18. Ryan
Chapter 18
Ryan
I ’m uneasy tonight and I’m not sure why except that the last time we were here together was when she told me she was leaving. So maybe I’m having some old memories pop up and interfere in my here and now. But I don’t like that there are talks of changes and she’s still not giving me anything solid.
We made it through the night but I wanted to be anywhere but here. I kept checking my watch and I know she noticed. She asked me a few times if I was alright and I had to lie. I didn’t want to get into it while we were out but I needed to be anywhere but here on center stage with the town.
“Are you ready to go?” I ask as she’s finishing the last bite of her dessert.
She furrows her brows and looks at my full coffee cup and uneaten cake. “You don’t want to finish your meal?”
I shake my head and begin to stand. I give her a quick kiss on the forehead. “I’ll go pull the car around. You finish it.” I shake hands with Bill and the guys, giving quick hugs to their ladies and head for the valet.
As I hand the kid my ticket, one of the newer nurses from the hospital stands next to me.
“Hi, Chief Donnelly? I’m sorry, you don’t know me, my name is Alexis and I was one of the nurses who worked on Ted when he came in.”
I look at the woman standing next to me. She’s young, probably a new intern. “Thank you for that. I’m glad he had a good team with him.”
“How’s he doing?”
“He’s doing well. He’ll be back on the rigs soon. A little burn won’t keep him down for long,” I chuckle as my phone goes off. I pull it out and see a text. “Oh, it’s Ted as we speak.” I flip my phone to show her before reading the text. I furrow my brows at what I’m reading.
Ted: Chief. What’s going on?
Me: I’m at the dance. What’s up?
Ted: The hospital updated its website. I thought your girl was staying?
My heart beats rapidly. What is he talking about? I see a screenshot come through a moment later.
Ted: I just saw this on the hospital website.
I tap the picture and scroll in to enlarge it. It’s the front page of the hospital website and the headline reads
‘Big changes are coming to LBH!’
We want to congratulate the following people in their new positions! Sarah Tucker, Head Nurse is excited to announce that Naomi Cooley is the new Head Nurse Practitioner and Madeline Torre is taking on her new role of Head Travel Nurse.
Naomi has been out on maternity leave and we look forward to welcoming her back as she secures her spot. Madeline is excited to embark on a new journey and see what the world holds! We wish them well in their future endeavors and for all the help they bring to Love Beach.
Ted: Chief, you there? This has to be wrong.
Me: Thanks for the info
I don’t even know what to think right now. None of this makes sense. It doesn’t even read correctly. Travel nursing is not new to Madeline. But she told me she was staying. Are these the new roles she was talking about? I know she was covering for Naomi while she was on maternity leave. I suppose her time is up now that Naomi wants to come back.
But her lease.
Her license plates.
Her promises.
And on the same night as three years ago. When will I learn?
“Sir? Your car is here.”
I blink twice before realizing he’s speaking to me, just as Madeline comes up beside me threading her arm with mine. I quickly put my phone away.
“Nurse Torre! I hear congratulations are in order!” Alexis who is still standing beside me speaks to Maddie with a wide smile and I feel Maddie stiffen against me.
“Oh, uh, yes, thank you. It’s great news for the hospital.”
I rudely stepped away from both of them and open the passenger door. I don't look at her, I just stand there waiting for her to get in. “Have a great night, Alexis,” she says with a nervous tone and now I know there’s more to this story.