Page 1 of Sing it, Sam

Chapter One

New job, fresh start.You got this, Jane.

“As I said yesterday, every column in the visitor book must be filled out. No exceptions,” Mrs Peters says in a firm voice.

“Of course,” I reply to my new boss with a nod, trying not to swivel in my chair.

“Whenever you expect to be away from the desk for a few minutes, make sure you take a handheld walkie-talkie with you.” She points to four black units which sit on charger bases at the back of the small brightly lit reception area. “When you’re back in the office, pop it on charge as the nurses use them too. In an emergency, I need to be able to contact staff immediately.”

“Yes, Mrs Peters.”

She tucks the loose strands from her short grey bob behind her ear. “Please. Call me Kathleen.”

Even though Kathleen and her husband live in the same street, and we’ve shared the occasional wave before now, I didn’t want to presume it was okay to address her by her first name. “Sorry. Kathleen it is.”

“No need to apologise. So that’s pretty much it. Greet visitors, manage the residents and answer any queries.” She claps her hands together. “When you’ve settled in, we’ll get working on the activities schedule. We might be a small nursing home, but we have some great people here.”

“I can’t wait to get started.” My heartbeat picks up the pace as memories of Nan living in the centre flood back. The most heart-warming smile would spread across her wrinkled face as she gushed about her social calendar. Bingo was her favourite; painting a close second. I swear it was the group interactions that got her motivated and out of bed, particularly when her body had all but given up.She was strong until the end. I hope I can play a part in bringing joy like she felt to the other residents here.

Lines form at the sides of Kathleen’s hazel eyes as she smiles and hands me a badge with black etched writing. “This arrived this morning.”

Jane Rhynehart

Administration and Events Coordinator

“Thank you,” I say, and pin it to my navy dress. It’s a proud moment.Total independence, here I come.

Kathleen strolls to the rear of the office, where it joins the main hallway. “I’ll be back in a bit. Just taking a quick walk through the grounds with the new maintenance contractor. Do you think you’ll be okay?”

I nod. “I’ll be fine.”

“Oh, and I forgot to tell you that Sally-Anne, who works part-time, won’t be in for a week or so. Her eldest has the chicken pox. Between the two of us we’ll have to manage the reception and answer the phones.”

After managing the switch at the medical centre, I’m sure the volume of calls here won’t be nearly as demanding. “No problems. I’m looking forward to meeting her when she comes in.”

Kathleen nods and disappears from view, her heels clicking down the hall. I let out a heavy breath and swivel in my seat to bring my legs under the desk. I gaze out at the unkempt green hedge which curves around the looped driveway.Could we get someone in to trim that into fun shapes?That might keep the residents amused.

A flyer for the council fundraiser on the noticeboard near the entrance catches my eye.It’d be fun to get dressed up. It’s a shame I have no friends in town to go with.

Bringing my head back to work, I scan my inbox and click on the email from Kathleen detailing my job duties. As I review each item, for a moment I think I might’ve taken on too much.

No. My parents are farmers. Hard work is in my genes.

Before too long, the main glass sliding doors swoosh open. A gaudy ding-dong sound pierces the silence from somewhere behind me, echoing in my ears. I jerk in my seat, gripping the desk to steady me. I’d better find the volume switch on that, otherwise I’ll almost pee myself every time someone visits.

As I clear my throat to portray a sense of control, my eyes swing up to find a tall broad-shouldered man in faded blue jeans and a white button-down shirt, sleeves rolled up to his elbows. He wrangles dark sunglasses from his tanned face and folds them into his breast pocket. As he scans the entrance, he rakes his fingers through his short blond curls.My, oh my.

I poke my head above the counter and wave at him through the pane of glass.

The man grins and stalks towards me. “Howdy,” he says and flashes his pearly whites.

“Hi,” I choke out and return his smile.

“And here I was expecting the scowl of Mrs Peters. It’s nice to be met with a smile.”

I focus on his pink lips. “Is that so?”

He nods. “Yes, Ma’am.”

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