Chapter 10
CHAPTER TEN
Shutting my dishwasher and starting the wash cycle, I run a hand through my hair as I look around my pristine kitchen. It’s too quiet when it’s just me in this big house, and while sometimes I enjoy the silence, some nights the quiet feels like too much.
Too still.
Too orderly.
Too … empty.
Maybe I need a dog.
My house is immaculate, in part because of personal preference, and in part because of the diligent work of a local company that handles the routine upkeep.
I also pay extra to have them keep my fridge stocked weekly.
I grew up with my parents using the same company, and it's incredibly helpful, especially during the busy season at work—which seems to be constant as of late.
The hospital has a new chairman of the board.
Calvin Rutledge is convinced that we need to either acquire a smaller regional hospital or merge with another healthcare system in the tri-state area in order to stay competitive with pricing, but also retention and recruitment of our specialty doctors.
I’ve made my own thoughts on the matter clear, but I’m convinced Calvin’s favorite pastime is hearing himself talk, and he continues to persuade the other board members to approve motions that dump busy work onto my desk and under my responsibility.
I think the previous chair had the right idea for the direction of Forrest Falls Hospital: understand where we excel as a smaller regional hospital and be the best that we can be in that lane.
We can’t be all things to everyone—nor can we compete with the massive systems nearby.
With Nashville an hour away, there are much larger healthcare systems competing for patients, but if we try to be too many things at once, we will fail at everything.
We need to focus on our niche and be the best without losing focus on what makes our hospital the best. It’s poor strategy to chase every wild idea, at least at this level of leadership.
We offer the small-town relational care that people around here prefer, with a handful of specialties that cover what most people need.
I know if I mentioned any of my frustrations to Jack, he would immediately offer me a job at Lux—I’ve lost count on how many times he has offered me one.
I’ve never given him hope that I would accept, but I would be lying if I said that some days, I’m not tempted to explore it a little more than just casual conversation.
I grab a beer and settle into the couch, debating if I should watch a game or read a little … or utilize that phone number Savannah gave me yesterday.
It’s not hard to make a decision.
I set my beer down on the coffee table and grab my phone.
Me
Hey, Harlow. This is Ryan Callahan, Savannah’s brother. I hope you don’t mind, but I asked her for your number.
I didn’t actually ask, but I was going to before she beat me to it, so intent counts.
I watch the text message for any sign of life.
And then I see it.
Little dancing dots. The smile that spreads across my face is the largest one I’ve had all day.
Harlow
Oh, hi!
How can she sound cute over texting? I didn’t know that was possible.
Harlow
And of course, that’s fine. Are you feeling okay? Did you catch what Olivia had? I thought Savannah said she was feeling better today. Maybe I should call her and check?
Me
No, no, sorry, I’m fine. And I think Olivia is feeling better too. That’s not why I wanted your number.
Those little dancing dots start and then stop twice.
Harlow
Oh! Ok… What’s up?
Me
I wanted to say it was nice to meet you, and I really appreciated what you did for my niece (and sister) the other night.
Harlow
Of course, it was nothing.
Me
It may not have been a big ask, but it still mattered.
Harlow
Happy to help :)
Me
Are you traveling with Walker or back in Nashville?
Harlow
Walker and I both have meetings in D.C. over the next few days, but different departments, so… kind of? I’ll probably see him in between them, but otherwise we’re just in the same city.
Me
I bet he’s insufferable about missing Viv right after their honeymoon.
Harlow
He is definitely more scowly than typical, that is true lol.
Me
I’m happy for them.
Harlow
Walker is a good man, and I think the world of your sister too.
Harlow
They’re great together.
Me
It’s nauseating at times.
Harlow
lol come on, don’t you believe in the HEA?
Me
HEA?
Harlow
Happily Ever After.
Me
Maybe? I don’t know. I hope that’s possible, but it hasn’t happened for me yet.
Harlow
Yet being the keyword… you never know when a plot twist is coming, at least a good one anyway.
Me
I do love a good plot twist. I’ll keep an eye out for one... I hear they tend to run into people.
Harlow Lane reacted with a laughing emoji.
Me
You really are a bookworm like my sisters, aren’t you?
Harlow
Proudly—both professionally and personally.
Me
So if I ever piss you off, can I buy you apology books too?
Harlow
Is that what you do with your sisters? Also, what exactly would you have done to piss me off?
Me
It’s happened once or twice. I’m just saying, purely hypothetical.
Harlow
I’m not sure books would make a good apology, but I’d be happy to test the hypothesis.
Me
Noted… I do like to have contingency plans.
Harlow
Or maybe just don’t piss me off? :)
Me
I don’t know, you’re so nice, it’s hard to imagine you pissed off at anyone.
Me
You just seem so calm.
Harlow
I don’t know about that… You can ask Walker. He’s seen me mad before. It wasn’t pretty.
Me
Have you met my oldest sister? I’m not scared. I can handle it.
Harlow
The same sister that gave you my number?
Me
The same one. She’s the best.
Harlow
Agreed. I’m about to meet a colleague for a late dinner so I need to run.
The dots appear and disappear a few times until I can’t wait any longer.
Me
I’m really glad I texted you tonight, Harlow.
Harlow
…I was just trying to figure out how to admit that you texting me brightened my entire day.
Me
Yeah? Well, that makes two of us then.
Harlow Lane reacted to your message with a heart emoji.
Me
Enjoy your dinner and maybe we can talk another time?
Harlow
I’d like that.
Me
Then forget the maybe—we’ll talk soon.