Page 39 of Family Bonds- Garrett & Justine

“Not sure about that,” he said. “But we get to take an audio and driving tour. Kind of sweet how things have changed.”

“Technology is a wonderful thing,” she said. “Most times. Until it breaks and we can’t do our jobs.”

He laughed and turned his head. Right now they were standing on the deck as they were getting close to the port. They’d have to go to his SUV soon.

“I always cringe when I go to work and the software or server is having issues. Patients get behind, but we can’t do anything. I can’t start their treatment even if we know their blood work was fine the day before.”

“Why?” she asked. “I mean, I can’t dispense anything until it’s up, so that would hinder you anyway.”

“We have to log everything we do, the nurses do. When they start, dosages and times. It can’t be done after the fact. It affects billing, which you know, keeps our jobs. But it also is part of compliance and for the patients’ protection. Their names and dates are verified so many times with each change of treatment while they are there. The data needs to go in real-time.”

“I can’t even imagine the stress of that,” she said.

“You’ve got it too,” he said.

She laughed. “I know. Don’t want to fill the wrong prescriptions. Have to pay attention to what else they might be taking to see if there is a reaction. At my last job, I always wanted to counsel the patients first, but many didn’t want it.”

“I think everyone just believes things will be fine,” he said. “Do you do much counseling now?”

“If a patient needs or requests it, I’ll go down and talk to them as long as someone else can stay in the pharmacy. In Boston, it was easier. There are more people on staff for one of us to leave.”

She had to admit she liked it better on the island.

It was quiet, and though the pace was fast because there were fewer employees, it was more about keeping her busy rather than overwhelmed.

In Boston, there were days they were slammed and it was hectic.

“We should get back in the car,” he said. They turned and walked away from the railing. “How do you like it on the island so far? Aside from meeting me.”

She turned and squinted her eyes at his adorable grin.

He was pretty charming, she did have to admit that.

“I was just thinking that it’s so quiet here. I’m busy at work but not overwhelmed. The days fly by too.”

They got into his SUV. “That’s how you like it in terms of work. How about outside of work?”

“I’ve never had much of a life outside of work,” she said. “So this is taking some getting used to. So far, it’s been pleasurable.”

He burst out laughing. “Okay.”

She felt her face flush. “That came out wrong.”

“Good,” he said. “Because I haven’t even kissed you yet. But if you think just spending time with me is pleasurable, then I’ve got a lot more to show you.”

More heat surged through her veins.

“Are you going to kiss me?” she asked.

She’d never been bold like that, but why not be?

Life was short and she liked Garrett.

She didn’t know where things would go or if she wanted them to be more than a friendship.

But in the past few days, she started to think maybe this could be one of those casual relationships.

They could be friends. They could maybe be lovers.

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