Chapter 9
NINA
“Thank you so much, Ms. Orlov.”
The old lady standing in her doorway, holding Ava’s hand, is the picture of a kindly old grandmother. She’s even wearing a polka-dotted dress, for God’s sake.
Once again, I feel a wave of gratitude for my living situation. When I moved to New York for my residency, I found a cheap, rent-controlled apartment, with a neighbor who has the time and patience to let a four-year-old stay the night. That kind of thing never happens.
I guess, after dropping an unexpected baby on me, the universe decided that I needed a win.
I do not know how I would function without Ms. Orlov. During the day, Ava goes to preschool, but for night shifts? I would have no option.
“You’re welcome, my dear. You know I’m always happy to see my favorite girl.”
My old neighbor pinches my cheek. “And I hope you’re looking after yourself, Nina. They work you too hard at Middlefield.”
I make a face. “Theoretically, it’ll be better once I’m done with my residency. Then we might not be bothering you so much.”
“Oh, it’s never a bother. I would miss having this little one around.” Ms. Orlov pats my shoulder and hands me a container full of fresh baking. “We cooked these for you today, didn’t we, Ava?”
Ava’s face lights up as soon as she sees the container. “Cookies!” she yells.
“That’s right. We kept it simple today, but one day we’ll do a proper dessert.”
“You’re too kind.” Ms. Orlov sends us both off with a hug.
“Goodbye, Ava! I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Ava waves up at her. “Bye bye, Mizz Olo.” She hasn’t quite got a handle on the pronunciation yet, but our neighbor treats her like a long-lost grandchild anyway.
We walk a few doors down to the apartment, and my phone immediately buzzes with a new email. I ignore it. There have been so many updates from work recently.
It seems that Art has made it his mission to overhaul literally everything that was wrong with the hospital. We’re getting new equipment, more staff, better training, even free fruit in the break rooms.
I know what no one else at Middlefield does. Overhauling a run-down, understaffed hospital is a world away from his usual business, which involves dealing in human lives.
I’ve watched Art order hits like he’s ordering room service.
If he thinks his newfound heart of gold will impress me, it’s not working. I don’t know why he’s decided to try to make things up to me, but I refuse to give him credit.
It’s because I know he always has an ulterior motive.
Art has never done something out of the kindness of his heart. It’s probably why he was so opposed to the idea of being a father.
But I have to admit, when I finally turn over my phone and look at the screen, I do let out a squeal of joy that has Ava running over and looking around, as though a present or a bar of candy will have magically appeared in our kitchen.
“What is it, Mommy?”
She’s picked up on my excitement and she’s practically bouncing with energy.
I pull her onto my lap and squeeze her tight.
“You’re gonna have a new place to go when Mommy is at work during the day,” I tell her. “With new friends and play equipment. And we’ll be able to see each other at lunchtime on some days.”
That might be a pipe dream, given how busy the ward has been lately.
But the time that this will cut off my commute alone, not having to drop Ava at preschool, is going to make my life so much easier.
Middlefield is getting a childcare facility, which is free for staff. Out of everything they’ve offered: the massage vouchers, the dental coverage, this is the one that has me nearly in tears.
Lily calls, and I answer with another squeal.
“I know,” I tell her. “I actually checked my phone this time. Childcare!”
“What is this new management doing? It’s like they’re trying to make someone’s dreams come true. Like seriously, we’ve had a union here for years and they never achieved any of this, no matter who the owner was. They must be bleeding money.”
I pause. I have to tell her. This is getting too insane not to share with my best friend.
“What?”
“About the new owner…” I begin.
“Do you have gossip you’ve been holding from me?” Lily asks accusingly.
I stare down at my nails.
“Just a teeny little bit.”