an, One Y

londra, the competent yet grating nurse who seemed to revel in ruffling feathers whenever newbies were present. Unfortunately, I found myself flanked by interns on both sides, rendering me unable to request that Alondra rein in her antics. This was certainly not the appropriate time for frivolity. The interns neede

h sarcasm, while my focus remained fixed on Mr. Jackson's medical record. Did this woman genuinely have the audacity to single me out as if I were a distracted f

ed," I responded, my tone resolute, as I leaned against the counter. Under the unforgiving fluorescent lights of the nurses' sta

before replying, "Yes, that is accurate," her voice tin

ore I left last evening. So, why am I not seeing her charts here?" I demanded, frustration evide

ts aren't

nurse had dropped the ball, leaving herself with one less patient to care for. We

sferred to this floor for monitoring. She was supposed to be here so I could check on her this morning. Care to explain why you thought it was acceptable to

wide under my glare. "I just... it wasn't lik

nced at Glen and Rose, the two RNs, who were cle

" Glen shot me a look that conveyed his agreement with my suspicions - that Alondra, the char

se, Dr. Coleman," Rose chimed in, her voice tinged with annoyance, mirroring my own frustr

ly. "Head to my office after the shift change, and S

dination," I scolded, my tone stern. "Whether you've been with our medical group for twenty-five years or not, I won't tolerate it. When I issue a command, I expect it to be ex

ght have garnered sympathy from me in different circumstances

Ms. Davis here and assist in preparing her room," I commanded, my voice unwavering. "And while you finally carry o

, straightening her scrubs

n the right. And she knew that remaining silent was her best course of acti

hem that I do not tolerate laziness from my nurses, and apologiz

wer plays from nurses. Now, a charge nurse who acted as if it was her family, rather than mine, who had funded the entire cardiac wing of this hospital had

Ms. Davis to the CCU like I instructed. So now, I'm sending her to retrieve the patient herself." The nurse on t

a CCU nurse," she stammered, c

ne tinged with annoyance. "But since she failed to follow my orders, she will take responsibility for her m

voice filled with a mix of understanding and curiosity. I thanked her and hung up the phone, feeling a mix of relief and frustration coursing through me."The interns will a

wer plays from nurses. Now, a charge nurse who acted as if it was her family, rather than mine, who had funded the entire cardiac wing of this hospital had

Ms. Davis to the CCU like I instructed. So now, I'm sending her to retrieve the patient herself." The nurse on t

a CCU nurse," she stammered, c

ne tinged with annoyance. "But since she failed to follow my orders, she will take responsibility for her m

oleman. I'll inform the CCU staff to expect them," she said, her voice filled with a mix of understanding and

h flow of patient care, and it had become clear that there were deeper issues within the hospital that needed to be addressed. Rumors of her ques

se Alondra may have had her supporters who touted her nursing skills, but her lack of respect for doctors, particularly me, was

of Ms. Davis. Their dedication and professionalism were evident, and I appreciated their commitment to providing the best ca

s served. The minutes stretched on, and finally, Nurse Alondra appeared, pushing Ms. Davis in a wheelchair. The te

voice cutting through the charged atmosphere. "But let it be known that this is

it from the CCU. As she disappeared from sight, a sense of satisfaction washed

rovide the care and attention she deserved. Despite the setback caused by Nurse Alondra,

red, my voice ting

s last night, and we expected transport hours ago. Alondra declined

sure that Ms. Davis is informed that I'll perso

voice carrying a hint of amusement. "It's J

ever tempted me in this place was a brunette with bright green eyes who occasionally work

mitted, my voice filled with exasperation. "I want her in the CCU so

e refused the transfer. Said it could wait until the next shif

he stubborn woman. My thoughts momentarily drifted to Jai's appearance, her contagious laugh, and the color of her hair. But I quickly snapped back to reality, real

he girl who had a way of haunting me and turning me into a desperate fool. I wished

steer clear of thoughts about the b

s voice brought m

g the line. "I'll make sure we get your patient ready to be transported down.

ent her up. And thank you,"

well, and answering any post-op questions. Sliding the curtain back, I nodded to the

ter not kill me, you son of a bitch!" The guy had a Navy tattoo, and I couldn't help but feel immense respect for him, even though

essing me, "tell her t

bert. "If I tell her to leave you alone, then your last

g the most dangerous glare he coul

breathing exercises, or those strong lungs won't be able

e off. "Yo

e a few puffs off that machine

e said, seeking

s," she chimed

anyway," the old sailor started

rned to Jenny. "Alondra will be down with a new patient, Ms. Davis. I'll make sure she does

interns. "If you ever speak to me or call me out in front of patients, nurses, int

overstaffed, leaving Ms. Davis's room empty all night. But I didn't have time for th

y intent, Seb,

irst day for these interns. You need to stay in your lane.

but respect for

k my head in d

e the

eld my hand up,

move them to another, do your goddamn job. I don't act like an egotistical dick of a

won't happen a

introduced to the CCU, and it's probab

harge nurse. She can take o

ave after you find a way to apologize to Ms. Davis for not bringing her down. I need to

ke all of this off. Tomorrow, I was on call all day, and if I was going to be dealing with any nonsense, the old bat was going to be o

going through the evening shift-change paperwork. The interns were a handful, but I remembered what it was like to be in their

all day would come in. I quickly reviewed the medical history of the man being rushed into my OR. CPR was keeping the sixty-five-year-old alive, and now it was my res

t one was entirely obstructed by plaque. After bypassing that, his heart and body settled into a steady

ding physician acknowledged as we

epped back, knowing the patient

old the interns. "Two of you may join me. As you already know, his family is in the wait

rotective gear, tossing them into the hazmat can, and

te attire for such news, though. I pressed the auto-open button with my elbow, allowing the doors to swing open to the visitors' waiting room in the ER wing of the hospital. The family

Rory and focusing on the man who appeared to be in

naged to squeeze between the two men who seeme

s tears streamed down her puffy eyes. If only I could embrac

aptivating bronze eyes. "He's going to be fine. A nurse will be out shortly to discuss the details with all of you. Can any of you tell me who his current ca

mother-" Rory's voice trembled, and she s

back tears of fear. "The nurse will arrange an appointment with a cardiologist if he doesn't have one.

ean, Dr. Coleman?

's crucial that he sees a cardiologist much sooner than mos

uture patient. Given that Mark Taylor was Rory's father, I didn't trust anyone else with his care. Seeing Rory's reaction to almost losing her dad made me internally pray that I could convince bo

without the machines, was his malfunctioning tricuspid valve, also known as Epstein's anomaly. I knew I would learn more once he became my patient

same idiot who had flirted with her and spent an unforgettable night together a year ago. How the hell was she supposed to take me ser

to my floor. I ran my hand over my scrub hat, pulling the navy-blue fabric from my head and wiping the back of my hand across my forehead. I had to see Rory agai

g my attention like no one else could. It felt as if we were meant for something