Page 45 of Loving Lizzy

“The hospital seems to be growing a great reputation, you must be thrilled,” Lizzy stated as she squeezed her hand.

“Yeah. We’ve accepted thirty-two patients between the two wings. The veterans and kids help each other. It’s fun watching them share their experiences and wisdom with the younger generation.

“I don’t see why she needs to lean over the table to hear what he’s saying. He’s not even paying attention to what she’s saying, he’s leering down her chest,” Jake blurted out.

Kassie’s voice came out sternly. “Jake, Mr. Benson seems like a very nice man and a real gentleman. Carol says, he walks her home after each date, gives her a goodnight kiss, and waits by the door until she’s safely inside before he leaves.”

“She’s seen him more than once?” Jake’s voice boomed through the restaurant garnering the attention of the customers.

“Of course, she’s dated him a few times. Word has it Mr. Henderson is working up the courage to ask her out,” Kassie whispered loudly enough for both tables to hear.

“I don’t believe it.” Jake scrubbed his hand across his face and sat back in his chair stunned.

Maddie turned her concerned face to Jake. “What’s the matter, Jake? Did you hear something about Mr. Henderson? As a concerned friend, you might want to mention it because he already asked her and she’s attending the book club meeting on Friday with him and out for pie afterward.”

Jake’s eyes grew round as his cheeks puffed out. “She’s dating two men at the same time?”

Lizzy placed her hand over her mouth to stifle the giggle threatening to escape. Michael even smirked.

“She’s not getting any younger. I think she’s considering settling down again. Carol told me she misses the companionship of coming home to a spouse.” Maddie put down her menu, “I’m starved, does everyone know what they want to eat?”

Jake sat his menu on the table. “I…ugh…forgot I needed to tend to the Keller’s cat. I believe I’ll skip dinner after all.” Jake rose from the table and glanced in Carol’s direction. “I’ll catch up with you in the morning.”

The women watched Jake exit the restaurant as Chase walked in. He glanced at Kassie and frowned when he realized the seating arrangement. He bent to kiss her.

“We decided to order, your timing is perfect,” Kassie murmured as Chase took the seat next to Michael.

“I saw Jake as I came in. Is everything all right?”

“He found something not to his liking. He went home to brood,” Maddie announced.

“I think you’re hanging around Victoria a little too much,” Kassie sighed. “I don’t like to see Jake hurt.”

“Neither do I. Life’s too short to remain separated from the one you care about. Hopefully, he’ll wake up and realize love is worth fighting for,” Chase answered as his gaze stayed on Kassie.

Lizzy stared into Michael’s eyes and wondered if she’d have the strength to fight for them.

CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR

Michael checked the refrigerator and made a list for the grocery store. Lizzy rounded the corner dressed in a pair of comfortable leggings and a long sweater. The dark circles under her eyes and the paleness in her cheeks told him she didn’t get much sleep. She didn’t eat much at dinner the night before. If he guessed correctly, she planned to refuse breakfast.

“I made avocado toast for you. Kassie will take you to your appointment and sit with you and I’ll be here when you return,” he reminded her. Michael didn’t miss the hurt expression that passed across her face.

She walked to the teapot and poured a cup of tea. “I’m sure Kassie will take great care of me,” her voice trembled slightly.

Michael walked toward her and took the drink from her hands. He turned her back toward him and wrapped his arms around her while they gazed out the kitchen window. “Hey. I can cancel the appointment if you prefer I take you. I love you, Lizzy Bee.”

Her head fell back on his shoulder. He almost let out a sigh of relief at the fact she allowed him to hold her. Fearing her front might still be sore, he opted to hold her from the back to keep from causing her discomfort. He was meeting with his instructor Kassie hired to teach him lymphatic massage. The classroom instruction will end today and then he begins his clinical hours. Michael estimated at the rate they scheduled the clinical hours, he might finish within three weeks, barring any complications with Lizzy.

“You told me how important these appointments are, I don’t want you to miss them. I’ll be hooked up to an IV. If you come, you’ll only be sitting and reading a book. I’ll be home soon,” she responded as she sat on the stool and allowed him to serve her the toast.

“I’ll drive you next time,” he promised as he sat the plate in front of her.

* * *

Lizzy didn’t say anything.She read about the side effects of chemo and worried about which symptoms she might experience. It felt horrible to rely on her new friends regardless of the fact they worked as nurses. Then again, she pushed Michael away and over the last week, he disappeared for hours at a time.

Edie sat with her, and they practiced knitting and crocheting. Kassie’s caseload continued to grow and she and Chase drove to Seattle for her infertility appointments. Catherine covered for Kassie and Leo terrorized the town marking the quickest exit routes from all the stores Catherine visited. Everything led to the two main roads going in and out of the town. The last thing Lizzy heard, Leo ordered the helo to land in Jake’s back yard and timed each one of the team members on how fast they got the pregnant weighted dolls he ordered to the chopper. The team took it in stride and created shenanigans of their own.

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