Page 68 of Heal Me

“It might have been sent to the wrong patient room, and by the time someone figured it out, the blood spoiled. So whoever it was who screwed up realized the mistake, and to CYA just improperly disposed of the blood and pretended it didn’t happen.”

“What do you like most about your job?” I change the subject. I don’t want to be known as that nice girl who was obsessed with blood. At least I won’t be known as the bitch with her nose stuck up in the air.

“Steady paycheck and insurance.”

“Do you enjoy it?” I wonder why someone decides to stick people with needles for a living?

“Steady paycheck and insurance,” she repeats and I laugh.

I finish out the shift with Meg and clock out. Entering the employee break room, I find Dr. Cooper seated at the table, finishing off what passes for a cafeteria salad. “Ms. Patel, walk with me,” he says as he stands and tosses away his container. “They’ve put out the call for blood donation. What type are you?”

Not your type, and none of your business is on the tip of my tongue. Instead, I say, “Sorry, but I don’t have time to give blood today.”

“I pegged you as an altruistic do-gooder,” he says. “There’s a serious blood shortage. Why wouldn’t you help?” he demands.

“If you must know, I’m iron deficient at the moment.” I experienced iron deficiency from the blood loss from my arm wound. I’m working on healing my body and keeping my iron levels nice and stable, and I have a follow-up with my doctor next week.

“On your period?”

“Excuse me?”

“Did you know orgasms are heightened during menstruation?” he casually tosses out.

Rolling my eyes, I say, “I’ll have to ask Jen.”

“Why ask her when you can find out for yourself? I can do things with my tongue you’ve only dreamed of.”

“I’ve never dreamed of your tongue, I can assure you,” I say, brushing past him.

I walk briskly out of the break room and scan my badge, logging out. I’m disappointed when I don’t see my angel outside, but I’m the one who told him I didn’t need an escort.

“Ms. Patel,” I hear Dr. Cooper call behind me.

The man can’t take a hint. I hold my pepper spray on my keychain and turn around. His mouth does a weird thing, and I instinctively double my energetic protection. “What the hell is wrong with your mouth?” I’m not exactly sure what I saw, only that I know I saw something.

“What the hell are you talking about? I said you dropped your badge on the ground.” He’s holding it out in his extended hand, and I look up at the lamppost overhead—the light’s flickering. Maybe I called off my security detail too soon, as my mind is playing tricks on me.

“Thanks,” I say, briskly walking over and snatching it from him, and then taking off.

“The offer still stands if you change your mind,” he calls after me.

“Still not interested. Good evening.”

Chapter 29

Charlotte

Sure you want to go?” Jen asks as we exit the restaurant, having finished our preemptive celebratory graduation dinner.

“Yeah, I don’t know who picked the bar, but we could go to another one,” Stephanie says. We’ve been invited to the same bar I was abducted from by psycho Brad, as Aubry’s nicknamed him.

“I’m always up for Muddy Bottom Bar,” Zoe chimes in.

“It’s fine. I promise. Let’s meet our classmates.” Except this time, I’m driving my own car.

My phone chimes, and I fish it out of my purse.

Gabe: What’s my goddess up to this evening?

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