Page 9 of Counting the Stars

“Mind if I join you?” A familiar voice scares the hell out of me and I let out a scream.

“Alex! What are you doing here?” I clutch my chest, trying to regulate my breathing. I’m relieved it’s him and not some random stranger who snuck up on me, but I still wasn’t expecting any company.

“Sorry, baby girl, I figured you would’ve heard me driving up.” He hooks his thumb over his shoulder, pointing to his black SUV.

“I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn’t hear anything. What are you doing here?” I scoot over on the bench, giving him room to sit next to me. As he sits, he puts his arm around the back of the bench, and without thinking, I lean into his side. The comforting warmth of his body against mine makes my racing heart calm instantly.

“I was coming back from a doctor’s appointment and saw your car parked on the side of the road. I swung back around to see what you were up to.”

“Doctor’s appointment?” My mind immediately jumps to the worst conclusions.

“Just my annual physical for the fire department.” His arm comes around closer. “Good news. I’m healthy as a horse, which is funny because I’m also hung like a—”

“Alex!” I elbow him in his side. How this man can turn any normal conversation into something sexual is truly a gift.

“You know I can’t help it.” He shifts a little. The smell of his cologne combined with the fresh saltwater air is intoxicating.

“I know.” I rest my head in the crook of his arm. It’s funny how natural this feels.

“So, what are you doing out here?”

“Oh, umm…” I stiffen. “I had a rough shift and just needed some time to unwind before heading home.”

“I get that.” He nods. “You know, if you ever want to talk, I’m here for you.”

This. This is the Alex I adore. Yes, he’s goofy and has an aversion toward clothes, but underneath that silliness is one of the kindest souls I’ve ever met. He will make an amazing husband and father one day.

“I think I’d rather like a distraction.”

“Okay then. Any word on when you’ll start in Peds?”

After I took care of Miss Ruby, I remembered that I forgot to tell Alex about my meeting with Gail. I called him on my lunch break to tell him the news. He was elated for me, of course. Once the call ended, I realized I haven’t had a person to do that with in such a long time. Years ago, if I had something to share, like getting a solo in the choir or my high school boyfriend breaking up with me, I would debate on who to tell first: my mom or my sister. It feels like forever since I’ve had someone to call.

At the end of your nursing school journey, there’s a pinning ceremony. It’s a symbolic way to celebrate your accomplishmentsand transition from student to nurse. During this rite of passage, students choose a family member or close friend to pin them. It’s a beautiful and emotional time, although for me, there wasn’t much beauty in it. I had no one to pin me. I had no one to look for in the audience. I had no one to give me a hug and tell me they were proud of me. In the end, a faculty member pinned me. Afterwards, I went home and cried myself to sleep. For most, the ceremony symbolized success and new beginnings. For me, it was a reminder that I’m all alone.

“I’m not sure yet,” I respond, swallowing down the heartbreaking memory. “The nurse going on maternity leave is having some blood pressure problems. She may need to go on bedrest, which means I could start soon. Marissa, the charge nurse, gave me a tour the other day. I think I’ll like it there. It’s much calmer than the Emergency Department.”

“It is, and I know Marissa. She’s terrific. I’m sure you two will get along well.”

“Please don’t tell me you dated her,” I groan. I’ve heard all sorts of stories about Alex’s promiscuous ways. With his charm and looks, I’m sure there’s some truth to it. Though, honestly, I’ve never seen him with a woman.

“I did not.” His tone is icy. “I know several of the nurses on that floor because I volunteer for the station’s community outreach program. You know, the one where we visit the kids and hand out stuffed animals, firefighter hats, stickers—that kind of stuff?”

“Oh, I didn’t think of that.” My heart sinks, and I hope I didn’t insult him.

The sound of the station’s fire alarm blasts in the distance, alerting those nearby to clear the way for the trucks coming through. You can’t hear it from inside the hospital because the thick brick walls and other noises drown it out. But outside on a clear day? You can hear that thing for miles.

“I better go,” Alex says, pulling out his phone and checking the time. “My shift doesn’t start for another half hour, but the guys might need some help.”

“Hopefully, it’s just a glitchy smoke detector,” I say, trying to calm my nerves. The thought of him headed into danger eats away at me.

“Maybe.” He stands and pulls his keys out of his pocket. “Did I tell you the ladies at the nursing home pulled the fire alarm last week? It was Mrs. Donaldson’s ninetieth birthday and they wanted a show.”

“Please tell me you didn’t dance for them.” I laugh. The older generation in this town is something else.

“I was off that day.” He shakes his head. “Good thing too ’cause a bunch of those ladies would’ve been popping some nitro pills after they saw my moves.” He shimmies his hips provocatively.

“Well, thank heaven for small miracles.” I’m sure he’s not wrong with his assumption considering Miss Ruby’s heart rate spiked just from the mere mention of him.

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