Chapter Two

     Patrick got into the driver’s seat of the car after carefully help Cecelia into the passenger’s. She was scowling and muttering something under her breath. By her expression and posture, she was obviously in a great deal of pain.
     He considered asking if there was anything else he could do for her, but he had already received quite an earful for trying to help her into the car. The acerbic young woman seemed to want simultaneously to be coddled and left alone. Well, he had been working at the hotel for several years, so he knew how to handle a difficult guest.

     It was unfortunate, though. When he had received the call from the bartender he had been fairly certain that it was a simple twisted ankle, or mild scrape. He had been pleasantly surprised at seeing the pretty young woman in a bikini. Until she had opened her mouth.

     “It should only be a few minutes to Jackson Memorial hospital, Mis- er Doctor. I’m sure they will have you fixed up in no time.” Patrick said brightly. He pulled the sedan out into traffic and headed towards the on-ramp for 95 North.     

     “You’re taking 95? At this time of day?” It was the first words that Cecilia had spoken to him since she had allowed him to help her into the car.     

     “Yes, Doctor, the hospital is only a few minute up 95. It’s the fastest way.” Years of experience allowed Patrick to keep the frustration out of his voice. Though this was not how interactions with women usually went for him. He had moved to Miami to go to college and ended up spending all of his time getting laid or at the beach, or sometimes both to succeed as a student. Eventually he dropped out and started working for the hotel. The pay was decent, the hours were great, he got to work on his tan, and the tourists were always looking for some local fun.

      He almost cursed when he pulled onto 95 and ground to a halt. His ears started to burn as he felt Cecelia’s, No, Doctor Shanahan’s he corrected himself, eyes on him. He did not need to look over to see that she was glaring at him.

      Cecelia started rummaging through her bag and pulled out a smart phone. After a few seconds she pointed imperiously at the next exit. “Get off here and turn left.” She said without looking at him.

      Patrick inhaled deeply and managed to keep from sighing. He knew this area, and the ‘least-time’ route that Google swore by was known to every local as well. It would be just as jam packed as 95, but not as direct. He considered arguing and decided to just let it go. The customer is always right! He reminded himself.

      Just as he had expected the road was just as jam packed, but it seemed to be moving slightly better than 95. After just a few minutes he pulled up at the Emergency Room and got out to help her out of the passenger side. As he walked around the car, Patrick caught a glimpse of Cecelia through the windshield. In that moment, the frown fell away from her face and he saw something else. He thought he saw fear. That moment made him realize how scared and alone she must feel.

      “Here we are, Doctor. I’ll just have the valet park the car and stay with you until we get you fixed up.” Patrick said, opening the door and giving her a hand.

      “Thank you, but that won’t be necessary. I have far more time in hospitals than you ever will. And I am perfectly capable of overseeing my own care.” Cecelia said as she leaned on him and limped into the ER.

      “I understand, Ma’am, but it’s company policy. I could lose my job if I don’t stay.” Patrick was bending the truth more than a little.

      “I don’t care about your job. But, if you insist on staying, go get me the admittance forms.” Cecelia said.

      Patrick handed the keys over to the valet and turned to help her to a seat. Cecelia had already hobbled over to one on her own. Patrick shook his head and went to see the triage nurse. The bored looking, middle-aged nurse sat behind the counter in faded blue scrubs and handed Patrick a clip board without looking at him. “Fill out the top section and return it to the triage station.” She said waving in the general direction of another bored looking male nurse in blue scrubs nurse.

      “Uh, ok, thanks!” Patrick flashed his most charming smile, which the nurse did not see, and took the paperwork back to Cecelia who started working through it with practiced ease. They sat in silence for several minutes while she worked and he fidgeted. When she finished she handed him the clipboard without a word.

      Patrick was starting to regret his decision to stay with Cecelia, but he was committed now. He walked up to the nurse who was at the triage station and handed him the clipboard. The nurse glanced at Patrick and started going through the clipboard.

      “Are you Cecelia Shanahan?” He asked, raising an eyebrow to Patrick.

      “No, she’s over there.” Patrick said, pointing.

      The nurse’s brightened visibly when he saw the young woman in a bikini. “Injured foot, huh? I should probably go speak with her directly."

      “Yeah, sure, pal. That’s a good idea, she’s really a sweet girl.” Patrick was relieved to have Cecelia’s sharp tongue shred someone else for a change.

      Less than five minutes later, they were wheeling Cecelia out of the waiting room. Her foot was wrapped in an icepack and gauze. Her sarong had already been disposed of. The triage nurse was pushing her wheelchair, which was not his job, but he had already determined it would be less work than arguing with the lady. Now he just wanted to hand her off and get away from her.

      He sat in the waiting room and leafed through a three month old issue of People magazine. He was prepared for a long wait. His cellphone buzzed at him, the caller ID showed it was the hotel. He answered it quietly, “Hello?”

      “Patrick, it’s Jimmy.” Said the bartender who had first tried to help Cecelia. “Carolyn’s wondering when you are going to be back to work. Have you dropped off the uhh guest yet?”

      “Yeah, she asked me to stay and wait here. It should not be long.” Patrick replied with a smile.

      “She asked you to stay. Right. Look, Patrick, I get it, she’s hot and all. But what’s your angle here? The long game? There are other girls here at the bar that are just as good looking, and way way sweeter.” Jimmy asked.

      “Where’s your sense of customer service?” Patrick asked with mock outrage. “This poor woman hurt her foot and needs our help. Besides I’m here to help avoid a lawsuit.”

      “Uh huh. Well I’ll tell Carolyn. But be prepared to get a phone call from her.” Jimmy said and hung up with his characteristic abruptness.

      Patrick felt his smile widen as he put his phone back in his pocket. He stood and walked back to the entry desk. This time the bored nurse looked at him and straightened a little in her chair.

      “Excuse me, Miss.” Patrick said trying his most charming smile on her again. This time it worked. “But can you tell me where I can get a cup of coffee please? And let me know how you take yours, of course.”

      The nurse blushed slightly and her left hand, the one carrying a wedding band, dropped below the desk as she smiled back and pointed with her right hand. “That way, down the hall and to the right. And I take it black with some sugar.”

      “Of course you do. Thanks.” Patrick said with a nod. He turned and walked to the coffee shop. He could use the caffeine. But he needed that confidence booster from the nurse back there.