Page 13 of Wildflower Hearts
“I didn’t mean to imply that you…”
“You know, maybe this was a bad idea.” Elias wiped his mouth. “I shouldn’t be doing this. I should be at the hospital next to Noah, where I belong.”
She stood at the same time as he did and reached out to grab his arm when he turned toward the door. “Wait, Elias, please.”
His body was stiff, but he allowed her to turn him, so that she could see his face.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to overstep my boundaries.” All the training in the world never prepared a person to deal with someone who had almost lost a loved one in a tragic way. “Noah wouldn’t want you to torment yourself like this. He won’t hold it against you if you enjoy eating lunch, though he might get annoyed if you're doing it with his nurse.”
“Eating lunch, you mean?”
Lyla laughed and motioned at the table. “Stay and eat lunch. You can go to the hospital and see him as soon as you're done.”
“I’m sorry I blew up at you. You’re only trying to help.”
“It’s okay.” She sat back down and retrieved her fork. “So, what is Noah like when he’s conscious?”
Chuckling, he joined her at the table and began to tell her about his family.
It wasn’t until an hour and a half later that they finished their meal and washed the dishes. She was surprised when he insisted on helping her, but it gave her more time to ask questions about himself and his family while he dried the wet items. As expected, his childhood was filled with happiness and love. His mother had raise four boys as a single mother into honorable, respectable men who knew the true meaning of love and family.It was at that moment she no longer felt sympathy toward him. Instead, she was filled with envy.
“What happened to your mother?” She put the last dish away and turned to gaze at him. “I mean, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked that. You don’t have to answer.”
He cleared his throat. “She passed away a few yes ago from cancer.”
“I’m so sorry.”
“It’s okay. I’m at peace with it now.” Elias glanced at his watch. “I better get going. Noah’s probably missing me by now.”
She followed him to the door. “Thank you for lunch. It was a pleasure talking to you. I appreciate you sharing your family stories with me. It’s not often I get to know the patient personally that I’m caring for these days.”
“I enjoyed myself, too. Thanks for everything.”
She rested her hand on the doorknob. “Hope everything’s well with Noah at the hospital. I’ll be back in tomorrow at ten to check on him.” She swung open the door.
“Thanks again.” He hesitated before he leaned in, his hand finding her shoulder. He brushed his lips lightly against her cheek. “See you later.”
“Bye,” she whispered, watching him bound down the steps to his car. She stood there until he started the engine and drove down the street from view. A cough caused her to jump, and she tilted her head to see Mrs. Thompson sitting on her porch, the woman sipping lemonade as she read a book in her lap. She glanced up to catch Lyla’s gaze and winked before focusing back on her book.
Chuckling, she shut the door and leaned back against the wood with a sigh.
“I’m so glad you’re here.”
Eyebrows up, she stared at Reba in confusion. “Why? What’s up?”
“Four new patients came in this last hour. I took care of one already, and Dr. Moore is in surgery right this second.” She handed Lyla four metal folders, pointing to the one on top. “I left an Appy patient and a tough stick that you might want to look at.”
She flipped open the first file. “An Appy? Why didn’t you send him to the third floor? They handle appendicitis patients down there like common colds.”
“I can do that right away.”
“Thanks. Give Diane the tough stick. She’s good at drawing blood like a vamp.”
Reba nodded again and took both files.
“Where’s Dr. Masser? Wasn’t he supposed to be on this floor starting tonight?”
“He called out,” Reba shrugged. “Guess he’s still in Aspen with his family. Dr. Moore said he’s leaving in twenty minutes, so I guess that leaves you on the floor again.”
