Sway had just finished his shower and was dabbing on a smidge of the cologne Tweetie had given him for his birthday two years ago, while he drove himself crazy on the possibilities of tonight. He smelled the cap of the bottle again. He hoped it was still good. Doesn’t smell bad. More than that he hoped it wasn’t some old, discount drugstore brand that should’ve gone out when Stetson did. He didn’t know what was good these days. Working in a hospital, he never wore cologne because he’d never know if it would affect a patient’s allergies or sinuses. So, he typically avoided fragrances. Until tonight.
His heart hammered. He didn’t know why he was so nervous. He and Brian weren’t strangers. They’d been intimate already, and had met up a couple of times since then, so why was he so anxious? Maybe because I’m so fuckin’ tired I can barely see straight. What if he kisses me, and I fall asleep right in the middle of it? Sway shook his head at his silliness. It was impossible to think about anything but Brian’s touch when he was around. Sleep would be the last thing on his mind. Sway let out a loud yawn, rolling his eyes. He needed to enjoy tonight, he didn’t get many opportunities like this. Wake up, wake up.
“I would ask if you had special plans tonight since you look so nice, but the way that yawn sounded, I’m not sure,” Dr. Dominick said casually, leaning against the row of lockers.
“It’s been a hectic forty-eight hours, but I’m good,” Sway said, avoiding the doctor’s eyes. Sway wasn’t sure what he thought he saw in them, but each time their paths crossed, Dr. Dominick would give him a slight wink, or a lingering leer. He wanted to believe it was all in his head, because the man was way above Sway’s level. Yeah, he was surely reading too much into Dr. Dominick’s politeness. That was all it was. They’d be working together soon, so he was probably trying to build a rapport.
“Nurse Best told me you put in your notice with her.” Dr. Dominick began taking off his lab coat, then his silver and black tie, his watch and shoes. Next was the top button of his crisp white dress shirt. Which all would’ve been nothing if he hadn’t been staring in Sway’s eyes the entire time. “I was glad to hear it.”
Sway had decided to participate in the trial with Dr. Dominick and Dr. Chauncey. He had so much respect for Quick’s partner. Cayson Chauncey was the most empathetic, compassionate person he’d ever met. He’d be a fool not to seize the opportunity to not only work side-by-side with him but to also learn from him. Sway had been in the ER for so long, he’d never thought of going into a specialty. Nephrology was a demanding and growing field, Sway didn’t need to limit himself and he was done doubting if he could do this. If both the lead physicians wanted him as their charge nurse on this project, then he’d give them everything he had.
“Thank you. I’m really excited. It’s bittersweet, ya’ know. I’ve been in the ER for six years. It’s weird to know I won’t see them on Monday or the day after. I’ll be on the sixth floor for the next several months.”
“That’s right. Jason will have your office all set up by Monday. I’d say get yourself familiar before the meeting at eight.”
“Who’s Jason?” Sway asked.
“He’s my assistant.”
Sway pulled out his work phone and began to type a note. “Got it. Nania is Dr. Chauncey’s assistant. So, Jason is my go-to to communicate with you.” Sway said more to himself than anything as he scribbled with the stylus. It was important to know physician’s assistants because often times it was the only way to reach them or get an urgent message to them.
“Absolutely not.” The doctor was in nothing but a too-tight, T-shirt and his designer slacks that were unbuckled and unzipped, showing Sway a small peek of dark gray boxer briefs. Sway swallowed and focused on his phone, ignoring the man’s proximity. He noticed Dr. Dominick had pulled out a white business card and flipped it over, showing Sway a number scribbled in doctor’s scratch.
Cell phone
James 404-555-0287
“If you need me, you call me. Even if I’m in surgery you can still reach me on this line.”
Sway smiled uncomfortably until Dr. Dominick added, “All my department heads should be able to reach me directly… especially my charge nurse. You’re my emotional link to my patients during this trial, Nurse Hamilton. If anything is wrong, you’re going to be the first to know and my first point of contact regarding them.” Dr. Dominick brushed his heavy hand down Sway’s arm, but pulled it away too quickly for Sway to think anything of it.