by T L Swan
“I just don’t like it in there,” he announces.
“Hmm.” I sigh with my eyes still closed. I lean and kiss his forehead. “What’s on today, buddy?”
“Cornflakes?”
“Yeah. Okay.” I doze for a moment. “Momma’s tired today?”
“Rise and shine,” Jenna’s perky voice echoes through the room. She opens the drapes and the sun comes blazing through. “Oh, go away,” I moan as I cover my eyes. “What time is it?”
“Wake up time.” She smiles as she stands at the end of the bed with her hands on her hips. “This time tomorrow you would have been at the hospital for an hour by now.”
I frown. “Don’t remind me. I’m trying to forget.” I instantly feel my nerves rise in the pit of my stomach.
Owen hops out of bed and disappears up the hall. Jenna lies down next to me on top of the covers. “We have to go shopping and buy you some new work clothes.”
“Yeah, I know.”
“So?” She leans up onto her elbow to look down at me.
“What?”
“How was it?”
I rub my eyes with my two hands as I yawn. “It was pretty good, actually.”
She raises her eyebrows in surprise.
“I start on Wednesday.”
She grins.
My eyes meet hers. “Is that okay? I don’t have to be there until after Owie goes to bed and I will be home before he wakes up.”
“Of course it’s okay. I told you already, that’s why I moved here—so I can study from home and take care of Owie while you finish your degree.”
“I feel like shit that you have to babysit for me.” I sigh.
“I feel like shit that I am living with you rent free.”
I smirk. “Thank you. You don’t know how much I appreciate all that you do for me.”
She smiles. “About last night. I want details, all the details.”
I shake my head. “Jeez, I don’t even know where to start.” I pause for a moment as I try to articulate my thoughts. “It kind of looks like an old picture theatre or something that has been converted because it’s tiered down to a catwalk at the front.”
She sits up. “Okay.”
“The stupid fuckwits pay one-hundred and ten-thousand dollars a year.”
“What the hell? What are you donating? A fucking organ or something?”
I laugh and shake my head. “Probably. She tried to get me to be an Escape girl.”
“Escape girl?” She frowns.
“It sounds weird when I to say it loud, but it didn’t sound so bad last night. There are twenty-four men and twenty-four Escape girls. The girls dress up and put on a fashion show in designer clothes—”
“What?” she interrupts. “That sounds fucking stupid.”
I rest the back of my forearm over my forehead to block out the sunlight. Those drinks had some punch last night. I feel like shit. “I know. It really is.”
“Then what?”
“They dress up in gorgeous clothes and do a catwalk thing and then go into a private area for a cocktail party with the twenty-four men.”
Jenna scratches her head. “Sounds like a bad dating television show.”
I laugh. “Totally.”
“Weird.” She frowns.
I remember something else. “Oh my God. Get this: The girls then pick their date for the night and get to go back to this luxury penthouse with the guy for twelve hours.”
“Shut up.”
I shake my head. “Serious.”
Her eyes widen as she imagines it. “Fuck, that’s hard core. It would be so bitchy.”
“What do you mean?”
“Imagine twenty-four guys and only five are hot. You get paid the same if you bang a hot guy or an ugly guy. All the girls would be going for the same guys.”
I frown. “Hmm, true. I didn’t think of that, but I suppose they would be. They were all really hot, though. It wouldn’t be a hard choice.”
“And what happens if you did the deed with one guy and liked him, and then next time some other chick wanted him.”
Horror fills me as I imagine the scenario. “Oh, yeah, that’s bad. I couldn’t deal. I’m taking a shower.” I drag myself out of bed, walk into the bathroom, and turn the shower on and I glance at my reflection in the mirror. A stupid thrill of excitement runs through me and I smile goofily at my racoon-eyed reflection. For some reason, last night made me feel alive. It was my very own dirty little secret that only Jenna and me know about. I would never do it. I already know that my morals would never surrender, but damn, it is fun being offered a choice. Dreaming of the impossible, I haven’t had any choices to choose from for so long. I undress and hop under the hot water and let it run over my head. Eliza’s words run through my mind.
“Every girl in this club wants this position, but I’m not interested in them.”
“I want you, Vivienne. You have something special. I want you as an Escape girl.”
I soap myself up. Eliza wants me. She thinks I have what it takes to keep her clients happy.
And you know what? If that was what I wanted to do—it’s not, but if it was—I reckon I could do a bloody good job of it, too. It’s been so long since I had a good night with a man. Years, in fact.
I continue washing my body as I imagine getting my every need met for a change. A powerful man who would do anything to have me in his bed. What would it be like?
Maybe it’s me who needs an escape.
“What do you have to get today?” Jenna asks, interrupting my daydream. She walks in and sits on the toilet with the lid down.
“Erm.” I subtly shake my head to snap my wayward thoughts back to reality, frowning as I think. “A few new outfits. I don’t have anything dressy enough. My hospital work stuff is all a bit dated.” I think on it. “Oh, and some sensible shoes.”
She smiles cheekily.
I smirk. “What?’
“Are you going to wear your sensible shoes on Wednesday night to the Escape Club?” she teases.
I shake my head and laugh. “The Escape Club doesn’t do sensible in any way, shape, or form.”
* * *
“Hello, I’m here to start today,” I say nervously through the glass window.
The receptionist looks at me over the top of her glasses. “What are you here for, dear?”
I try to calm the nerves in my stomach. “I have an internship that starts today.” I’m nervous as all hell. God, I hope I get a nice doctor.
“What doctor are you with, dear” She smiles kindly.
I shuffle around in my bag and pull out the printed email I have. I quickly scan the document for a name. Oh, there it is. “A Dr. Stanton.”
“Oh, yes, Dr Stanton is on level three in the cardiology west wing. His PA will be there, along with the other interns.”
I smile. “Thank you.”
I stuff the email back into my bag and head to the elevators. My heart is somersaulting in my chest as I ride up to level three and make my way down to the cardiology wing. Eventually, down the track I would love to be a cardiologist, and that’s why I applied with Dr. Stanton.
Hearts fascinate me.
They’re the center of our very existence. Very few cardiologists take on interns, so it’s common for interns to move interstate to take up their positions. I just hope I get a nice crew to work with for the next twelve months. I continue walking up the hall until I get to a staff room where a few younger people are hanging around. This must be it. I tentatively walk in.
“Hello. Is this the cardiology wing? I’m looking for the interns,” I ask.
“Yes.” The tall man smiles warmly. He stands and immediately shakes my hand. “I’m Mathew.”
I smile as we shake hands. “Hello, I’m Ashley.”
“Nice to meet you, Ashley.” Mathew turns to the other four people with him. “I would introduce you, but I’ve already forgotten the names.” He smiles bashfully.
They all stand. Three men and one woman.<
br />
“I’m Steven,” one man smiles. He’s older, maybe early forties.
“I’m Zane.” The good looking guy smiles. He is young and European looking. He looks as if he would only be straight out of med school. Maybe twenty-four or twenty-five.
“I’m Maria,” the girl announces as she looks me up and down and makes an internal assessment.
Oh… okay.
I fake a smile and shake her hand. I already know I don’t like this bitch. How rude?
“I’m Richard.” The last man smiles. He’s of a similar age to me. Late twenties and kind looking. I instantly feel comfortable with him.
“Are there just the five of us?” I ask.
“No, apparently there are six of us,” Richard replies. “I’m straight out of med school myself.”
“Same,” I reply.
“Me ,too,” chimes in Zane.
“I’m a General Practioner.” Steven smiles. “I have my own practice.”
“Oh, wow.” I smile. “That’s exciting.”
He smiles warmly. “Does anyone want a coffee while we wait?”
I glance at my watch to see it is 6.45am. We don’t start for another fifteen minutes. “Okay, I will.”
He gets up and moves over to the coffee urn and starts to make our coffee. “How do you have it?”
“Milk, please.”
The others all rise to make their coffees along side of him.
“Another girl walks in and my mouth nearly hits the floor. Has she got the right bloody job? She looks like she belongs in the Escape Lounge with long, dark, straightened hair and a full face of makeup, complete with bright red lipstick. A tight black skirt and a white button up blouse hug her in all the right places. She’s got really good tits, too, and she’s wearing high patent stilettos and sheer black stockings.
“Hi, I’m Amber.” She smiles. Oh, she smells good.
“Hi, Amber.” I smile and feel the blood drain from my face as I shake her hand.
I look down at my sensible mom attire. I’m wearing black pants, flat leather shoes, and a light blue, button up blouse that hangs loose.
Shit… why didn’t I get something swankier?
I feel like her mom.
“You look so nice,” I murmur, embarrassed. “I feel underdressed,” I whisper.
“You look lovely. I just couldn’t let myself meet him looking frumpy.”
I frown. “Meet who?”
“Dr. Stanton.”
“What do you mean?”
“My God, haven’t you seen him?” she whispers.
“No why?”
“Holy shit. He’s ridiculous.”
“Huh?” I whisper.
“Here is your coffee.” Richard smiles as he hands it over.
“Thank you.” I reply as I take it from him. “Richard, this is Amber.”
“Hi, Amber.” I see a twinkle in his eyes and I drop my head to hide my smirk. I bet she has that affect on all the men.
Bloody hell, even I’m fan-girling here.
A robust, short woman comes in. “Hello, are you Dr. Stanton’s group?”
“Yes,” we all reply.
“I’m Marci. I’m his personal assistant and his practice manager.”
We introduce ourselves one by one with another round of handshakes. She hands us all clipboards with pens attached. “Unfortunately, I have paperwork for you all to fill out and the forms are quite extensive. They will take you about an hour, so please make yourselves comfortable.”
We all take a seat.
“Now, Dr. Stanton is the training doctor, and you will be going into surgery with him. He has a partner Dr. Jameson who he works alongside. Three of you will be staying with Dr. Stanton and three of you will be going with Dr. Jameson. The two doctors work together so they are still able to go on holidays and have days off because they cover for each other.”
We all nod. That makes sense. I’m going to try and do this when I finally get my own patients.
“I specifically wanted to be with Dr. Stanton.” Steven interrupts.
“Me, too,” Amber adds.
Hmm, I know why you want to be with him, little Miss Fancy Lipstick.
I bet she’s into doctor porn. Is that a thing? I should look it up tonight.
“Now, now. I know that Dr. Stanton’s reputation precedes him, but I can assure you that Dr. Jameson is also an amazing doctor. For all operations and procedures, you will be with Dr. Stanton, anyway.”
Steven nods. “Okay.”
We all nod. Understood.
“So, fill out your paperwork. Dr. Stanton is starting his rounds at 8am and you will be accompanying him.”
We all smile excitedly at each other. This is it. Finally, after all these years at med school, we are finally in our last year. This is so freaking exciting.
* * *
An hour and a brain explosion later, my paperwork is completed. Dr. Stanton now knows everything about me, from my medical history, to my address, to my work experience and even my GPA. I do feel guilty about the white lie I have told in the forms, though.
Question: Do you have any children?
I thought long and hard before I answered this question, mainly because I don’t want to be given any special allowances because I am a single mom. I would hate for anyone to have to pick up any slack because I have to leave early. This is why I’m paying the rent, I remind myself. So Jenna can study from home and take care of Owen without me having to worry about rushing home. I can work without restraints.
They don’t need to know if I am a mother, and to be honest, I’m kind of peeved that they asked. Isn’t that discriminatory?
Why should it matter if I’m a married or single mother?
Anyway, I lied and said that I don’t have kids. They will never know and I can work without the whole ‘you go first, I know your kid is waiting’ vibe.
“You guys ready?” Marci smiles.
We all stand and follow her out into the corridor where we loiter around the reception as we wait. This really is exciting.
“Oh my God, there he is,” Amber whispers.
I turn to look up the corridor and see a male in a navy suit talking to a nurse. His back is to us, and I do have to admit from where I am standing, he does look pretty good. He throws his head back and laughs out loud at something she has said.
Jeez.
“Holy shit,” she whispers as she grabs my hand in excitement.
I bite my bottom lip and drop my head to hide my smirk. This Dr. Barbie chick is kind of funny. I can see us being friends.
I glance back up as he turns and my face drops.
What?
Holy fuck.
No… it can’t be.
That cheeky smile. I would know it anywhere.
Vegas guy.
I frown as the floor moves beneath me. This can’t be.
My breath catches as he turns and walks down the corridor towards us. His hair is dark with a bit of length and messy wave on the top, and his muscular physique is framed in his perfectly fitted suit. That square jaw and those dark eyes…
My gaze drops to his feet. Those perfectly clean tan shoes that I remember so well.
He’s a cardiologist?
What the fuck? It can’t be…
One hand is tucked in his pocket, while the other holds a file. He smiles brightly as he approaches us. “Hello, everyone.”
“Hello,” they all reply eagerly.
Amber elbows me in the ribs. “See… I told you,” she whispers from our place at the back.
I have no words. I never thought I would see him again.
“Please, come into this room for a moment.” His deep velvety voice shows off that sexy Australian accent.
We all follow him into an office. He has this air about him—this powerful, confident air.
I remember it.
I remember him.
We all stand in a group and I stay at the back. I look like shit. I want to go home and change immediately. God, wh
y did I fucking wear this?
“My name is Cameron Stanton. Thank you for applying to intern with me. I’m looking forward to spending the year with you all.”
Cameron.
“Hi, I’m Amber,” Amber announces as she steps forward and shakes his hand. “I can’t wait to get to know you.” She smiles enthusiastically. I see a trace of amusement cross his face before he disguises it immediately.
“I’m Mathew.” They shake hands.
He smiles and nods. “Nice to meet you, Mathew.”
“I’m Zane.”
“Hello.” He smiles.
“I’m Maria.”
He smiles broadly. “Hello, Maria.” They shake hands.
“I’m Steven. It’s an honor to meet you,” he sings proudly.
Cameron smiles broadly. “The pleasure is all mine.”
It’s my turn, and I step out from behind the others. He looks up, but his face falls the moment he sees me. My heart stops. “Hello, I’m Ashley,” I whisper.
He frowns as his eyes hold mine. “Ashley,” he repeats.
I hold out my hand and he takes it in his. I’m jolted with a zap of electricity and I have to stop myself from letting out an audible gasp.
With a subtle shake of his head, he remembers where we are and quickly shakes my hand. “Nice to meet you, Ashley.”
Our eyes are locked when a trace of a smile crosses his lips.
I drop my head in dismay. Holy hell.
What are the chances of meeting him here? Like this? I thought he was from Texas.
Oh no.
I’m the loser he never rang.
“Dr. Stanton, you have a phone call,” a nurse interrupts.
“Give me ten minutes, please.” He smiles to the group before disappearing up the hall.
My heart is hammering. “I’m going to the bathroom,” I lie. I walk in the opposite direction to which he went. Crap, I’m so rattled by seeing him. I find a courtyard and I quickly walk out into the fresh air and ring Jenna.
Ring, ring.
“Hey, how’s the first day going?” she answers chirpily.
“Oh my fucking God. It’s him.”
“Huh?”
“It’s fucking him.”
“What the heck are you talking about?”
“Vegas guy is the doctor I’m interning for.”