“I’m optimistic the colectomy was a success, but it’ll be a few weeks before he’s made a full recovery.”
Tears of relief rolled down Mrs. Taylor’s cheeks, and then her sons were embracing her. Their emotion was on display, so great that they couldn’t hide it.
“Charlie is being taken to recovery. He’s going to be groggy for a while, but you can see him in a bit. I’ll send one of the nurses out to get you when it’s okay to go in.”
Mrs. Taylor broke away from her children and flung herself into my arms, gripping me in a strong embrace. “Thank you,” she whispered.
I patted her back.
She pulled away, her blue eyes watery with tears. “I’m so relieved. Thank you.”
“It’s a beautiful day, Mrs. Taylor. Let’s all enjoy it.” With a smile, I gently extracted myself from the presence of the Taylor family and left the waiting room.
My heart felt light. Today, medicine had been on my side.
“You look happy,” Amanda said, as I approached the nurses’ station.
“I am happy.” I smiled. “It’s a good day, Amanda. Charlie Taylor’s surgery went well.”
“Oh, that’s great. Truly. I’m about to make your day even better.”
“Yeah?”
“You got a flower delivery.” She gestured to a bouquet of red roses resting on the counter of the administrative desk. “I wonder who they could be from?”
“Judging by your tone, I would say you already peeked at the card,” I remarked drolly, holding out my hand for it.
“Just the signature.” She handed me the card. I took a few moments to read it but didn’t have a feeling one way or the other.
“Well,” she pressed. “What did Parker have to say?”
“He said he had a good time on our date last week and would love to go out again.”
“That’s great!” she said.
“It is?”
“Well, yeah, isn’t it?” She paused, and then she grinned. “Oh, I see. You’re no longer interested in the suit-wearing lawyer type. Not after meeting Mr. Down and Dirty.”
“Mr. Down and Dirty?” I raised my brows.
“Come on, Boxer’s gotdown and dirtywritten all over him. Slathered in ink. Yum.”
“You’re ridiculous. And Boxer has nothing to do with why I’m not going out with Parker again,”
“Yeah, right.”
“Will you stop, please? I don’t have a thing for Boxer.”
“Then go out with Parker again,” she taunted.
“No.”
“Why not?” she demanded.
“Because, as nice as he is, he reminds me too much of my ex.” I placed my hand on her arm. “I know you mean well. I know all the nurses mean well, but can we stop this pushing me toward every single guy? I’m happy with my life the way it is. Okay?”
“Okay,” she said, not looking at all like she believed me.