One Sure Thing (Mamma Lou Matchmaker Series)

by Norfleet, Celeste

  “Don’t worry about that. I’d like to listen to your chest. Just lay back and relax.” Using friction to warm the metal disk, she quickly rubbed it on her green hospital scrubs then placed it on Louise’s chest. After giving a series of breathing commands, Hope frowned then grabbed a pair of latex gloved and began the preliminary physical examination.

  “I feel so light-headed.”

  “The medication is probably beginning to make you a little drowsy. Just relax.” Hope picked up the medical chart. “Were you doing anything strenuous last night?"

  “Oh no, we had dinner with friends that’s all.”

  “And you said before that you hadn’t eaten anything unusual?”

  “No, nothing unusual.” Louise frowned thoughtfully then looked to Otis Wheeler.

  He chimed in as if on cue. “We ate at Spotlight NYC.”

  Louise continued, “I started feeling a tightness right after dessert, but I thought nothing of it. The food was really good. I presumed that I’d just overeaten. Then, a few hours later we went back to the apartment. It wasn’t until afterwards, when the hives came, that I began to feel the tightness in my chest again. After that, the rash seemed worse.”

  “That’s when we came here," Colonel Wheeler added as he stood by Louise’s bedside looking concerned.

  Hope put the chart down then tugged the stethoscope from around her neck and plugged them into her ears again. She listened intently as she moved the small circular disc across her patient’s chest and back.

  She picked up the chart again and scribbled notes. "Well, Mrs. Gates, your vitals are all fine. I have to admit, you have me slightly puzzled. I’m not sure what’s causing these chest pains.” She smiled reassuringly. “Your tests are all negative. I wish my other patients were in such good health.”

  A chuckle from Colonel Wheeler had both women smiling.

  “Maybe I have a weak heart?”

  “No, I don’t think so.”

  “How about arrhythmia, isn’t that when your heart skips a few beats every now and then?”

  Hope shook her head. “You have no history of arrhythmia. It’s not a condition that just pops up from time to time. All of your tests were negative.”

  “So are you going to keep me here?” Louise asked, sounding too hopeful.

  Hope shook her head. “I can’t release you knowing that you’re having chest pains.”

  “So you’re keeping me?”

  “Yes. You definitely had an allergic reaction to something you ingested. As for your chest pains, I think I’d like to keep you a little longer and have a few more tests run.”

  She noted that Louise nodded happily.

  “I see your blood pressure is slightly elevated. This might just be because of the circumstances. Nevertheless, I’d also like to get your blood pressure down a bit before releasing you.” Hope flipped a few pages in the chart. “Is this the complete list of medications?”

  "Yes."

  “Doctor,” Colonel Wheeler stepped forward, handed Hope a sheet of paper then took Louise’s hand. “That’s the list of everything Louise ate yesterday and last night.”

  “Great. Thank you.” Hope briefly looked over the list not finding anything unusual. “Mrs. Gates, I’m sure there’s nothing to be overly concerned about but I’d like to clear up a few questions and concerns nonetheless. I’d also like to have a few more tests run and depending on the results, possibly keep you tonight and tomorrow for observation.”

  “So, you want me here just twenty-four hours or so?”

  “Yes, just overnight. Is that a problem?”

  “No. I don’t mind staying.”

  “Good. I’ll have someone from admitting come with the necessary forms. An orderly will escort you to your room as soon as one is available and the paperwork is complete.”

  “I didn’t pack anything.”

  “No problem. A nurse will have a hospital gown once you get to your room. And since you’ll probably only be staying overnight I wouldn’t worry about going home and getting anything. We’ll have everything you need for your stay already in the room.”

  Louise considered her answer. An overnight stay was a start but she would definitely need more time. “What happens if I have pains after I leave here tomorrow?”

  “As I said, there’s nothing to be overly concerned about. I don’t foresee any major problems. And, unless you’re experiencing further discomfort, you’ll be released tomorrow.”

  “But, if I’m feeling poorly you’ll keep me a few more days?”

  “Yes of course, but I seriously don’t foresee that happening.” Hope scanned the chart one last time and added a brief notation. “I see you have your personal physician listed, a Dr. Raymond Gates.”

  “Yes, my grandson.”

  “Do you have the phone number or any way to contact your primary doctor?”

  “I’ve already called Raymond,” Colonel Wheeler interjected still holding Louise’s hand. “He was at Haven House. He’s on his way.”

  “I don’t believe I recognize the name. Is he local?"

  “Yes, he practices in Manhattan."

  “Fine, I’ll make sure that someone is available as soon as Dr. Gates calls. If not, I’ll contact him later.”

  Instantly, as if a tornado swirled in, the privacy curtains surrounding the bed blew open and a man dressed in jeans and white shirt standing over six-feet tall breezed in. “Don’t bother,” the deep baritone voice interrupted the hushed tones in the exam room like an ax cutting through wood. “He’s already here.”

  Chapter Four

  Few things witnessed in the Golden Heart Medical Center ER had ever taken Hope by surprise. Yet to her complete astonishment, one magnificent sight had just burst through the curtains of her patient’s room. Dr. Raymond Gates.

  Without saying a single word he looked around for a few seconds to assess the situation. After a brief nod of acknowledgement to Colonel Wheeler, he moved straight to the bed and stood by Louise’s side. He lovingly picked up her hand and engulfed it within his gentle embrace. Leaning down to eye-level, he stroked her forehead with his thumb while he gently moved a few loose silver stands to the side. With heartfelt and soulful devotion they communicated with their eyes. She assured him that she was fine and he assured her that he would make certain of it. The smile she bestowed upon him was priceless.

  He looked over to the empty bed beside Louise then took a few moments to scan the rest of the room. The look of condescension in his eyes was evident.

  Hope stood completely flabbergasted by the Dr. Raymond Gates’ arrogance. It wasn’t until a few seconds later did she realize that she’d actually been standing there holding her breath the entire time.

  Then, without missing a beat and as smooth as silk on a gentle summer’s breeze he slipped the chart from Hope’s fingers and began scanning the pages.

  “Who’s running this?”

  “Excuse me, who are you?” Hope asked as she pulled the chart from his grasp and placed it in its pouch at the foot of the bed.

  “I want a private room immediately,” Raymond demanded, as he moved directly to the foot of the bed. And with way too much familiarity, he leaned around Hope’s waist and took the chart again. After taking a second to scan the vitals he moved back to Louise’s side and observed the beeping monitors. He reached down and picked up Louise’s hand, rubbed his thumb gently over it then smiled assuredly. “Hi sweetheart, how are you feeling?”

  Louise smiled brightly and nodded weakly. “Better, much better, thanks to, Dr. Adams here.” She sighed heavily with just enough dramatic flair to raise Hope’s brow with curiosity. “I think that maybe the trip to the Botanical Garden Flower Show yesterday, the all-day shopping at the African Bazaar, plus the dinner at Dennis’s restaurant last night, might have been a bit too much for me.”

  Raymond picked up her other hand. “Mamma Lou, you have to learn to slow down. You’ve been overdoing it. You have to promise to take better care of yourself.”

&
nbsp; Louise held her head up. Her clear eyes smiled lovingly at her grandson. “Yes, I know, I promise.”

  Raymond nodded his reply then instantly went back to arrogant-doctor mode. He continued reading the neatly printed notes on the chart. He frowned. “Your blood pressure’s elevated. Have you been taking your medication Mamma Lou?”

  “Every day, I make sure of it, that and the cholesterol medication,” Colonel Wheeler added affirmatively.

  “Are you being admitted?”

  “Yes,” Louise answered.

  “Excuse me?” Hope said moving closer to the bed, pulling the chart from his hands a second time. Raymond looked up, and seemingly for the first time noticed that they were not alone in the room.

  He looked at the lanyard and nametag hanging from around her neck. “And you are?” Raymond asked with sincere interest. A sly smile tipped his full lips.

  “I am Dr. Adams, the attending physician, and whoever you are, you need to leave now.”

  Louise spoke up immediately, “Dr. Adams, this is my grandson, Dr. Raymond Gates. He’s my personal physician.”

  Hope grimaced and tried to be diplomatic. “Doctor,” she nodded through gritted teeth. “As a courtesy, I’ll be happy to have an orderly show you to the waiting room or the doctor’s lounge. But you need to leave this room, now.”

  With complete unwavering confidence, Raymond looked at Hope as if she’d lost her mind-dismissing her as if she were an annoying gnat. He focused his attention back to his grandmother. “That won’t be necessary doctor. What tests have you ordered so far?” He reached for the chart again. Hope stepped back blocking his attempt.

  “I’m not accustomed to having someone review my patient’s medical records. As a family member you are welcome to wait in the family waiting room. As a doctor you are welcome to wait in the doctor’s lounge. And that’s it. I’ll be in shortly to update you with the results of our tests.”

  “That won’t be necessary.”

  “I’m afraid you have no alternative.”

  Suddenly Raymond laughed at the notion of being put out of his grandmother’s hospital room. “You are joking right?”

  Hope placed her fist firmly on her hip and then tilted her head slightly. Being laughed at was the quickest way to get on her bad side. “Sir, you are interfering with the health and welfare of my patient and I will have you removed by security if necessary.”

  Raymond laughed again. This time Colonel Wheeler lowered his head and chuckled. Louise pulled at Raymond’s hand to get his attention. “Raymond, dear, why don’t you and Otis wait outside?” She looked over at a fuming Hope, “I’m sure Dr. Adams will be out in no time to speak with you.”

  Raymond held his hand up to cut short his grandmother’s remarks as he glared at Hope. “Doctor, I’m going to tell you how this is going to work. I am now the primary physician here. Either you can work with me or not at all, your choice. Is that understood?”

  Hope smiled for the first time since Raymond had entered the exam room. “Now, doctor, let me to tell you how this is going to work.” She stepped up to his face. “You will quietly leave this area now, allow me to do my job and patiently wait in the designated area, end of discussion. Is that understood?” Her head rolled for added emphasis.

  “You have no idea who I am do you,” he looked at her in complete disbelief. His eyes sparked with a mischievous amusing glint.

  “And you doctor obviously have no idea who I am. I am the attending physician and at the moment your worst enemy.”

  Eye to eye, they stood at an impasse. Both refused to back down. The intense moment lasted too long as each stared at the others image. Interrupted by the sound of an intercom page, Hope looked away almost relieved to have the spell of Raymond’s hazel eyes broken.

  Otis looked at Louise, whose expression was that of pure self-satisfaction. A questioning expression sparked his eyes. He’d seen that look before. It was the same smile he’d seen just six months ago when her other grandson, Tony married Madison Evans.

  Suddenly, the realization that she had other patients in need of her attention occurred to Hope. She needed to end this standoff now. “Dr. Gates, a moment of your time, please,” she requested as diplomatically as she could.

  Raymond, still amused, turned to her. Her expression was so placid and so yielding. He couldn’t refuse. “Yes, of course doctor,” he agreed readily. “I’ll be delighted.”

  Louise reached up and grasped Raymond’s arm questioningly. Raymond turned back to Louise. He bent down and kissed her cheek whispering, “Don’t worry. You’ll be fine,” he winked at her and touched her cheek lovingly.

  Louise held onto his hand and squeezed it slightly, “Be nice,” she warned in a loud whisper.

  Raymond looked genuinely surprised by her concern, “I’m always nice.” Louise gave him a warning glare. Raymond’s dimples danced across his face. He knew her expression all too well and relented. “I will, I promise.”

  Seconds later they left the room together. Hope led the way and for the first time noticed the attentive eyes of the nurses at the station looking her way. Apparently, she wasn’t the only one wowed by Dr. Raymond Gates’ handsome appearance. She looked around to find a discreet corner to have a civilized discussion, but quickly realized that it would be impossible with all eyes still trained in their direction.

  Abruptly she turned to Raymond. “We’ll have more privacy in one of the quiet rooms. Smiling joyously Raymond nodded curtly and waited for her to lead the way. Hope ushered him through the corridor past admissions and triage. Eyes followed the two as Raymond strolled casually down the hall, her in hospital scrubs and him in a classic casual designer attire.

  After a few turns they arrived in front of a door with its shade pulled down. Hope paused, knocked, opened the door slightly and peered inside. Finding it empty, she turned and held the door open for Raymond. “In here.”

  Raymond took the weight of the door and with gentlemanly grace, waved for her to enter first. She did. Then with questionable thoughts and a raised brow of interest, he watched the slight sway of her hips against the white medical jacket. Before she turned he jauntily walked in and took a seat on the arm of a nearby sofa as she went to stand by the door. He looked around at the lifeless still life prints, the drab putty colored walls and the brown tweed furniture. It was the typical quiet room decor, designed as a place for family members of seriously ill patients to relax.

  Hope stayed at the door, her back turned for fear that if she faced him she’d rip his smiling face off. Patiently she counted to ten then to twenty. With each ascending number she willed the tension in her neck and shoulders to dissolve. She was well on her way to thirty-five when Raymond spoke.

  “Doctor,” he began with the condescending tone that irked her, “in the future, please refrain from frightening patients. That’s a very dear woman to me in there. I take exception to her discomfort by your unprofessional bedside manner.”

  Unable to hold her temper any longer, Hope responded. “Then maybe you should have thought about that before barging into my examination room with my patient and second guessing my diagnosis. I don’t know where you studied medicine but, where I studied, physicians don’t behave like assholes toward other physicians. I’m sure you’re reasonably competent in you field, but this is my ER and I run it how I see fit.” Raymond opened his mouth to respond, but Hope promptly threw her hand up to still him.

  “I do not appreciate your interference and in the future as long as I am in this hospital, and on call performing my duties as a trained medical professional, I suggest you stay as far away from me as possible. Is that clear?”

  Before he could answer she began again.

  “This is not your hospital and she is not your patient. I realize that Mrs. Gates is a relative and therefore your concern is genuine, but that does not give you the right to burst into my exam and take over.”

  A cocky smile tugged at the corners of his full lips. He had just been reprimanded plain an
d simple. Hope ignored his smirk and continued. “I will however, allow you to visit your ‘Mamma Lou’ during visiting hours. But as for her medical care, leave it up to the real professionals. I will not tolerate your interference.”

  “Am I to understand that you are refusing my input?”

  “You need to check your prescribed dosage, I think it may be too strong, ‘cause you’re just not getting it,” she said sarcastically. “You must have been number one in your med school class. Yes doctor, I am refusing your input. I don’t want to hear from you. I don’t need, nor want your help. Got it?”

  “You can’t be serious.”

  “As a heart attack,” she assured him.

  “Then I’m afraid that you and I are going to have a problem. Because I don’t intend to relinquish my grandmother’s heath to anyone,” Raymond politely assured her.

  She laughed openly, “You must be kidding.” She was just about to add more when her pager rang. She immediately unclipped it from her pocket and looked at the message and number. She clipped it back in place and began walking back toward the door, then she turned back to face him. She paused to stare up into Raymond’s heavenly hazel eyes. “Stay out of my way Gates,” she warned then jerked open the door and marched out.

  ***

  “I think you might have gone too far this time Louise,” Colonel Wheeler said as he neared her side and took her hand. “Those two look like they’re about to do serious battle.”

  Louise smiled. “They’ll be fine,” she assured him.

  Colonel Wheeler shook his head in disagreement. “Fine, my dear, is when you respectfully disagree. Those two are ready to go to war. I’ve seen that same look in men under my command in two wars, a peacekeeping mission and several covert operations. That’s one furious lady. I think you might have chosen someone a bit more easy-going.”

  “For Raymond? Nah, heavens no. He’s a big boy. Besides, he’s been getting too big for his britches lately, he needs to be knocked down a few pegs.”