Divided Dreams

by Walters, Janet Lane;

  Chapter 7

  On Monday morning when the alarm jangled Andi groaned. She wanted to turn over and crash for several more hours. She couldn’t stay in bed. She slid her legs over the edge and sat. Two patients waited at the hospital to be seen. She needed to sign the first out, and the second had tests to evaluate.

  She showered and dressed in dark gray slacks and a lighter gray blouse. Her choice reflected her mood. Tired and weary. Last night she’d remained at the hospital until nearly two AM. Why did each new epidemic somewhere in the world send every nervous mother to the ED to make sure their baby didn’t have a fatal disease? None of the children she’d seen had had a temperature, though one little girl had an allergic reaction. Why would a mother feed an eleven month old child strawberries when there was a family history of allergies to the fruit?

  She headed to the kitchen for a mug of caffeine. No. She wanted to cry. The carafe of the coffee maker she’d purchased years ago stood empty. She’d forgotten to set the timer last night. Maybe she should buy one of the type that brewed a cup at a time.

  What now? She grabbed her lab coat and keys and dashed down the stairs in an attempt to energize herself.

  By the time she reached the hospital her feet dragged. In the basement cafeteria she selected a cinnamon roll and two large cups of coffee. A gulp of the rich brew nearly scalded her throat. She set the cups and roll on a table, pulled a piece from the thickly iced pastry and ate. Between bites, she drank. Once she finished the second cup she felt almost human.

  With her breakfast finished, she rode the elevator to Peds. She opened the charts, checked for new information and printed the discharge instructions for one of the patients. She made rounds and wrote orders for the second child.

  As she drove to the office thoughts of Tammy and Rob emerged. The nanny began working today. How would the baby and the woman interact? Was this Janine Forbes young or old? Why did her age matter? She knew the reason, but admitting the truth was another thing.

  Andi drew a deep breath. She shouldn’t feel threatened. Her relationship with Rob ended years ago. Seeking to revive the closeness wasn’t like renewing a magazine subscription. Finding ways to forgive and forget seldom worked. She and Rob weren’t teenagers. They had changed. Yet there had been kisses causing specters of the old magic to arise.

  Not going there. A small part of her wished time could be turned back. She could call Rob this evening to talk about the nanny’s first day. If she did would he have the wrong impression? Probably. Think of how Josh relates to a friendly hello by seeing more than was meant.

  After leaving the hospital, she drove toward the office. She parked and hurried into the two story yellow brick building housing the offices of Fern Lake Pediatrics. She waved at the receptionist and dashed down the hall to her office to check the appointment list.

  Just two. Looked like she was on duty for emergency visits, or to siphon a patient or two if one of her partners became backed up. She called up the charts on the two patients on her list. One infant needed immunizations. The other was a toddler with a stomach ailment.

  Once she finished seeing both children, her niece’s medical care came to mind. She checked and saw Rob hadn’t made an appointment. She keyed his number. The sound of his deep voice mad her reservations melt. The way he made her feel meant trouble. She couldn’t let the jaws of the trap close.

  “Hi, Andi, forget something?”

  Her face heated. She had, but she wasn’t about to mention the red panties. She sucked in a breath. Surely he hadn’t found them. “I noticed you haven’t made an appointment for Tammy.”

  “I will.”

  “Today. Bring the medical record I left on the coffee table.”

  “Will do. What about making the appointment for tomorrow?”

  “I’ll switch you to the appointment desk. Ask to see Grace or Josh.”

  “Why not you?”

  “Have you forgotten Ethics 101?” His silence made her worry he’d forgotten about not treating relatives.

  “You’re right. Why don’t you come here on Wednesday?”

  Not an option. Being in his company too often spelled danger to her mental health. “Sorry, I have plans.”

  Then pick an evening to be with Tammy. You can’t neglect her.”

  “I’ll check my social calendar and let you know.” She waited a moment for him to pull a Josh, but he didn’t.

  “Good enough,” he said.

  “Transferring. Bye.” As if I have a social life. She settled at the computer and typed her notes on the patients she’d seen.

  For a moment she stared at the screen. Pick an evening. He would be there. How could she go to the cabin where he waited to dig another hole beneath the walls she’d erected?

  An assistant tapped on her door. “Emergency in exam room six. Bloody nose.”

  Andi hurried down the hall. “Fetch a cold pack.” She entered the room where a boy sat on the examining table. He held a cloth to his nose. His white tee shirt was splattered with blood. “What happened?”

  “Me and Billy got in a fight. I punched his skinny belly.”

  Andi put pressure on the nose and discarded the cloth. She checked for a break. She fitted a cone on the scope and looked inside. The assistant brought a cold nose pack. Andi washed away dried and fresh blood, and applied the ice.

  “Jeremy, you’ll be fine except you’ll have a black eye. Maybe two. Was the fight worth a trip here?” She handed him one of the hero rings they kept for boys.

  “Maybe.” He waved the wing. “Billy didn’t get one of these.”

  Andi shook her head. ‘Why not try talking next time?”

  “Okay.”

  She turned to Jeremy’s mother. “His nose isn’t broken. If the bleeding starts again, call.”

  The woman rolled her eyes. “This is the third battle since school ended in June. It’s going to be a long summer.”

  Andi followed the pair into the hall. She clutched the notes she’s jotted in her hand.

  Grace waved. “We need to talk.”

  The stiffness of her partner’s body and the tone of her voice alarmed Andi. “Sure.”

  “Oh, we ordered pizza for lunch. Any preferences?”

  “No anchovies.”

  “Me either.” Grace opened the door of her office. “Come in.”

  Andi followed and closed the door. She’d been a partner for a week. What had she done to earn the hostility she heard in the other woman’s voice? To calm herself she glanced at the row of diplomas on the side wall of Grace’s office. A computer monitor stood in the center of the oak desk.

  “What have I done to upset you?” Might as well face whatever head on.

  “As far as patients, you’re spot on. It’s Josh.”

  Andi leaned against the closed door. “I am not interested in him as other than a friend. He’s heard those words a dozen or more times. He doesn’t listen.”

  Grace snapped the pencil she held. “Since you arrived he’s been acting like a lovelorn ass. All he can talk about is you, and how Rob Grantlan will chew you up and spit you out.”

  Andi’s teeth clamped on her lower lip. She counted to ten. “I hear you. Rob won’t hurt me because I won’t let him. Josh needs to tend to his own business.”

  Tears filled Grace’s eyes. “He won’t.”

  Andi leaned against the door. “Josh and I dated a few times. There was no chemistry between us.”

  “And there is with Grantlan.” Grace scowled. “Rob isn’t one for settling down.”

  “I’m not interested in anything but establishing my place in the practice and seeing my niece thrive.”

  “I see. What can we do about Josh’s attitude?”

  Andi opened the door. “I’ll keep reminding him there’s no future with me. I smell pizza.”

  Grace followed her. “I’m starved.”

  After eating two slices Andi completed her notes and saw four patients who didn’t have appointments. She stitched a cut arm, checked
two fevered children for strep, and started an infant on immunizations.

  As she settled in her office to complete her notes she found a message from Rob in her voice mail. She hit the button. His voice boomed into the room. She’s forgotten to turn off the speaker mode. “Stop by Nate’s office and sign the papers.”

  Josh appeared in the doorway. “I heard. Do you really want to take on guardianship with Grantlan?”

  She pressed her hands against the desk. “Tammy is my niece.”

  “Signing that paper means you and Grantlan will meet to make decisions. You’ll be spending time with him. Is that a good idea?”

  Her hands formed fists. “I can handle the situation.”

  “I hope so.” He leaned against the door frame. “Take my advice and don’t do this. Tell him you’re involved with another man.”

  “I won’t lie”

  “You don’t have to. I’m asking. All you have to do is say yes.”

  Andi rose to her toes. “Not going to happen. You’re a friend, but our friendship won’t last if you don’t stop pushing me. Do you want me to leave the partnership? I can always apply at the hospital.”

  He held up his hands in surrender. “I’ll stop.”

  Good. Tomorrow when Rob brings Tammy for her physical and immunizations I want you to be professional and not act like a jerk.”

  “I promise.”

  She reached for the phone to call the attorney’s office. “Just let Mr. Quinn know Andi Sherman called and will be in later today to sign the joint guardianship papers.” She pulled up the charts of the patients she’d seen.

  * * *

  The doorbell rang and summoned Rob from his late lunch. So far the new schedule worked. He had resisted the urge to plunge into the manuscript until he was one with the characters and the rest of his life forgotten.

  He opened the door for Simon. They slapped hands. Simon went to the cradle. “She looks a little like Patricia.”

  “I know and I hope her personality will be nicer.” Rob turned. “This is Janine Forbes, Tammy’s nanny.”

  “Good to meet you.”

  Janine smiled. “Likewise.”

  “Simon is my cousin. He and his wife, Dana, can visit anytime they wish.” Rob noticed the roll of papers under Simon’s arm. “Guess you have the security plans.”

  “I do.”

  “Let’s go to my study.”

  Once there Simon spread the papers across the library table set against the side wall of the study. He had a map of the property and a blueprint of the house. He explained several options and the prices. The third and final one shocked Rob for it turned the property into a fortress. “Why such heavy security?”

  Simon grinned. “Since you’re going to be a famous author you’ll need to keep the curious away. You are isolated out here.”

  Rob hid a smile. He wasn’t sure anyone would buy his book, yet he hoped. “Thanks for the vote.” He recalled the comment his editor had made. Maybe people would buy. When can you start? We’ll go with the house and the pool area to begin and consider the rest later.”

  “Sounds good. Hopefully we can start in two weeks. The job will take at least a week and we’re busy right now.” Simon gathered the papers. “We’re busy installing systems in the Estates and I’ve guards to train.”

  Rob swiveled in his chair. “Do you have any news about Tammy’s father?”

  “Nothing, other than he seems to have vanished. Did hear he’s heavy into the drug scene.”

  Rob tapped a pen against his hand. “My sister had a healthy checking account and papers with numbers. Nate thinks those numbers may be related to some off-shore accounts.”

  “Would you mind if I looked at them?” Simon asked.

  “Feel free. I’ll let him know.”

  “First thing tomorrow.” Simon rose and tucked the rolled papers under his arm. “Patricia was more devious than you know. Shame your father never saw her business sense. If anyone knew where the stolen funds were hidden, she was the one.”

  Rob cocked his head. “Patricia’s drinking and other antics didn’t give him a reason to trust her.”

  “Absolutely right.” Simon walked to the door. “Call Nate so my partner and I can investigate those numbers. Nothing may come of the search, but we can try. I’ll send you a contract for the security system.”

  Rob followed Simon to the door. He turned to watch Janine and Tammy. “Tomorrow we have a doctor’s appointment at ten.”

  “I’ll come early to make sure she’s ready.”

  “Thanks.” Rob returned to his study and his computer. He had an hour of his scheduled work time left.

  * * *

  Rob had just finished dressing Tammy when Janine arrived. She halted in the doorway of the baby’s room. “Mr. Grantlan, I came early to do that.”

  He handed the baby to her and strode to the main room. “She woke at six. Once I started I figured why not finish.” He poured batter into a skillet. “Would you like some pancakes?”

  She poured herself a mug of coffee. “I’ve had breakfast.”

  Rob flipped the hotcakes and added them to the ones in the warming oven. He sat across from her. “I’m curious. You said you were here looking for someone. Why do you think the person is living in Fern Lake?”

  She studied her hands. “Something I heard a few years ago made me think this is a great possibility. I need to correct a mistake I made.”

  “I can understand. I made one twelve years ago. I wish you luck in your search.” More than he was having. He finished the pancakes and carried his plate to the dishwasher.

  Janine remained at the table. “I should have a car seat in case I need to take Tammy somewhere and you aren’t at home.”

  Rob turned. Was she connected to Dan Sherman? Couldn’t be. She’d given him references that were sterling. What would Sherman want with his baby? If he and Patricia had been married he could claim the money. Was that his plan?

  “There’s one in the front closet. Not as high end as the one in my car. She was in that one when the accident occurred.”

  “Good to know.”

  Rob pulled the smaller car seat from the closet. “I’ll leave it by the door.”

  “I hope I never need to use it.” She met his gaze. “Using it would mean she was ill and you weren’t here. I’ll leave it by the door.”

  The tension gathered in his gut faded. “I’ll check my email until time to leave.”

  “I’ll stock the diaper bag.”

  Rob retreated to his study. A half hour later he carried Tammy to the car. Janine followed with the diaper bag. At the doctor’s office they repeated the scenario in reverse.

  A handful of women plus children of various ages sat in the waiting room. The stares of the women made him uncomfortable. Was seeing a man here that odd? The door opened and Andi peered out. Their gazes meshed. She called a name, not his. A woman and a boy rose and followed Andi inside. Though her name lingered on his tongue, he had resisted calling her name.

  Before long he heard Grantlan. Rob carried his niece. Janine followed. He nearly collided with Andi. She stepped aside. He noticed the way she eyed Janine and he smiled. A tendril of hope warmed him. Had Andi shown a bit of jealousy? Janine was an attractive young woman, just not his type.

  “Did you sign the paper?” he asked.

  “Last evening. Are you sure you want us to share?”

  “Absolutely. There are times when you’ll need to be with her.” He turned to Janine. “Ms. Sherman is Tammy’s aunt on the distaff side. She can visit any time.” He winked. “Andi, come to dinner this evening and spend time bonding with our niece.”

  “I’ll let you know.” She indicated an examining room. “Dr. Patton will be with you soon.’

  Rob sat in a chair across from the examining table and watched Janine undress the baby. He admired how deftly she managed the tiny buttons.

  A tap on the door announced Patton’s arrival. He nodded to Rob and listened to Janine’s report. He
never addressed Rob.

  “Does she sleep all night?” Josh asked.

  Janine shrugged. “You’ll have to ask Mr. Grantlan. I’m only with Tammy from nine to five.”

  “Who relieves you?”

  “Mr. Grantlan.”

  Rob’s teeth clenched. Was this a fishing expedition? He’d seen the way Josh Patton had watched Andi that day at the ED. Tough luck, pal. Andi was his, and he would find a way to make her admit the attraction remained strong.

  Josh completed the exam and turned to Rob. “Did you find any medical records?”

  Rob pulled the paper from his pocket. “This was tucked in my sister’s suitcase. Seems Patricia saw to Tammy’s care.”

  Josh walked to the door. “Great. We’ll continue with the immunization schedule. She’s in good health and appears to be developmentally on schedule.”

  Rob released a held breath. “I was worried my sister’s lifestyle might have caused problems from her mother’s use of alcohol. Especially when she woke up every few hours the first several nights. She really screamed. Andi set me straight about not feeding our niece every time she cried.”

  Josh chuckled. “I might have done the same even though I know better. Come to my office. I’ll need some family history.” He handed a nurse a sheet of paper. “Take this routine blood work and see to the immunizations.”

  When they entered Josh’s office, he closed the door. “We need to clear a few things.”

  “Do we?”

  “Andi is a friend. You can’t toy with her the way you have with dozens of women.” Patton’s eyes narrowed.

  Rob straightened. “There haven’t been dozens. I’m not toying with Andi, or any woman I’ve dated. The other women knew up front I wasn’t in for the long haul. I’ve moved on and so has Andi. Right now our niece is our main concern, so let us figure this out.”

  Josh’s eyes widened. “Do you love her?”

  “That’s not your business. She and I have changed. Just let us figure out what’s happening without your interference.”