Page 7 of Loving Lizzy

“I’ve given it some thought and hoped to discuss it.” He stood in the large open area as she sauntered over to the kitchen. It appeared more like a larger version of a home than it did a hospital.

“Hi boss, what can I get you?” A muscular man in a white apron wiped his hands as he noticed them. “Keep an eye on those eggs,” he reminded the teen at the stove.

“Ben, this is Dr. Harris. Ben serves as our resident cook and a Godsend,” Kassie made the introductions. “I came for tea and something to tie me over until lunch.”

The man immediately got to work grabbing dishes. He scooped out a good portion of fruit salad for both of them and threw some sourdough bread in the toaster while she grabbed her drink and Michael poured his coffee. Within a few minutes, he handed Kassie a tray. Her plate held a piece of avocado toast. Another contained a sandwich loaded with bacon, egg, and cheese.

Kassie smiled. “Thanks.”

The man nodded and glanced in Michael’s direction. “You seem like you need a pick me up.” Ben thrust the second tray in his hands.

Surprised, Michael took the offering, “Thank you.”

Following his friend to the opposite side of the hospital, she led him into a room with windows along the back wall displaying the mountains. He placed his food on the desk and they each took a seat in an empty chair. She took out her phone, sent a text and stuck the device back in her pocket.

“Chase will be here in a few minutes. Tell me about Lizzy.” Kassie got to the point.

“She’s having surgery in four days. She opted for a double mastectomy. She says she’s fine,” he sighed.

Rubbing his knee consolingly, she pushed the plate of food in his direction. “She didn’t call any of us. I know she likes to keep things private, but I thought she understood we wanted to be there for her. What do you need?”

“I told Whiskey we’ll think about the house. She keeps putting off the discussion. She seemed to love it, yet I couldn’t get a commitment from her. I’m sure he wants to sell since he intended to purchase the house near the mountain. I hate leaving him on the hook,” Michael explained.

“There’s no rush. We own the land and house he moved to. When you’re ready, it’ll all get handled.” Her nose scrunched as she thought about what he said. Chase walked in and immediately went to his wife, who beamed her pleasure at his presence. Leaning over, he gently kissed her before grabbing the chair behind the empty desk and pulling it closer to them.

“Hey, man. I planned on calling you today. How are you doing?”

“I’m fine. I dropped by to discuss the position with you and Kassie,” he told them.

They waited for him to begin.

Michael sat the plate down and leaned in. “With Lizzy’s diagnosis, I’m worried if I take the job, I’ll miss shifts and I don’t want to disappoint you. I appreciate the offer, but I can’t accept it. Lizzy comes first.”

Chase nodded. “I get it. I feel the same way about my girls. Kassie and I discussed this before we offered you the job. Elizabeth already works here and she’s part of our family. We have someone coming in to handle day-to-day operations while she’s off. We’ll evaluate the situation if anything changes. We didn’t extend this without knowing you’ll need time to care for her. Michael, you aren’t alone. She planned to stop by this afternoon to talk to Lizzy since she hasn’t returned any calls. Think about it. We currently have enough NP’s and doctors on staff to manage our caseload. We’ll work around your schedule and Lizzy’s.”

Sweeping a hand through his hair, he let out a breath. “I don’t have to think about it because I want it. Our friendship means a lot to me, and I didn’t want to put you in an awkward situation as my boss.”

Chase held out his hand. “You’re one of my best friends and I hate seeing you go through this. We’re concerned about both of you. We haven’t seen you since the holidays and wanted to respect your privacy. We consider the job filled. Head to HR, fill out the paperwork, and we’ll work out your schedule.”

Michael shook his hand. “Thanks, man. I don’t want to take advantage of our friendship. If my time off starts to create any problems, I want your word. You’ll tell me straight out it isn’t working.”

Chase shook his head, “I give it to you. We want to help both of you.”

Kassie stood. “I have a patient coming this afternoon right after lunch. May I stop by when I’m finished?”

“Yes, Lizzy hasn’t left her condo and I’m sure she’ll welcome the company,” Michael assured her.

Walking toward the door, she turned around. “I hope you like this office. It’s yours. Take some time to make a list of things you might need. I can send an order. What did you have in mind for the salon area at Samantha’s old house?”

“I wanted to turn it into a small pediatric practice for the children in Serenity and the surrounding towns. It’s large enough and can hold medical supplies. Why do you ask?” He stood and walked around the room.

Kassie smiled. “Something good to replace the bad. Would you allow us to provide everything and make it an extension of the hospital? Then we can handle the administrative details here and I’ll send someone down to help you when you need extra staff.”

He stopped next to Chase. “It’s a great idea, but Lizzy hasn’t agreed to move, and I refuse to stay in Serenity while she’s in Seattle.”

Kassie’s nose scrunched up. “I don’t think you’ll need to worry about it for too long. The women can be very persuasive. Chase, will you come to my office when you’re finished? I want to make some calls…” her voice drifted as she went into planning mode and turned down the hall.

“What do you think she’s plotting?” Michael asked him.

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