Gina doesn’t respond to my text. Probably because she’s got an actual patient who needs a doctor instead of a babysitter.
I head down to the ER to see if I can lend a hand. I find myself uncharacteristically happy to get to throw some stitches in a kid who fell off a scooter. I find myself unusually upset that I don’t get in on the gunshot wound that rolls through the doors.
I look around the ER longingly. I need to be back down here. Where I’m actually useful.
Someone slaps a chart on the counter in front of me. I spin around to see Dr. Redman.
“The OB floor not exciting enough for you, Dr. Stone? Are you down here trolling for cases?”
I shrug. “Just trying to keep busy, Dr. Redman.”
She nods to the chart. “I’ve got a complete hysterectomy at four o’clock. Think you can be prepared to assist?”
I try not to pump my fist and yell, ‘fuck, yeah!’
“Of course, Dr. Redman. I’ll be ready.”
She eyes me up and down like she’s trying to decide if I’m worth her time. “Fine, then,” she says before walking away.
An hour later, my eyes are bugging out after reading everything I can to brush up on hysterectomies when my phone vibrates.
Baylor: Do you have time for a quick coffee?
Me: Meet me in the courtyard. I’m buying.
Five minutes later, I hand Baylor her cup of coffee. Milk and no sugar, just like all the Mitchell sisters take it. “Thanks for bringing Elizabeth those books. I know she’s a huge fan.”
“No problem. She’s incredible. Nothing like I thought she’d be.”
“How so?” I ask.
“Well, I know how Mallory described her, but we all know Mallory is a saint disguised as a school teacher. I guess I expected her to be, I don’t know, some shrinking violet who was cowering in the corner wearing nothing but rags. But she’s quite the opposite. She’s funny, beautiful, and very smart.”
“Smart?” I cock my head to the side. “I mean, yeah, of course she’s smart, but what makes you say so? She’s pretty closed off.”
Baylor laughs. “Yeah, I sensed that. But when she was talking about my books, it became obvious she knows a lot about literature. Turns out she has a degree in it. That and elementary education.”
My unbelieving eyes snap to hers. “She does? And she told you about it?”
“Yes. Why wouldn’t she?”
“I don’t know. She doesn’t ever give personal details. I have no idea where she’s from or where she lives or if she is or was married. Nothing.”
She raises her eyebrows at me. “Are those things patients usually tell their doctors, Kyle?”
Shit.
“No, I guess not. But I’ve had to spend quite a bit of time with her since she’s my only patient. And getting her to reveal personal details is harder than giving a bald man a haircut.”
“Well, she didn’t tell me much more than that. She went to the University of Maryland, but that’s about all I know. When I asked about the baby’s father, she clammed up. I didn’t want to pry. But I think there’s a story there.”
I nod. “I know there’s one.”
“She really hasn’t had anyone else but us visit?”
“Nope. She’s been here for a week. Not one friend or family member. She literally was admitted with only the clothes on her back and a few personal items in her purse.”
“There is no way that girl is homeless, Kyle. I can’t believe she is.”
“She says she’s not. And she does have a job. Although I’m not sure how she’ll be able to walk dogs with a baby.”
“Where there’s a will, there’s a way,” she says. “She could always push a stroller, or put the baby in one of those Snugli things.” Her face suddenly lights up. “Oh, my gosh, we should have a baby shower for her.”
“Did you not hear the part where she won’t give out her address? How do you expect to throw her a shower?”
She jumps up and down in her seat. “Not after the baby comes, silly. Here, in the hospital. Think about it. She has nothing and I have a ton of stuff my kids have outgrown. I mean, three is enough—just ask Gavin.” She laughs. “Mallory said Elizabeth was okay accepting her maternity hand-me-downs, why not used baby items? Some of this stuff is really quality stuff, Kyle, and it’s just sitting in my garage. It’s perfect. All the girls could come and we could each wrap some of the things. We’d make a day of it.”
I shake my head. “I’m not sure she’d go for it, Baylor. She doesn’t like hand-outs. Believe me, I’ve tried.”
“What, you’ve tried to give her money? Of course she won’t take money, Kyle. No self-respecting woman would. And we just won’t tell her. We’ll spring it on her. Later, after we’ve gotten to know her better. How long is she here?”
“She’s here until the baby comes,” I say. “If all goes as planned, that won’t be for another couple of weeks. But if her condition changes, it could be any time.”
“But she’ll have to be here for at least a day or two after the baby comes, right?”
I nod. “She’ll have to deliver by C-section, so it’ll be two or three days.”
“Perfect. Why don’t we schedule it for two weeks from now and if she has the baby by then, we’ll just do it before she gets discharged. But let’s keep it on the down low.”
I eye her in amusement. “The down low?”
“Yeah, it’ll be fun. A clandestine operation. You know, figure out her favorite foods and stuff so we can do it right.”
“Chinese,” I say.
“Huh?”
“Her favorite food is Chinese. Sal’s Chinese to be specific. She loves the egg rolls. And the Lo Mein. And chopsticks.”
“And yet she doesn’t tell you anything.” Baylor studies me curiously. “Yup, definitely a story there.”
I shake my head. “What? No. No story there.”
“Oh, come on. Doctor falls in love with homeless pregnant patient. That’s good stuff.”
I choke on my coffee. “Better get your head out of the clouds, Baylor. Life isn’t always a romance novel, you know.”
“No, it’s not. But you have to admit, there’s a premise there. She’s young and beautiful. You’re young and handsome. You are saving her life.”
“You forgot one very important detail,” I say, stating the obvious. “She’s pregnant, Baylor. That means there is a husband or a boyfriend or a baby daddy. Even an ex one of those poses a problem.”
“Exactly,” she says. “No romance novel is good without a crisis.”
I roll my eyes at her. “How about you stick to your day job and get out of the matchmaking business?”
“Fine.” She blows out a conceding breath. “I have a shower to plan, anyway. I’m going to call the girls. I’d expect to see more of us over the next few weeks. I think Elizabeth might be more likely to accept our generosity if we become better friends.” She points a finger at me. “Don’t you dare say anything to her.”
I hold up my hands in surrender. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”
Baylor gathers up her things and we hug before she walks away. I watch her walk through the doors, grateful that people such as her exist in this world.