One Sure Thing (Mamma Lou Matchmaker Series)

by Norfleet, Celeste

  “Well, me thinks thou has lost thy mind. There’s nothing remotely appealing about that man. He’s the biggest jerk I’ve ever met.”

  Faith smiled knowing her sister too well. If she truly disliked someone, she wouldn’t even acknowledge their existence much less talk about them for half an hour. “So what you’re saying is that we just spent our entire break talking about a man that you care nothing about? And all those rumors about how handsome he is and how generous he is, and how skilled he is, are just that—rumors?

  “Yes, well, no. Well… he’s kind-of cute in a classically handsome sort of way. He’s got these incredible dimples that he flashes when he smiles or laughs. And he’s got hazel eyes with yellow-green flecks in the irises.” Hope looked away with a dreamy expression then bit at her lower lip with a slightly wicked grin. “He’s sweet and caring when it comes to his grandmother. And he’s tall with broad shoulders and graceful hands that…” She trailed off as Faith’s already Cheshire-like grin expanded.

  “What?”

  “Girl-”

  “Don’t even try it. He and I are just working together until his grandmother is discharged, which will be as soon as possible.”

  “It sounds like there’s a lot more to the rumors than meets the eye.”

  “I have to go. My shift starts in fifteen minutes.”

  Hope stood and picked up her tray. “I don’t know who starts all these ridiculous rumors floating around this place, but it’s gotten totally out of hand.

  “Hey wait a minute. What do you want to do with this box of sweatshirts?”

  Hope paused, she’d forgotten all about the delivery. She came back to the table. “What am I supposed to do with them?”

  “They were a gift, keep them. Wear them.”

  Hope picked up the hefty box, and then began her tirade all over again. “Unbelievable…” Just then her beeper sounded. She put the box down and looked down at the code and panicked. “Louise Gates just relapsed.” She instantly ran from the cafeteria.

  “I’ll put the box in your car,” Faith called out after her.

  “Thanks,” Hope replied before disappearing through the open doors.

  Faith sat and watched as her sister ran out of the cafeteria. She shook her head with concern hoping that Louise Gates would be okay. Then she looked at the box and chuckled. Hope wasn’t fooling anyone but herself. She had a thing for Dr. Gates even if she refused to admit it.

  Faith placed her empty cup on the tray. She stood and went to the kitchen. She came back to the table and picked up the box. She thought about Hope and Raymond Gates, then decided to make a point of introducing herself to Louise Gates before she was discharged.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Raymond Gates Sr., who was usually called Ray by his family and friends, and his brother Matthew Gates arrived at the hospital within minutes of each other. As scheduled, they met in the hospital lobby. The greeting was brief but loving. They shook hands then embraced. After a brief conversation, they turned their attention to their mother.

  “I’ve been thinking,” Matthew began, “is it me, or does this sudden allergic reaction sound too familiar?”

  “It’s not just you, it sounds very familiar,” Ray added. Matthew remembered the sudden unexplained rash and hives Louise came down with just a few months after Ray began working at Johns Hopkins Medical Center. While visiting Baltimore, she suddenly came down with a similar condition, and was treated by a bright young chief resident named Dr. Joy Alexander.

  After several very heated battles over her diagnosis and treatment, Joy and Ray finally concluded that Louise’s sudden reaction was an anomaly. But, by the time they finally concurred, the seed of love had been planted. They were married within six months. “Either she thinks we’ve forgotten, or she doesn’t think we’ll interfere with her plans.”

  “My thoughts exactly,” Matthew added. “Chances are, since Tony’s already out of the way, and since she’s gone to so much trouble, I’d have to say its Raymond this time.”

  “I agree.”

  “Do you think he has the slightest clue as to what he’s in for?” Matthew asked.

  “I doubt it. Our mother can be very persuasive when she puts her mind to it. And if he’s anything like I was, he’ll be completely blindsided,” Ray said.”

  “Medically speaking, is she in any real danger?”

  “No. I don’t think so. I asked the Emergency Services administrative director to email me a copy of her chart. Her attending is a Dr. Hope Adams. She and Raymond are working together. Their prognosis is good. She’ll be fine.”

  “I presume Dr. Hope Adams is the intended?”

  “I’d say so,” Ray confirmed.

  “Have you met her yet?”

  “No.”

  “What do you know about Doctor Adams?” Matthew asked.

  “Not much. So far, that she’s an excellent physician and she and Raymond get along like oil and water.

  “Sounds like a perfect match so far. What do you suggest we do about it?”

  Ray shook his head slowly then looked at his brother. They could end their mother’s charade instantly or do nothing and see what happens. “Let it play out. But just to be on the safe side, she stops subjecting herself to whatever is causing the allergic reaction today.”

  Matthew nodded his agreement as they boarded the elevator to the fifth floor.

  Louise smiled brightly when she saw both of her sons walk through the door. They kissed her cheek warmly. Then Matthew stood back and looked around the room as Ray scanned her medical chart. Matthew picked up a discarded candy wrapper and held it out for his brother to see. Ray took the candy wrapper and read the ingredients.

  As idol small talk about the weather and travel continued, Louise watched carefully as her sons seemed to have come to an unspoken agreement. “Mom,” Ray began, but was interrupted.

  “I know what you’re going to say,” Louise said. “But I had to get his attention somehow. He’s as stubborn and pigheaded as his father. I gave him every opportunity to handle this on his own.”

  “Mom, that’s not what…” Ray tried again.

  Louise looked at Ray pointedly and continued. “I refuse to have my grandson, your son, continue his mission to break every heart on the East Coast.” She crossed her arms over her chest defiantly. “Somebody has to do something.”

  “Mom,” Matthew said when Louise stopped talking.

  “Don’t you two mom me,” she said as she turned her attention to Matthew. “If it weren’t for me, Tony would be the same way. Thank goodness I found Madison in time.”

  “Mom,” Ray said again. “Listen, Matt and I just wanted to let you know that we’re not going to interfere with whatever you’re doing, this time. But if this scheme you’ve devised doesn’t work, you have to promise to let it go and back off.”

  “Mind you,” Matthew added, “we don’t necessarily agree with what you’re doing, but we won’t interfere, yet,” Matthew said. “Okay?”

  Louise looked at her sons with a warm and loving smile. This was just what she wanted to hear. She knew they’d remember and recognize the same scenario from when she matched Raymond’s father and mother years ago. And since it worked so well back then, she decided to try the same set-up again.

  They stood on either side of the bed. She reached out and took their hands. “I promise.”

  “Oh, one more thing,” Ray added, “no more of these.” He held up the empty candy wrapper. “You made your point. You got their attention. If they haven’t figured it out by now, let it go.” He looked at her face neck and arms, “as soon as the hives leave you’re discharged, understand?”

  She nodded regretfully.

  “So,” Ray began, “when do we get to meet my daughter-in-law to be?”

  Just then the door opened and Hope walked in with a bright cheerful smile. Matthew and Ray looked at each other and nodded approvingly. “Perfect.”

  Hope looked at her watch as she closed the door behind he
r. She was surprised at how late it had gotten. She’d stayed much longer that she had intended, but she had to admit, she had a wonderful time. The Gates men were incredibly charming. She was surprised how open and friendly they were. It was as if they’d wanted her to know everything about their family as soon as possible.

  At first she felt uneasy being confronted by the two Gates men, particularly Dr. Gates Sr. His reputation, as a neurosurgeon was well-known. Meeting him was like an artist meeting Rembrandt or Cézanne. He was the best in his field and she had always admired his work.

  When she first entered the room he seemed to look at her oddly, as if assessing her intentions. Then, his intense questioning of her professional and personal background completely took her off guard. He wasn’t exactly intrusive, but more intensely curious. If she didn’t know any better, she’d think that she was being interviewed for a position on his staff. He seemed distracted and uneasy at first, but he soon relaxed and enjoyed the conversation.

  As Hope pushed the button and waited for the elevator to arrive, she continued to think about the time spent with the Gates family. She smiled remembering the wonderfully funny stories they told of Raymond as a young boy. She shook her head and quietly laughed to herself. Between him and his cousin, Hope wasn’t sure who was worst.

  Apparently, Raymond usually thought up the schemes, Tony added the logistics, and together they played the wildest pranks imaginable. With that ever-present mischievous glint in his eye, she could definitely see Raymond getting into all kinds of trouble on Crescent Island.

  Hope sighed dreamingly. Crescent Island must truly be like paradise. Louise and her sons talked about it as if it were a slice of heaven. She knew that Louise lived in Virginia. She just didn’t recognized where, having never heard of Crescent Island before. The incredible stories Louise and her sons told were fascinating.

  Having practically spent her entire life within a forty-block radius of where she stood, she couldn’t imagine growing up on an island as historically significant and idyllic as Crescent Island seemed to be. Although Louise had invited her to the island, it wasn’t until Ray and Matthew made the request that she actually consider going.

  A slight grimace shadowed her face as she realized that Raymond had never mentioned Crescent Island to her. Even over dinner the night before, they had talked about practically everything under the sun. But in all that time together, he’d never even mentioned his home. It was as if he didn’t want her in that part of his life. Suddenly she wanted him to invite her.

  Hope stepped into the elevator and pressed the button for the first floor. Her mind still buzzed with thoughts of the Gates men. As passengers got on at every floor, she stepped further and further back. Now, hidden in the back of the elevator, she began to think about the one Gates man that truly interested her, Raymond.

  Images of his open smile and sparkling eyes caught her off-guard at the oddest moments. The deep sultry sound of his voice sent butterflies fluttering in her stomach. His humor made her want to giggle like a schoolgirl. And when he touched her, she felt as if the ground was collapsing beneath her feet.

  Hope closed her eyes and remembered how tenderly he held her. The strength of his arms as they wrapped around her, as he expressed words of desire, still sent a shudders through her.

  Then, her thoughts turned to the previous night that they’d spent together. As the fierce storm raged outside their passion raged inside. They’d made love with their hearts, with tenderness, fire and passion. Each time their bodies came together their hearts melded. At least that’s what she thought until she awoke to an empty bed.

  As the elevator reached the first floor, she realized that Raymond was beginning to occupy her thoughts a bit too much. It was something she couldn’t afford to have happen, since once Louise Gates was being discharged soon there’d no longer be a reason for them to continue seeing each other. So, no matter what she felt, she had to stop. This was a heartache in the making. And, no matter what her heart said, she had to keep her distance.

  She stepped out of the elevator determined to set thoughts of Raymond aside. The distraction had to end. She steeled herself against any lingering desires. Her resolve had to be strong. And ER was the best place for her to get her mind off of Dr. Raymond Gates.

  Just as Hope pressed the blue square for the ER staff entrance, she heard the announcement over the PA system, alerting staff of a major emergency.

  Hope walked over to the nurse’s station and looked into her friend’s worried face. Maxine shook her head confirming the worst, then leaned down and whispered in Hope’s ear. “Police, fire and paramedics are on-site,” she began. “We’re waiting for the report from the EMS paramedics on site.”

  Hope frowned.

  The sound from the PA drew everyone’s attention. “There’s been a major traffic accident, with seven in-coming victims in total. Victim one, the primary, is a twenty-year-old male who was riding a motorcycle with no helmet. Possible severe head trauma and multiple injuries to his arms and legs. He looks really bad. Victim two is a nineteen-year-old female motorcycle passenger, with head trauma, in critical condition who is still trapped under an SUV. Fire and rescue approximate extraction in less than thirty minutes,” said the voice of the EMT over the static from the radio.

  “Victims three and four were in the SUV, two males in their mid-teens, who appear to have been driving under the influence. Police have already done a sobriety test. They both have bruises and contusions, minimal injuries at best. Oh God, victim one just went critical code.” The radio transmitter crackled with static then went completely silent.

  Hope looked over to Maxine. Critical code, cardiac arrest, either way it wasn’t a good sign. Scott stood nearby shouting orders to the trauma team that was already prepping for the arrivals.

  Suddenly there was a crack of static again as the EMT continued. “No pulse, we have a flat line on number one, CPR is being preformed, hold...”

  Maxine held the receiver in her hand while others circled, listening to the emergency medical tech list the patient’s injuries. “Multiple fractions, contusions and abrasions….’ Then he stopped when his partner hollered something in the background.

  “We’re continuing CPR on victim one, still no pulse, blood pressure is nil. I think we’re gonna have a DOA coming your way.” There was a slight pause as the ER staff held its collective breath.

  “Pulse!” cracked the voice through the radio speaker. A sigh of relief rippled through the ER.

  “Okay, victim five is already in route to Children’s Medical and victims six and seven are braced and stable with complaints of back and neck injury.

  “What’s your ETA?” Maxine asked.

  “Seven minutes,” came over the speaker. Scott nodded pointedly and the trauma team instantly swung into action. Hope hurried off right behind them.

  Minutes seemed like hours from the time the EMTs called in. The anxiety of what was to come shadowed the faces of those hurrying to prepare.

  Seven minutes later three ambulance gurneys burst through the ER receiving doors. In ordered chaos, the dance of patient triage commenced.

  The gurney rolled in with paramedics running along either side. A third paramedic was straddled atop the patient on the first gurney pumping his chest. “Victim one,” the EMT shouted breathlessly above the excitement. “We lost his pulse again while in transit.” She continued CPR. “Still no pulse,” she yelled as she burst through the operating room doors.

  One minute later the doors burst open again and a forth gurney rolled in. The onslaught had begun.

  Based on the severity of their injuries, critical patients were ushered directly into the OR. Those who were stable were treated and kept overnight for observation.

  Calm and cool in the middle of the ER chaos, Hope went about treating the incoming patients with efficiency, composure and compassion, never once losing her focus.

  Despite the ER staff’s best efforts, Hope’s room went silent. The team was exha
usted and drained of emotion. They stared at each other. “Call it,” Hope said. She looked up at the wall clock and pronounced the young man lying still on the gurney dead at 5:04 p.m.

  She pulled the blood soaked gloves from her hands as they began to shake. A second’s glance at the patient was all she could take.

  Hope emerged from the ER weary and mentally drained. She had lost. She pulled the wrap from her head and took the lonely walk to the family waiting area.

  She entered and braced herself for the screams and sobs she’d heard many times before. The quiet weeping and prays of the families still tore at her.

  Hope walked over to the nurse’s station and gathered her charts. While getting a quick update, she looked over, surprised to see Raymond standing there. He was looking directly at her. She frowned, picked up the charts then walked in his direction. She nodded curtly and walked past him into the nearest examination room. It was dark and empty. Raymond followed her inside. She turned to see him blocking the doorway.

  Raymond looked into her eyes. “I’m sorry about your patient.” He spoke in hushed tones barely audible to anyone passing by.

  She nodded her head slowly accepting his condolences. “Yeah, so am I. Massive internal injuries and brain trauma. There wasn’t a whole lot we could do.” She looked away. “Kinda makes the case for mandatory helmet laws doesn’t it.”

  His heart propelled him to comfort her. She stepped back and looked away then back at him. “Is there a problem Dr. Gates?” The sadness and exhaustion in her eyes was overwhelming.

  “No.” He looked at her strangely. “Hope,” he moved closer as she backed away.

  “Last I checked your grandmother was feeling much better. I still have no idea what brought on this new attack of hives.”

  “Hope.” After the evening they’d had he was confused by her aloofness.

  She looked at him oddly. “Why are you still here?”

  “What’s wrong with you?”

  “Nothing.”

  “I want, I need to talk to you.”