Page 80 of Sexted By Santa
It was nearing lunch before I had a chance to talk with Doris. She was the head nurse and my immediate supervisor. I tapped on her door and entered to find her working on paperwork.
“Have a minute?”
She waved me toward a chair. “I’ve got three.”
“So generous.”
Doris was outwardly stern, but she was a good boss. I’d worked here long enough to know she was practical but compassionate.
“Just don’t hand in your resignation,” she said, sounding weary. “I know the pay isn’t what you deserve, but…”
“I can’t afford to quit.” I laughed lightly.
She eyed me. “I’m well aware you’ve been taking nursing classes for a while.” At my surprised look, she added, “Agnes told me.”
I groaned. “I knew she couldn’t keep a secret.”
Doris’s lips tipped up. “Are you kidding? This place is worse than a high school. For instance, I already know you’re seeing someone. The rumors are flying that it’s Bert’s daughter.”
I clapped a hand to my heart. “Not Margaret too. I feel betrayed.”
Doris chuckled. “Just tell me it’s not actually Bert’s daughter.”
“It’s not.”
“Or any of our patients’ relatives.”
“No. Definitely not a boundary I want to cross.”
She nodded approvingly.
I cleared my throat. “Also, I had to drop my latest nursing class when Tori got sick. I couldn’t manage everything. It was already difficult.”
Doris looked sympathetic. “I applaud you for trying, and I’m sorry it didn’t work out, even though it does save me the trouble of replacing you. The residents love you.”
I smiled. My job didn’t provide the wages I needed, but I did love the work. It was labor-intensive, emotional, and heartbreaking at times. But it was also incredibly fulfilling, as I not only cared for their bodies, but often their spirits. They were fascinating individuals with incredible histories, who deserved to be heard, and I did that for them.
“I’m glad. Maybe you’ll do me this favor…”
“Uh-oh.”
“Tori is out of school as of tomorrow. I’ve got it covered through Wednesday, but Thursday and Friday…”
“I can’t offer you more time off, Jax. I wish I could.”
“I know.” I sucked in a breath. “Can she spend some time up here? Maybe hang out in the lounge and assist the activities coordinator while I work?”
Doris didn’t look happy. “I’m sure the residents would love to visit with her, and Jake could always use another set of hands with gaming and craft sessions…”
“But?”
“We can’t make a habit of it. You’re not the only employee with a child.”
“I know.”
She tapped her pen against the clipboard on her desk. “Having her come in for a few hours is different than the full day.”
“I know that too. I wouldn’t ask if I had any other options.”
