Page 78 of Nate

Markie stared at the mouthwatering burger but just had no appetite. She picked it up, took a bite, and hoped she could do it justice, but all she could think of was Jarrett being in town.

After paying for her lunch, she headed back to the hospital and continued to see patients. She was leaving an exam room when Jodi buzzed her.

“What’s up, Jodi?”

“There’s a man and woman here to see you.”

Markie gasped. Surely her mother and Jarrett hadn’t just shown up.

“Uh, I’ll be right there.”

She leaned against the wall trying to calm herself down when she saw Tess coming toward her.

“What’s going on, Markie?”

“I think my mother and her husband are here.”

“In Clifton?”

“In the lobby. They made a trip to see me, and she said she’d love to see where I lived and worked. I mistakenly said I’d give her a tour of the hospital. I didn’t mean today.”

“Oh, boy. Well, if they’re here, show them around, then they can leave.”

Markie nodded. “I’ll do that. I don’t have any other patients to see right now, so I could do it and get it over with.”

“Yes, do that. I’d love to meet your mother, but him? Not so much.”

“I’ll introduce you. Let me go get them.” She pushed off the wall and walked out toward the lobby.

She thought she was going to be sick when she saw Jarrett grinning at her but smiled when she saw her mother.

“Mom,” she said, pulling her into a hug.

“This is a nice little hospital, Markie.”

“I love it here. Come on, I’ll show you around.”

“No hug for me, Markie?” Jarrett asked.

“No.” She looked at her mother. “Follow me.”

Markie led them down the hallway and pointed out her office.

“These next three doors are where we see patients. This room here on the right is the medication dispensary.”

“What kind of medicines?” Jarrett asked.

“All kinds. From samples for fleas and ticks to pain meds for after surgeries. Oxycodone, hydromorphone, butorphanol,” Markie told him.

“Animals get opioids?”

“Of course. How else would we help with their pain?”

Jarrett shrugged. “I guess I just didn’t think about it. I bet you keep those locked up tight.”

“Yes, we do.” She stared at him until he smiled at her, then she looked at her mother. “I hope you brought your meds with you if you plan on exploring the town, Mom.”

“I did, honey.”

---