One Sure Thing (Mamma Lou Matchmaker Series)

by Norfleet, Celeste

  “About?”

  He produced a small powder blue Tiffany box. He offered the box to her. “I saw this and thought of you.” She backed away.

  “Dr. Gates,” he looked at her sternly, “Raymond, Please don’t buy me anymore gifts. It just complicates things.” She began to walk away.

  “What things?”

  She reached up and touched the scar uneasy with the direction of the conversation. “You know the drill, doctor. I’m sure you discourage your patients from giving you any personal gifts or gratuities.”

  “I’m not your patient Hope. And last I heard there’s nothing in the Hippocratic Oath that prohibits two consenting adults from getting personal.” He took her hand and held it gently in his then brought it up to his lips and kissed the two fingers that had just stroked the scar. She looked up at his face just as his mouth began to descend. He kissed her, gently brushing his lips against hers, barely touching, yet passionate enough to leave them yearning for more. The sudden and intense heat they generated could have set the room on fire.

  After a few seconds, Raymond leaned back, not knowing what to expect. Hope looked at him but didn’t speak. Moments passed, and then finally she opened her mouth. “You do that again without permission, and I’ll personally perform my first lobotomy on you.”

  Raymond smiled. His dimples emerged and his tender laughter brought a slight smile to Hope’s stern expression. Still holding her hand, he gave her the small blue box. “You’re a hell of a woman Dr. Adams. I have a feeling that I’m going to enjoy our time together. I’m on my way to the fifth floor. I’ll see you later.” He kissed the hand that held the box, then turned and walked down the hall. Hope stood in the dimly lit room pondering what had just happened. She shook her head as if to clear it of the cobwebs put there by Raymond.

  She was just in a hospital exam room kissing a doctor. What was she thinking? Someone could have easily walked by and… Hope slapped her hand to her forehead and closed her eyes.

  How could she explain what happened? Maybe it was the full moon. Maybe it was the trauma of the accident. Maybe it was low glucose levels. Maybe temporary insanity? No, she had to admit that what she felt for Raymond was different, and every time she saw him she wanted to rip his clothes off. Yes. She leaned back against the bed.

  After five minutes of chastising herself for her behavior, Hope walked out of the examining room. She stopped briefly to look in on several patients and to get update on others.

  She passed the nurse’s station and headed for the small triage area. It was empty. She closed the door behind her and tossed her stethoscope on the desk. She looked at her watch, less than two hours remained in her shift. Slowly she collapsed in the wheelchair. Life in the ER of Golden Heart had a tendency to do that to a person. Life on the graveyard shift was even worse.

  “Hope?”

  She looked up. “Yes Maxine.”

  Maxine smiled broadly. I stopped by earlier to tell you that Mr. Jackson is looking for you, but you and Dr. Gates were,” she smiled even broader, “preoccupied.”

  Hope rolled her eyes to the ceiling. Of all the people in the world to see her with Raymond. “Maxine, it wasn’t what you think.”

  “Oh, I doubt that.”

  “Okay, it was. But I can explain.”

  Maxine snickered and leaned back against the counter. “This ought to be good.”

  Hope opened her mouth to try and explain, but no words came out. She took a deep breath and began again. Her hands moved wildly, her face was animated but she couldn’t come up with an explanation.

  Finally, Maxine couldn’t take it any longer. “I’ll tell you what, since this is obviously going to take the better part of the evening, why don’t I tell you what happened.”

  “By all means.”

  “You and Dr. Gates have been mutually attracted since the first moment you laid eyes on each other. The arguments you’ve been having were merely a smokescreen, until about fifteen minutes ago, if not before. And that is that he rocks your world and you rock his. So, the passionate kiss I witnessed was merely a prelude to untapped desire. And, in the next few minutes, hours, days, weeks, months and years, you and the good doctor will experience a love that’s divinely perfect.”

  Hope was speechless and simply threw her hands up in defeat. Maxine walked out. Her usual laughter was even louder and more high-spirited than ever.

  Hope shook her head smiling to herself as she touched her lips. It was nice. She admitted then turned the wheel chair around and opened the blue box. Two beautifully scripted charms hung from a gold chain. She pulled the sparkling gold from the box and held it up. As the charm spun around against the play of light from the hall, she read the inscription aloud, “Truth and Dare.”

  The man was unbelievable. She returned the jewelry to the box and placed it in her pocket. Then with all determination she opened the first file and devoted the next thirty minutes to her caseload.

  “Yes?” She asked without looking up.

  “You took my wife. I want her outta here now.”

  Recognizing the low, raspy voice and the heavy scent of mechanics oil and cheap beer on his clothing, Hope looked up to see Lamont Jackson standing in the doorway. “This area is reserved for authorized personnel only. You’ll have to leave.”

  “You kept her away from me all night long. I want my wife outta here now,” he demanded roughly.

  “Mrs. Jackson was admitted for overnight observation.”

  “It’s been longer than overnight.”

  Upon further observation, we’ve found that her injuries require further study. She’ll be discharged as soon as medically advisable.

  “That’s bull. Why you keeping her? You think you smart don’t you. Fancy doctor. Ain’t nothing wrong with her.”

  “She needs rest and quiet. And a black eye, bruised ribs and a sprained wrist aren’t exactly what I’d call nothing.”

  He quickly averted his eyes. “She’s clumsy, always has been.”

  “She’s being physically abused.”

  Lamont looked back to Hope. His eyes narrowed threateningly as he glared at her. “She tell you that?” he asked. Hope looked at him as he turned into a coward. “Because if she did, then she’s lying. Ain’t nobody touch her.”

  “No. She didn’t tell me that. She didn’t have to. It’s obvious that she’s being abused by someone. Got any idea who that person might be?” Hope’s glare hit the mark. Lamont understood all too well. He’d been found out and Hope wasn’t going to cover for him.

  “You got something to say doc, say it.”

  Hope opened her mouth to put Lamont in his place, but she realized that whatever she said he would eventually take out on Leanne. And she didn’t want to put her in greater jeopardy. “I don’t have anything to say to you Mr. Jackson,” she sneered.

  Lamont nodded his head knowingly. As usual he’d gotten the last word. He puffed his chest out and turned to walk away.

  Hope picked up a chart and began to speak out loud. “Coward, abuser, bully, jerk.”

  He whipped around and looked back to Hope. “What did you just call me?”

  Hope continued reading the chart. “You talking to me?” She looked up stubbornly.

  At that moment Maxine came to the doorway. She looked from Hope to Lamont sensing the tension. “Excuse me, Dr. Adams, your patient in exam nine would like a word with you before they leave. Also you got a call from the fifth floor.”

  Hope nodded and stood. She folded and closed the file and tucked it neatly under her arm. As she walked out she glared at Lamont making her animosity unmistakably clear.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Louise smiling victoriously as she sat up in bed and flipped through the channels of the television suspended from the ceiling across the room. She was delighted with the news she’d just heard.

  Apparently, Raymond and Hope were back on track as a couple. The rumors were all over the hospital. And if even half of them were true, she was elated. Of course,
neither Hope nor Raymond would admit anything, but they didn’t have to. All she had to do was mention the name of one while in the presence of the other and their eyes would tell her everything she wanted to know.

  Louise waited patiently for Raymond to return. A knock on the door drew her attention as it opened just a bit. Then it widened. She instantly brightened as soon as Hope appeared at her door.

  “Hope,” she exclaimed with delight as she turned off the television to give Hope her undivided attention. “How sweet of you to stop by. How are you dear?”

  Hope smiled and flipped open the chart as she approached the bed. “Shouldn’t I be asking you that question?”

  “You will.”

  Hope came closer to the bed and looked down into Louise’s bright sparkling eyes, “I was down in ER when I received a message that you wanted to see me. How are doing this evening Mrs. Gates?”

  “Please call me Mamma Lou. I feel absolutely wonderful,” Louise said with exuberance. She had been more than delighted with the way things were going between Raymond and Hope in just two days.

  “Good. That’s wonderful. It looks like all of your tests are coming back negative and your blood pressure is dropping nicely.” She looked up and examined Louise’s face, neck and arms. I see the rash from your hives has diminished considerably. Looks like we’ll have you out of here in no time.”

  “What do you think about my grandson?”

  Taken completely off guard by the bluntness of the question, Hope began to stutter. “Your grandson? Dr. Gates?”

  “Yes, what do you think about him?”

  “He’s fine. Fine, just fine,” she said, trying to sound nonchalant.

  Louise smiled knowingly. Hope looked at her questioning. “The whole hospital is buzzing about a budding romance between you and my grandson.”

  “Really? Mrs. Gates…” she began.

  “Please call me Mamma Lou.”

  “Rumors circulate around this hospital all the time. I wouldn’t take whatever you’ve heard too seriously.”

  The knock on the door drew both women’s attention. “Hello Mamma Lou.”

  Louise beamed brightly, “Raymond, you’re back. We were just talking about you, Louise said as Raymond came into the room and stood by the bed. He leaned down to kiss Louise on the cheek then leveled his gaze at Hope and kept it there.” He placed the magazines she’d requested from the gift shop on her lap.

  “So how’s the doctor business?” Louise asked breaking the thin line of tension swirling around the room.

  “Good,” Raymond replied, his eyes riveted to Hope. “Hello again Hope.”

  Hope blushed for no apparent reason. “Dr. Gates.” Hope cleared her throat uncomfortably. “Well, I’m going let you two have some time to visit.” She turned to avoid Raymond’s piercing gaze. “I’ll be back later.” She nearly ran from the room. Her knees wobbled, her palms were sweaty and her heart pounded. Get a grip, she warned herself as she hurried down the hall to the elevator.

  Just as the doors began to close Raymond stepped on.

  A groan escaped.

  “Did you see your gift?”

  “I thought we’d already discussed giving gifts.”

  “You discussed it.”

  Hope sighed heavily. “It very beautiful. But then you already knew that.” He smiled happily as she pulled the blue box from her pocket and held it out to him. “I can’t accept this.”

  “I can’t return it. It’s already been engraved.”

  The elevator stopped on the next floor and several visitors got on. Raymond and Hope stepped back as people piled into the front of the car. Raymond moved closer to her than necessary.

  “Then give it to someone else. I’m sure there are any number of women who’d be happy to receive it,” she whispered trying not to draw attention to their conversation.

  Raymond gasped playfully. “Are you implying that I play our game with other women?” A woman standing in front of Hope turned briefly and smiled.

  Hope glanced sideways to see Raymond smile. His dimples creased as Hope’s heart fell. “I’m not implying anything,” she hissed. “And it’s not our game. You can play with whomever you chose. It’s none of my business.”

  “Sounds an awful lot like you’re jealous,” Raymond said.

  “That’s absurd,” she whispered louder than she’d intended. The woman directly in front of Hope stepped back further as more people got onto the elevator. She glanced back at Hope a second time. This time smiled openly.

  “No,” he said emphatically, “now it definitely sounds like you’re jealous.” His smiled widened.

  “Well I’m not,” Hope insisted emphatically. “I just thought that you might want to give it to someone you cared about.”

  “I just did.”

  The elevator stopped on the first floor and all of the passengers exited. Hope and Raymond were the last to leave. Slowly she stepped out. Her mind was still trying to process his last remark.

  “Hope.”

  She stopped and turned around. Raymond stepped out of the elevator as a number of other people got on. He walked toward her as the elevator doors closed behind him. The smile in his eyes was suspiciously like a man who had just opened his heart.

  Hope looked away. The spasms in her stomach grew worse. Looking up into his eyes had been a mistake.

  “We should talk.”

  “I’m on my way out.”

  “So am I.”

  They walked out together.

  Smoke blew from the open window. Watchful eyes observed Hope and Raymond come out of the hospital and began walking toward the parking lot. He flicked the lit cigarette from the window and got out of the car.

  He hurried across the open parking lot and pulled his shirt down over his belt. He slipped easily around the side of the building and hurried up the steps.

  At each level he stopped, opened the door and glanced around the parking level. On the third floor he grasped the door’s handle and prepared to pull when he heard a woman’s voice. He stopped and flattened himself against the door to listen.

  He heard a car start and slowly opened the door to see Hope drive away and the man to whom she was talking step back into the elevator. He smiled. Perfect.

  Chapter Seventeen

  This was the day that Louise had dreaded. Today she was going to be discharged. Raymond and Hope had come in together and informed her of their decision to allow her to go home this morning. Although they came in together, she could tell that there was still unease between them.

  Louise sat on the edge of the bed pondering what to do next. As far as she knew everything had been progressing just as she’d planned. Now, all of a sudden, nothing. Raymond and Hope seemed to have stalled. She needed to jump-start the relationship as soon as possible.

  Her blood pressure was perfect and her heart rate was back to normal. There was no way she could develop another case of hives, Matthew and Ray had seen to that. They had taken her stash of chocolate candy and made her promise not to eat anymore. It was just her luck that years ago Ray and Joy had figured out her little secret.

  Louise was thinking when she heard a soft knock at the door. “Come in.”

  The door opened a woman peeked in. She smiled eagerly and asked to come in. Louise recognized her instantly.

  “There’s no way that you couldn’t be related to Hope Adams.”

  Faith came all the way into the room and closed the door. “Hello Mrs. Gates. My name is Faith Adams. Hope is my sister.

  “I just knew it. I just knew it.”

  “I hope I’m not disturbing you.”

  “Of course not, Sweetie. Come on in and have a seat.” Faith sat down in the chair next to Louise’s bed. Louise raised her eyes in a silent prayer of thanks. She knew that her prayers were going to be answered, she just didn’t know it would be this soon.

  The two women settled into an easy conversation that center around music, food, travel and the weather. Faith told Louise about her nur
sing career and how happy she was to be working in the maternity ward at the hospital.

  Eventually, the conversation turned from maternity and babies, to children to hers and Hope’s childhood. Faith told Louise how much they loved being raised by their grandmother.

  “She sounds like a delightful woman. I’d love to meet her someday.”

  “She is wonderful. You remind me a lot of her.”

  “I take that as a compliment. Tell me about your parents.” Louise already knew some things about them because of the file she’d received from her private investigator.

  Faith took a deep breath and poured out her heart. She was open in recalling of the events leading up to the day of their mother’s death. Louise was touched by Faith’s love of her sister and equally impressed by their devotion to each other.

  Faith told Louise that Hope had been married before and was gun-shy when it came to romance, particularly with men of means. Louise’s brow rose with added interest. This was definitely not in the detective’s report.

  “Was it a messy divorce?”

  “The worst. Hope’s former father-in-law accused her of marrying his son, Nolan, for his money because they eloped and Nolan didn’t have a pre-nuptial agreement. Hope was devastated. Her lawyer had told her that according to the state’s divorce law, she could ask and receive half of Nolan’s assets.”

  “How long were they married?”

  “Eighteen months. But actually they were only together for about a year. As soon as Nolan’s father found out about the marriage he threatened to cut him from the will.”

  “That’s horrendous,” Louise said in disgust. “I do hope that this young man stood up to his father.”

  Faith shook her head no. “Nolan wanted the money too much.”

  “Then I say good riddance to him.”

  “Anyway, in the divorce settlement Hope only requested enough money to send me through nursing school. She didn’t even want her med school loans paid off. The only thing she thought about was my future and my happiness. So you see Mrs. Gates, Hope saved my life more than once. I owe her everything.” Faith stopped and glanced out of the window.