Fragile by Veronica Short Read Free Book Online

hit the floor running. I had an early surgery that lasted a few hours before I had rounds and then it was consultation after consultation. I was feeling the lack of sleep and was in dire need of caffeine.
    “Caffeine hit,” I told Christine on my way out.
    “It’s like you read my mind.” We stretched before heading out toward the coffee cart.
    “It’s weird sitting here,” Christine announced between mouthfuls of her coffee. We sat in front of the hospital, watching the people move about.
    “How so?” I looked around the immediate area, and spotted Dr. Hunter coming towards us.
    “Mind if I join you?” We shuffled down the bench to make room for him. “What are we talking about out here?”
    “Christine just said it’s weird out here. I’m trying to find out why.”
    “Well…” She began, turning slightly to face our way. “You have patients who most likely have either lung or heart problems. I know for a fact that Mr. Torris has heart problems, because I’m due to give him a new valve tomorrow. It’s just...” She put her hands in a strangle motion. “I want to go down there and ring all of their necks.”
    “I feel that way too,” Dr. Hunter said, looking over at the small crowd of patients who were having a smoke. We sat there watching them as we drank our coffee. When they noticed us they quickly put their cigarettes out, some went back inside and others stepped around the corner.
    “Ten bucks says that they’re lighting up again where they think we can’t see them,” Christine said.
    “You’re probably right.” Dr. Hunter turned back to face us.
    “I’m in that. We’ll have to go for a walk though, and I’m not ready to get up. My body hurts.” I stretched my neck trying to ease the sore muscles.
    “Big night with someone?” Christine wiggled her eyebrows.
    “Nope I just couldn’t sleep.” I put my cup to my lips and looked back down to where the patients had been earlier.
    “Yum, yum, yum.” Christine chimed, “Look who’s entering the hospital. What do you think, a terminally ill wife? I’m going to go and comfort him.” Christine pointed over to where Rick was coming up the pathway. He caught sight of me and crossed to me. “Oh crap, do you think he heard me?” Christine asked, turning away from him and toward us.
    “No, he’s with Lucy,” Dr. Hunter told her. Christine gave me a look that told me we’d talk later.
    “We’re not... it’s not like that,” I said as I got up to meet Rick half way. When I reached him his eyes were on something over my shoulder, “Dr. Pretty Face asking you out again?”
    I tried not to smile, “No and don’t call him that.”
    “Fine Dr. Douche bag then,” he mumbled.
    “Rick,” I warned. He held his hands up. “Is everything alright?” I asked, wanting to know why he was at the hospital.
    “No, I...” He stopped and took a deep breath, running a hand through his hair and then along his face. “I’m checking up on you. I feel like shit about yesterday. I know you didn’t mean it to...I reacted badly and I’m sorry. Tell me how I can make up for my stupidity.”
    “You don’t have to make up for anything. I should have kept my mouth shut.”
    “I like that you don’t have a brain to mouth filter.” We stayed silent for a bit before Rick spoke again, “Do I make you feel uncomfortable or...”
    “No,” I interrupted him, “not at all. It’s just that I know I wasn’t an expected guest in your home and I don’t want to over stay my welcome or to get in your way. If you want people over tell me and I’ll stay somewhere else, you don’t have to be home every night.” I stopped then whispered, “I just don’t want you baby-sitting me.”
    Rick closed his eyes, and I felt like shit for saying it. “I’m not,” he whispered with his eyes still closed. “I like having you there, Lu. I like spending time with you. How many times do I have to tell you that you can stay for as long as you want? I mean