Page 5 of Love and Other Mental Health Concerns
“Anyway, I wasn’t just saying that, you really were impressive. Next time I’ll be sure to make myself known and ask permission if I am going to observe you at work.” He says, like I’m going to fall for this false flattery and maturity.
“Yeah, well, interacting with Jax is part clinical communication skills, and part due to the fact that I have known him since we were five years old.”
“You know him through the community?” My anxiety lessens a bit as he shows some interest in my patient, always a soft spot for me.
“We graduated in the same class and were friends in high school. So as much as he wants to unleash his anger on me, he trusts me enough to let me help him. Now we have this whole new relationship with multiple hospital admissions under our belt, and ongoing conversations about getting him into rehab.” I explain, and Nick never breaks eye-contact, now having sat himself across from me at the little table.
“One of the benefits of these small-town systems; you actually know your patients! I’ve always thought it’s such an awesome dynamic compared to the anonymity of the larger hospitals closer to the cities.” He speaks enthusiastically, with a hint of casual calm; like it’s the most natural thing in the world to already understand the most attractive aspect of the work I get to do.
Damn it.
“Right. Exactly. Sharing a community with the patients you work with means we are all on the same team.”
“Couldn’t have said it better myself.” Nick echoes. He is smiling throughout the interaction. More faint lines appear on the side of his mouth indicating that he does live with that look on his face a lot.
What is happening?
Lauren said he is supposed to be a robot with no feelings and no brain, not a dream boat that understands my dedication to rural healthcare. He’s staring at me so intently, like he’s trying to memorize my face. His biceps are being ever so slightly tugged by the light blue and white oxford he has on. A pair of jeans and some Converse sneakers are throwing me off the whole “suited asshole” vibe that I created in my head. He’s far more casual today than how he was dressed at our first calamitous introduction. I get the sense that this might be closer to therealNick.
We are interrupted just as my mind is about to wander a bit too far down the topic of Nick’s arms. “Hey guys, how’s it going!?” An enthusiastic, sing-song voice chimes. Thank you, Annie, for your quick trip back to reality.
“Great, I was just checking in with Marcy here and telling her what an awesome job I think she’s doing with her patient in the ED. I am headed off to my next meeting though, so enjoy the rest of your afternoon ladies! See you tomorrow during our one to one, Marcy.” And just like that, he is gone.
“Well, well, well…” Annie grins, her round brown eyes glimmering with mischief and blond hair thrown back in a messy bun. Annie is my best friend, having also been raised in North River and feeling the pull to return and serve the town and people that gave us so much growing up. Like me, Annie didn’t have a lot of support as a kid. While my mother was trying to raise me on her own, Annie’s dad was doing the same for her. She and I bonded over our losses and traumas in our teen years and have been inseparable ever since.
“Well, what, Annie? Do you have a comment?” I ask her.
“I have an observation. Did I just walk in on a little something? A little energy? A little attraction? Hmm?” She muses, a little too sure of herself. She is constantly hoping I find someone to crush on, and I consistently disappoint her.
“I don’t know what you are talking about, he is gross and the enemy. I am sure he just left this room and is writing down ten different ways he can cut social service funding. I won’t be fooled by the golden retriever vibe.” I explain, almost convincingly.
“Gross, huh? That’s not how I have heard anyone else describe him. I have heard sexy, steamy, Norse God, Adonis…”
“Okay, okay I get your point Annie, thanks. Nothing was going on.” I keep my eyes on my screen.
“Fine, lame. We still on for drinks tomorrow night?”
“Count me in. I have my meeting with Nick tomorrow, so I will be needing to let off some steam, I’m sure. I’m nervous Annie, what do I do if there isn’t a financially viable spot for me here? I need to be here.”
“First of all, you are always nervous.”
“Hey!” I glare at her.
“Is that wrong?” She challenges me. My eyes roll.
“No.”
“Now that we have that out of the way, there is no way that the Adonis will leave that meeting feeling anything other than gratitude for your work. You are vital, your service is vital, every nurse and doctor know it. So just be ready to make your case and stand strong. You have support.” This is the pep talk I needed.
“Thanks, that means a lot. Did you happen to notice if Dr. Dipshit saw Jax yet?”
“No. I did notice Dr. Dipshit earlier today when he was bending over to get a soda out of the vending machine but haven’t seen him since.”
“Ew Annie, no. I don’t care what he looks like, you cannot be serious.”
“Of course not Marcy, he’s an asshole, but does it hurt to just appreciate the view from time to time?” she asks while batting her lashes at me over her dark doe-like eyes.
“You are impossible, now leave me alone so I can document.”
