by James Evans
“Remember the Mel Gibson movie? The one where he wears a kilt? What was it called? You know, the one where he yells FREEDOM! FREEDOM!!”
“Braveheart,” Doc said. “Don’t get me wrong, it’s not like I don’t enjoy their company, I do. But living in a home with a newlywed couple . . . there were times I wanted a bit more solitude.”
Carolyn stood up. “If Doctor Nunn releases you tomorrow, you can spend your time where ever you want! How nice!” She was glad Doc would be working at the hospital. She liked talking with him. She liked being with him. She felt comfortable with him, completely at ease. It brought out her inner humor, her wittiness, even her sensuality. Being with him was uplifting. She felt better about herself when around him. What did they call it back in the eighties? Self-Actualized. At the time she couldn’t comprehend it, but now, examining her response to Doc, she suddenly got it. The way Doc looked at her made her feel attractive. He made her feel interesting. He helped her feel more like herself and less doubtful. Oh, stop it! She told herself. You get a crush on every new guy who comes to town. He’s not interested in you. You’re his pharmacist, you gave him drugs that made him feel better. You’re going to embarrass yourself again if you’re not careful.
And yet, she saw something in his eyes, a spark she hadn’t seen in a long time. A look of interest, curiosity, and want. The look made her hungry for more.
Doc heard her say, ‘You can spend your time where you want!’ and was troubled. He wondered if she was saying, That’s right, you won’t have to spend time with me at the hospital. I won’t be your pharmacist, I’ll be your co-worker. You won’t have to give me such sweet attention.
Doc wasn’t giving her attention because she gave him good drugs, or because he was a gentleman who naturally gave women warm, personal attention. He wasn’t demonstrating his normal bedside manner. He was responding to her because he was attracted to her.
When they talked fly fishing, she was easily adept at holding her own. She frequented some of his favorite fly-tyers. She had secret fishing spots. She had stories she really shouldn’t repeat (but did), and stories she honestly couldn’t repeat (and didn’t).
During their conversations, Doc also got a better sense of her femininity. She handled things differently than he would, noticed details he would have missed. He looked at her with increasing appreciation. She was really very pretty! The way her eyes lit up when she talked about something interesting, the way her analytical mind kicked in when she talked about medical issues, it all spelled W-O-M-A-N to Doc. He was quite taken with her. She was the kind of woman he’d spend time with willingly and thankfully. He hoped he’d see her after he was discharged, and not just at work.
“Just because I’m discharged and have independence doesn’t mean I won’t run into you,” Doc protested. “I may need to consult you about important things like whether the Woolly Bugger or Black Ghost is the better tie!”
“I might be able to help you out, but I like the Zonker better.”
“See there? You may be of some use after all!”
She suddenly felt uneasy. Her heart was swimming beyond the drop-off. I’m setting myself up for heartache—again.
“Well,” she said cheerfully, despite the heavy feeling in her heart, “I’m headed to the party. Are you sure there’s nothing I can get you?”
Despite the genial tone in her voice, her body language alerted him to a change in mood. This caused a similar change in Doc. He had been excited to spend time with her; now he had the distinct impression she was uncomfortable, and he didn’t know why.
“No, I’m good, but thanks!” he said, also pretending nothing was wrong. “You go and have a good time. Maybe I’ll see you soon.” His voice betrayed a sudden tightness.
He’s trying so hard to act like he enjoys my company, she thought, but it’s obviously an effort. Oh, Lord. Have I become one of those women who throws herself at a man and makes a fool of herself and everyone knows it but her? One of those desperate old maids? She felt a lump in her throat and made an effort to smile. “Well then, I guess I’ll be going. if I don’t see you before you’re discharged or not, good luck and I’ll see you professionally at work!” I guess that’s all he wants, she thought. Her eyes began to mist.
“Sure,” Doc said. He felt like he’d been kicked in the gut.
Carolyn was halfway out the door when Doc did the one thing he hated to do: he allowed himself to be vulnerable. “Carolyn!” he called after her. She paused in the doorway then turned around. Why are her eyes so shiny? he thought.
“What’s up?” she asked. Internally she was a mess. She didn’t want him to see her cry and struggled to hold back her tears. What is wrong with me? Why am I so upset? she wondered.
Doc blushed. He hated groveling. He squared his shoulders and tried to regain a sense of dignity. “If you’re not spoken for, I’d be mighty pleased to call on you.”
Carolyn stopped in her tracks. Is he humoring me? Trying to make me feel better? Helping me save face, or does he have an inner jerk who wants to eviscerate me? She sighed. Now it was her turn to speak from the heart, and at the moment she was dreadfully disappointed. “That’s awfully sweet of you, but I don’t need your sympathy. I’m a big girl.”
“What does that mean?”
“I think I’ve made a fool of myself. You’re being very gracious about it. But please, give me the dignity of walking out of here with my head held high!” She struggled to rein in her emotions. Confessing her heart was bad enough; breaking down and crying was worse.
Doc was thoroughly confused. Doesn’t need my sympathy? She thinks she’s a fool and I’m being gracious?!
“I’m not sure what you’re talking about, and maybe I don’t need to know, but I’ll tell you this: I’m a proud man. I worked my way through college, then medical school, and I started a very successful practice from scratch. I earned my stripes. I paid my dues. I’m a reasonably good man and I try to be honest. If you’re not interested or if you think I’m not good enough, just tell me. Don’t string me along. I can handle the truth even if I don’t like it. I told my patients the unvarnished truth and I’d appreciate the same consideration from you. I would like to call on you. If you’re not interested, just tell me and I’ll leave you alone.”
Dawn broke and light flooded Carolyn’s heart. Is he trying to convince me he’s good enough?! She stepped back into the room and closed the door. She was filled with fear, trepidation, and hope.
“What exactly is it you’re trying to say?” she asked, filled with hope while dreading his reply.
“I want to spend time with you apart from the pharmacist/patient relationship. I’d like to court you.”
Carolyn’s heart melted. “Anything else?!” she asked, trying to keep a modicum of decorum.
“Yes. I’d like to kiss you.” Doc said simply.
Faster then she intended, she crossed the room and bent down. He wrapped his arm around her neck and pulled her face to his. They kissed, tentatively at first, then more aggressively. Unnoticed in the background, Doc’s vitals monitor showed an increased heart rate.
When she thought her heart would burst, Carolyn stood up with a gasp. She took a few deep breaths, then looked down on Doc.
“Are you sure that wasn’t a pity kiss?!”
“Pity kiss? You can’t be serious. You’re a beautiful, vivacious woman! I respect your heart and mind… and now your lips, for that matter… it’s a privilege to be with you. Surely you can tell how I feel?!”
“Doc, I’ve read those kinds of passages in romance novels. They always sound contrived. I’m afraid to believe you!”
He took her hand. “I’m speaking from the heart. I like being around you. The best part of my day is spent with you. I know I’m not the man I used to be, but you could do worse. Will you allow me to court you?”
Carolyn’s eyes were shining, this time with happiness. “I’d like that very much.” I’d better leave before I make an absolute fool of myself, she thou
ght. I don’t want to appear over-eager and scare him off! She made a point of glancing at her watch. “Oh, look at the time! I’m running late!”
He reached over and took her hand. “If you decide to come back early, you know where to find me! I have a feeling visiting hours don’t apply to the pharmacist!”
I could stay here with him. I don’t have to go to the party. Then again, I don’t trust my own judgment. I need to go slow. “I’ll keep it in mind, Doc. Maybe I’ll see you later.”
Doc beamed. “I sure hope so. And do me a favor: please call me Steve.”
Her heart swelled even more. Calling him by his first name, rather than his nickname, was surprisingly intimate. “See you later, Steve.” She made a hasty retreat, not wanting Doc to see how filled with joy she was. She practically floated down the hall. Her mind was racing and her heart was pounding.
As she passed the nurses’ station, the two duty nurses saw the expression on her face. After she passed, Tracey turned to Teresa and whispered, “Did you see the look on her face?!”
“Somebody’s got it bad! She practically looked like she ate one of Lee’s brownies! Maybe I’ll go see her favorite patient,” Teresa said with a wink and a smile. When she entered Doc’s room, she found him practically glowing. She pretended to check the saline bag and drip line, but she was more interested in checking on him. “Anything I can get you, Doc?”
“I’d like two fingers of some very nice bourbon, one cube of ice,” Doc said with a wistful look, “and a beautiful young woman like you to drink it with.”
“I’m afraid you’re out of luck, Doc. I have no bourbon, I’m not beautiful, and I’m well past young. But I can bring you some ice, water or juice.”
“To quote a song popular from before your time, Everybody’s beautiful, in their own way,” Doc said.
“Ray Stevens, 1970,” Teresa countered. “I’m not as young as you think, but I’ll gladly take it as a compliment. I’m going to enjoy working with you, Doc! Let me know if you need anything.”
She walked back to the nurses’ station. “Oh yeah, he’s got it bad. He even called me young and beautiful. I think Doc and Carolyn have a budding and blooming romance growing here! Hell, their cherry blossom petals practically littered the floor!”
“Cherry blossom petals littered the floor. Sounds like a line from a poem.”
“I’m a poet and don’t know it,” Teresa laughed. They returned to their charting.
Cherry Blossoms Littered the Floor
When cherry blossoms fall,
spring is at an end.
But today
you blossomed my life,
sweetened it,
and turned illness into ardor.
You walked into the room, smiled
and left
cherry-blossom footprints
on my heart.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Carolyn was wearing scrubs but wanted to dress up for the party, so she stopped by her house to change. She was happier than she’d been in a long time. He said he wants to call on me! How sweet and old-fashioned! Carolyn hadn’t been on a date in a long time. The last person to ask her out was one of the fishermen. By the end of the night he was pawing at her in a clumsy attempt at seduction. She hated being pawed by a guy who made no attempt to get to know her first.
Doc said he respects my heart and mind. He said his favorite part of the day is spent with me! He said being with me is a privilege!
She changed into one of the outfits she saved for special occasions, a scoop-necked teal blouse which brought out the color of her eyes. The black slacks fit her just right, and she applied a small amount of makeup, something she rarely bothered with. She completed the look with Petoskey Stone earrings and a matching pendant, but wore a pair of comfortable shoes.
It was a bit of a walk to the marina, but she was still going over their conversation when she arrived at the bayside. She leaned over, rolled up her slacks and pulled the canoe into the water. As she leaned over, her blouse gaped and revealed a substantial amount of breast.
A short, stocky man named Sammy stood unobserved in the shadows of a building near the marina, appreciating the view but not the woman. Look at her, all dressed up. I’ll bet she’s going to visit one of her dyke friends, he thought. Maybe someday they’ll let me watch.
She paddled across the river and beached the canoe alongside the other watercraft. By the look of it, quite a few people were at the party. She climbed the hill, still in a contented reverie, and joined the gathering.
Kevin and Michelle had arrived earlier as passengers aboard Jake’s boat. They mingled with the other guests and introduced themselves to folks they hadn’t met. Everyone was glad to welcome the new couple, especially since she was a nurse practitioner. Quite a few of the women commented on her obvious pregnancy, and she explained her risk for preeclampsia.
“Every baby born is a God-given blow against the zombies,” the Baptist minister intoned. It was obviously a refrain he enjoyed repeating. Kevin impressed a few folks with his knowledge of brewing and hydroponics, and they seemed to fit in just fine. Kevin once again recounted his two road trips to Frankfort, the devastation he’d seen and the mercenaries he’d run into.
Two members of the town council approached them. “We understand you’re interested in a house on Leelanau Avenue,” one said.
“Yes, it’s a few doors down from the school,” Kevin confirmed.
“Thinking ahead, are we?” the other man said, looking at Michelle’s belly.
“Actually, it hadn’t occurred to me, but I like the idea.” Michelle nodded. The baby chose that moment to start kicking and moving. It was a sensation she adored except at times like this when her bladder was full. She excused herself as she spied Lee close by.
As usual, Lee wore a blouse which revealed a generous amount of cleavage.
“Pardon me, Lee, but where is the bathroom?”
“I’ll take you,” Lee offered. As they walked along, Lee commented on Michelle’s bosom and asked what bra size she wore. “Why do you ask?” Michelle responded.
“I know you probably didn’t bring a lot of clothes with you, and I have some blouses and bras I think might fit.”
“I’m normally a 38DD, but since I got pregnant I’m at least a 40J.”
“Perfect! I’ll show you the clothes once you finish tinkling.” As they walked through the large house, Michelle oohed and ahhed over the artwork and furniture. Many of the electric lights were on, courtesy of the solar panels, and acoustic guitar music played softly in the background. “Here we are!” Lee announced. “When you’re finished, come down the hall to our bedroom. I’ll start going through my clothes.”
Michelle looked around the bathroom as she relieved herself. Like the rest of the house, it was decorated in a rustic style. The countertop was a three-inch plank of rough-hewn wood, probably oak. A few watercolors adorned the walls along with a photo of a much younger Jake and Lee, smiling broadly for the camera.
Michelle washed up and joined Lee in the bedroom. On the bed were a few maternity blouses and two bras. “these are 42 double-J,” Lee said. “They’re left over from when I was pregnant. You’re welcome to them. Once you have the baby and your boobs get back to normal, find someone else who needs them. That’s all I ask. Want to try them on?”
“I didn’t know you had children,” Michelle said.
“We don’t. I got pregnant once, and was nearly full-term when we lost the baby. It was a hard time. Kevin said you have preeclampsia? You’re here in Frankfort, just in case?”
“We were planning to come here soon, but then Doc got sick and we dropped everything to get here. He probably would have died otherwise.”
“I lost the baby because of preeclampsia,” Lee said with a sad look on her face. “I’m glad you’re here so you can get help if you need it. So what do you think about the clothes?!”
Michelle could tell everything was good quality. The idea of having new clothes to wear was
very appealing, especially considering the limited wardrobe she’d brought. “These are lovely! Are you sure you want to part with them?” she asked.
“I never wear them. It will make me happy to give them to you. The blouses are pretty low-cut, but they’ll look great on you! Do you like showing cleavage? It doesn’t seem to bother Kevin!”
Michelle stiffened. “What do you mean?”
“It’s obvious he’s a boob man. The first time he was here, he caught me sunbathing topless down by the lake. He couldn’t keep his eyes off me. Didn’t he tell you?”
“He told me he saw you topless and you’re probably a nudist. Are you?!”
Lee laughed. “Yeah, I guess I am. I like to show off the girls.” She cupped her breasts in her hands and hefted them. “With boobs like ours, there’s no way to hide them, so we might as well put them on display! I don’t know how much Kevin told you,” Lee continued, “but the first time he was here I put on a little show for him. He didn’t know what hit him! I even came on to him. Jake and I don’t mind a little playtime with strangers on occasion.”
Michelle’s gut tightened. She didn’t like what she was hearing. She also wasn’t happy Kevin hadn’t told her about Lee.
Lee smiled broadly as she recalled how Jake surprised Kevin. “You’ll have to ask him how Jake reacted when he caught Kevin with me. I was topless,” Lee said with a laugh. “But no matter how I tempted him, Kevin wouldn’t give in. He kept saying he was a married man. He stuck to his guns, and now that I’ve met you, I know why. You found yourself a good man, honey! Besides,” she said, pointedly looking at Michelle’s breasts, “it looks like he has his hands full with you! Here, try this one on!”