Page 24 of Nate

“I was like him.”

“Yes. I’m sorry.”

Nate stared into her eyes, then nodded. “Apology accepted. Have a nice day, Dr. Russell.” He turned and strode to his truck, climbed inside, then pulled out of the lot. She was still standing in the same spot as he drove past.

****

Markie blinked tears back as she watched him drive past without even glancing at her. Shaking her head, she walked back toward the hospital, entered, and made her way to her office. She’d get back to work and try her best to forget all about Nate Jefferson.

When lunchtime rolled around, she called Sydney to see if she wanted to meet up for lunch, but she didn’t answer her phone, so she called the bookstore.

“The Wright Bookstore, how may I help you?”

“Is Sydney around today?”

“Yes, she’s in her office and asked not to be disturb.”

“I see. Could you tell her Markie is on the phone?”

“Uh…”

“I promise you won’t get in trouble. Just ask her, please.”

“Yes, ma’am. Please hold.”

Markie waited a few minutes and hoped she didn’t get the clerk in trouble.

“Hey, Markie, what’s up?”

“How about lunch together?”

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. Well, something. If you can’t make lunch, we could meet for dinner.”

“Let’s do that. I’ll meet you around five-thirty at the diner. Is that good?”

“Perfect. I’ll see you then.” Markie hung up and stared at the walls in her office.

Damn it, she really blew it with Nate. He might have accepted her apology, but he would stay away from her.

“How did you get into such a mess, Marjorie Ann Russell?”

With a heavy sigh, she pushed her chair back, stood, and went to see the next patient.

The hospital was open six days a week, Monday through Saturday, but the techs handled Saturday appointments, which were usually just vaccinations. Markie loved having the weekend off, unless an emergency happened. She worked from nine in the morning until five in the evening, and living upstairs, she got home very quickly.

Although some days did go a little longer if an emergency surgery happened. If it was serious enough, both Markie and Tess would perform it together.

At five, she sat at her desk, entering the information on the last patient. The dog had an encounter with a porcupine. Markie didn’t even know those animals were in Montana, but though a rare sighting, they did exist here.

“A rare sighting and this dog just had to find one.” Markie laughed. Poor thing. His nose was covered in quills. She had to sedate him to get them out.

“Markie, I’m heading home. Will you lock up?”

“Of course, Tess. I’m meeting Sydney for dinner, so I’ll stick around here a little while.”

“Oh, okay. Then I’ll lock the door behind me. Everyone else is gone.”

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