Page 5 of Bear Creek Father's Day
Zak responded with a smile emoji, matching the silly grin on his face. His mother, Melody, was a public librarian in his hometown of Concordville, southwest of Philadelphia. His father, Andrew, who probably wouldn’t respond until lunchtime, worked as groundskeeper for Longwood Gardens—over eleven hundred acres of gardens, woodlands, and meadows. He and his bear loved working outdoors, while Zak’s city-bear mom preferred the quiet company of books.
While they had always been loving and supportive of their son and his dreams, he often wondered if they were overcompensating for having denied him siblings. As a young teen, he’d asked them why they never had more kids, resulting in a tense and tearful conversation. Having already produced one quasi-shifter, they decided not to have more children who would likely endure rejection for something they could not help. Unfortunately for Zak, it had resulted in a lonely childhood and a deep-seated resentment of judgmental shifters.
Once the sign was squared away and operational, Zak went back inside to unpack supplies. Some had to be kept under lock and key within the exam rooms, while others were destined for the lab or general storage. Earlier in the week, he’d tested all of the equipment that had arrived before he did, making sure it was in working order before opening day.
While he had expected a freshly remodeled home and clinicbuilding, he’d assumed that the X-ray suite, ultrasound cart, and lab equipment were his responsibility. When he questioned DeeDee about it, she reminded him that everything he would need was included in the initial grant and not to give it another thought. All he knew was that it had saved him an arm and a leg, and offered his patients more services for less time, expense, and hassle.
Zak lost track of time and had to hurry through lunch before his one o’clock arrived. Each of the three candidates (initially recommended by DeeDee Tillman) lived in Bear Creek, boasted impeccable qualifications, and offered years of experience. Before moving to town, Zak had conducted phone interviews with each of them, so today’s in-person meetings were the last step before a job offer. As long as there were no surprises, he hoped they would all agree to join the practice.
Throughout his training, Zak had witnessed the inordinate amount of influence the staff had on patient retention. In his opinion, people tended to overlook adoctor’sflaws much more frequently than other medical professionals. Rude or unpleasant staff members often became the camel’s proverbial ‘last straw,’ before patients went somewhere else for their medical care. Zak couldn’t take that risk in a small town, nor did he want to conduct his practice that way. It was better to choose his associates carefully to begin with, thereby keeping patients happy and his reputation untarnished.
His first interview today was with a human man by the name of Crew Bishop, vying for the front office manager position. Though the duties included reception, Zak needed someone with a mix of talents. Crew not only had billing experience, he was an LPN and had recently finished his X-ray technician courses. In his late twenties, Crew had a stellar academic and work record, a great attitude, and a sincere desire to help people. Zak would consider himself very fortunate indeed if the talented man agreed to take the position.
Shortly before one o’clock, he spotted a gray Outback pulling into the lot and put down the supplies he’d been carrying. Through the large picture window, he watched as a tall, slim,redhead approached the building, carrying a notebook. Zak greeted him just inside the door.
“Crew? I’m Zak Hall. You’ll be happy to know that you get extra points for being on-time and prepared.”
Crew laughed as they shook hands.
“Good. I see my plan to impress you worked! By the way, the new sign looks great, and so does the building. The old clinic wasn’t in good shape when Doc Brewster left town.”
Zak smiled and shook his head.
“No argument there. Knox McCoy and his team did a fantastic job remodeling and expanding the building. Let me give you a quick tour before we talk about your duties.”
Crew’s scent gave away how pleased he was with the setup and features of the clinic, especially when they got to the radiology room. He also found the ursine treatment area fascinating—something he’d never encountered before. As they returned to the front of the building, Crew naturally paused to examine the file room and reception area work station. After a good look, they took their seats in the waiting room, and Zak got started.
“As we discussed on the phone, your position requires several hats—reception, records, billing, X-ray, and occasional nursing duties. I don’t believe the day to day pace will be all that hectic, but if your workload becomes a problem, I would expect you to let me know. All of us will be taking on multiple tasks, including me, but if the practice grows larger than I’m expecting, we’ll bring on additional people as needed.
“The schedule is designed to provide work-life balance for employees and flexible hours for our patients: Monday is noon to eight, Tuesday through Friday seven to four, with Saturdayand Sunday off. If there are any after-hours emergency calls, I will handle them. You’ll start with two weeks of PTO the first year, with an additional week added each year until you reach a total of five. I only ask that you not request time off during the month of August so we can accommodate school and sports physicals. Do you have any questions for me?”
Crew glanced down at the notebook he’d brought with him before answering.
“I do have a couple questions, but first I want to make it clear that I’m gay. I hope that isn’t going to be a problem for you.”
Zak wasn’t surprised, and settled the matter immediately.
“Well, since I am, too, I don’t see any problem at all. Sounds like you’ve had trouble with employers in the past, and I’m sorry for that. If anyone, patient or staff, harasses you, I want to hear about it immediately. Understand? Now, if I catch you flirting with patients, we’ll need to have a discussion, though I doubt you operate that way.”
Relieved and amused, Crew’s fair, lightly freckled skin flushed pink.
“No, I don’t. And besides, my boyfriend would clobber me! Leo and I have been together for almost a year, and I moved in with him back in November. He’s the production manager atDelicious. Have you ever tried their chocolates?”
Zak smiled in recollection at his first taste of Aiden’s magic.
“I have! In fact, Mayor Tillman brought me there on my first trip to Bear Creek. I’ve gotten to know Aiden and Dash a little, too. Super-nice guys, and very generous.”
Crew asked a few more questions from his list and finished up their conversation with an inquiry about the rest of the clinic staff. Zak filled him in as much as he could.
“I have two more interviews after we’re done here. One is for our primary nurse, and I have a great shifter candidate with wide experience and a winning attitude. I’ll also be talking to a midwife with her own practice in town, who may also do some contract work with us. She seems eager to discuss the possibilities, and it would give the clinic another area of expertise.
“I’m afraid our time is almost up, so allow me to extend you an offer of employment. If you need more time to make a decision, just know that I hope to open our doors by the last week of this month—assuming I have sufficient staff on board. What do you say?”
A bit startled, Crew smiled and thrust out his hand.
“I accept. I’m actually working through an agency at the moment, so I’m not required to give two weeks’ notice. When would you like me to start?”
Zak stood to shake the man’s hand, thrilled to have secured Crew as part of the practice.
