Page 54 of Passion Restored

Nancy didn’t bother taking a seat at a table; instead, she went directly to the coffee maker to pour herself a cup. She didn’t bother to offer Liz one.

“As you know, the budget committee finally agreed on a final budget for the year this morning,” Nancy began.

“I’ve heard.” It was all anyone could talk about, even though they had numerous other things to worry about.

“Well, then you’ve also heard that there have been changes on each floor, not just the ER itself. None of it was personal, of course, but business is business.”

“I thought this was a hospital where the business was to ensure that people made it out of these doors alive,” Liz put in, her tone grating. She hated being talked down to like she was a child, and Nancy excelled at it.

The other woman raised her brow. “Be that as it may, some decisions had to be made, and unfortunately, you are on the upper tier in terms of salary. You’ve been with us the longest in your position, and as there isn’t another position higher than you opening up, that means the committee had to make tough decisions.

A ringing sound buzzed in Liz’s ears as she tried to make sense of what she was hearing. “You’re saying I make too much money because I’ve been here longer than anyone else, and that since you’re in the position higher than me and haven’t moved up yet,”—because Nancy couldn’t seem to get promoted herself, but Liz didn’t say that—“I’m what? Going to get a salary cut?” She barely made enough as it was with all her loans and the new house. And now that she was pregnant, things were going to change dramatically.

Nancy shook her head. “That wouldn’t be enough, sadly. The board, as well as the committee, has been forced into this position, and in order to help the hospital stay afloat, you’re being let go. You have two more weeks, of course, to gather your things and make plans, but then that’s it. This decision didn’t come easily, but really, it’s the best for everyone involved.” Nancy reached out and patted Liz’s hand. “You didn’t really fit in here anyway, did you, darling? You’ll be better off somewhere else, don’t you think?”

Liz snatched back her hand as if she’d been scalded. What the fuck was this woman thinking? “You’ve got to be kidding me. I’ve worked here the longest and have the best record so I get fired because I don’t make nice?”

Nancy raised her chin. “Honey, don’t make a scene. You must have known this was coming. And, really, you don’t have as good a record as you think. What with dating patients like you are, and leaving early yesterday. If you truly cared about your job, you would have worked harder.”

Liz fisted her hands at her sides. “That’s bull, and we both know it. I don’t kiss your ass like Lisa does, and I get that, but that doesn’t mean I should be fired. And as for dating patients? You and Lisa have been the ones spreading that around, so don’t fuck with me on that. My personal life is my own business.”

“Not when it’s the hospital’s business,” Nancy cut in.

“Fuck you, Nancy. You and Lisa wanted me out, and you found a way to make that happen. And I left yesterday because I was sick, not because I needed a mani-pedi. You know what? Maybe you’re right. Maybe I didn’t fit in with you and your clique, but I worked my ass off, and now I’m being thrown out because you don’t like me and found a way to make your dreams come true. Well, really, fuck you again, Nancy. I have over two weeks vacation left, and I’m taking it. I’m out, and you get to pay me for it for those last two weeks. Fight me on it, and I’ll come at you with everything I have. And believe me, honey, it’s enough.”

With that, she stormed out of the break room and back to her cubby where she stored her things. She was done with the place and the long hours and low pay. She’d worked her ass off for everything she’d achieved, and now she had nothing to show for it because she didn’t get along with the woman in charge.

Fuck all of them.

Her hands shook as she stuffed her duffle bag with the remnants of her locker. Holy God. She’d just been fired. She didn’t have a job. She would lose her insurance at the exact wrong time, as well.

What the hell was she going to do?

Lisa walked by at that moment and giggled. Fucking giggled. Liz turned on her heel and glared at the woman. “Just go away, Lisa. You got what you wanted. But remember this, the patients need to come first. Got it? Don’t let someone die because you’re too busy gloating and being a bitch.”

“Go to hell, Liz. Maybe if you hadn’t gotten all high and mighty, you wouldn’t have been tossed out on your ass.” With that, she flounced away, and Liz was left shaking.

“Liz?”

She turned as Dr. Wilder came up to her, his hands in his jeans’ pockets. He looked like he was about to head off shift, and Liz wanted nothing more than to just walk away and never turn back. She didn’t have the energy to deal with any of this.

But she couldn’t be a bitch to the man who actually put patients first before all other things—including himself and those he worked with.

“Yes?”

“I just wanted to say I’m sorry. I know it doesn’t mean much, but I put in a good word for you, but Nancy has a way of getting what she wants.” He narrowed his eyes. “I’m going to make sure she can’t do this to anyone else, though. I was just a little late this time in seeing her for who she is, and for that I’m sorry.” He pulled out a card from his pocket and handed it over. “I know you’re not ready to think about this, but my brother has a clinic that could always use the help.” He shrugged as she took it, her eyes wide.

“Why are you doing this?”

“Because you’re the best nurse we have, and we’re losing you to silly politics. Don’t let your gift go to waste because other people are assholes.”

She shook her head before looking down at the card. “An oncology outpatient clinic?”

“I know it’s not an ER, but they will have better hours for you and the baby.”

Her head shot up. “What?”

He gave her a small smile. “I’ve been a doctor for a while now, Liz. I can recognize the signs of a pregnant woman, even if she can’t herself. Congratulations, by the way. And if you need a reference for anything, just let me know.”

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