods, pulling off his gloves. “If there had been a compound break or an open wound, I would have put you to work. But we see these types of injuries a lot out here. I can secure a downed skier and pull a sled in my sleep.”

“You certainly do your job well. She’s lucky it was you and not me in this situation.” In more ways than one, I think to myself.

“I do what I can. Listen, I’ll tell you what—if you’re still in town after the storm passes, I’ll take you out for a half-day in the backcountry. Make up for cutting it short.”

“I’ll be here until Wednesday,” I reply, grateful for the offer. "That sounds good if it works out."

Benjy raises an eyebrow. “You want to grab a beer? I could use one after that.”

“Sounds good,” I say, following him toward the town center.

The Last DollarSaloon

100 E Colorado Avenue

12:26pm

We walk into the cozy,packed bar. It's like we take a step back into time with the old wood floors and dark wood paneling. The place already filling up with skiers trying to get warm as the temperature continues to drop.

Benjy orders two beers, and we settle in at a small table near the window, watching as the snow starts to fall harder.

“You handled things well out there,” Benjy says after a moment. “Most people panic in situations like that.”

I shrug. “I’m an ER doc. Kind of used to to that scene. I would have stepped in to help, but you didn't need me.”

“It honestly slipped my mind in the moment that you were a doctor” Benjy lifts his beer as if to apologize. “I should have deferred to you.”

“You didn’t need me! You did a great job.” I take a sip, feeling the warmth spread through me. “You’ve got a good handle on things. It’s impressive”

“Appreciate that,” he says, taking a drink. “Still, I’m glad you were there in case we needed you. She looked pretty banged up. Think she’ll be alright?”

I nod. “Yeah, probably a knee injury. Nothing too serious. She was moving her toes, so that’s a good sign.”

Benjy leans back in his chair, thoughtful. “You see a lot of stuff like that in the ER?”

“Yeah, but usually more car accidents, workplace injuries, that kind of thing. Knoxville’s a college town, though, so we get some pretty wild cases, too.”

“Oh yeah? What’s the craziest thing you’ve seen?”

I chuckle, remembering. “We had this kid come in once—fraternity prank gone wrong. His buddies duct-taped him to a mattress and threw him in a pool. Problem was, the mattress flipped over, and he got stuck face down in the water. You never realize how heavy a saturated queen mattress can be.”

Benjy winces. “Damn. Did he make it?”

“Barely. We pulled him through, but he was in rough shape. You wouldn’t believe how many weird things like that come through the ER.”

He shakes his head, smiling. “I bet you’ve seen it all.”

“Pretty much.” I set my beer down, the conversation turning quieter. “What about you? How often do you deal with rescues like today?”

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