And So It Goes (Stevens Book 10)

Chapter 22

Agatha was back!

As she entered the Emergency Room at the hospital in Savannah, it was as if she had never been away. It was all so familiar. She had been gone for almost five months, but thanks to Chloe, who had never turned in her letter of resignation, returning home hadn't been an issue.

When she had called Chloe and asked for her old job back, Chloe had asked her how soon she could start. She had allowed Agatha to use up all of her vacation and sick time and then placed her on Family Medical Leave, hoping she would have a change of heart.

Agatha was slightly apprehensive as she made her way through the department, waving to people as she went. She kept expecting to see Merrick around every corner. When she entered the locker room, it was empty, and she took her time putting her stuff away; and it didn't take long for Mickey and Holly to find her.

They greeted her with hugs and made much about her return, letting her know that everyone missed her. They were catching her up on the news as they made their way to the nurse's station to begin their day.

As the day progressed, her apprehension about Merrick eased as people stopped by to welcome her back and ask her how she had been. Agatha did her best to keep it vague, saying she had needed to spend some time with her parents in New York, and that seemed to appease most people, who then quickly moved on to what she had missed in their lives.

Debby arrived halfway through the day with a squeal that caught everyone's attention. "You're back! Just in time for the party!" Debby pulled her close in a hug.

"What party is that?" Agatha asked, stepping back from the close contact.

"Dr. DeGraff is finally retiring and handing over the reins to Dr. Merrick," Mickey said before Debby could. Agatha didn't miss the irritated look that Debby shot Mickey.

"That's exciting. How is Dr. Merrick fitting in? Has he gotten any easier to work with?" Agatha asked, doing her best to sound casual.

"He has stopped making the nurses cry, so that's something, I guess. He's still not overly friendly with anyone." Holly supplied from the other side of the nurse's station.

"You know there was a rumor that you left because of him," Debby whispered.

"Was there really?" Agatha asked. She didn't have to feign surprise because she had honestly thought they had kept their friendship out of the hospital gossip chain.

"Anyway, we're glad your back!" Debby reassured her once more.

Holly snorted. "They're glad it isn't true," she softly said as Agatha joined her on the other side of the counter. "Those two have been in a tight competition for Merrick's approval and attention since you left. They say they're glad you're back, but I think they're protesting a little too much if you get my meaning." Holly elbowed her.

"I don't. What do you mean?" Agatha frowned as she thought about Holly's words.

"It's the way Merrick looks at you. It's how he's looking at you right now." Holly nodded her head to the left, and Agatha looked over her shoulder to see Merrick approaching the nurse's station. "It's always a quick look, but it's there."

Merrick was indeed staring at her, but he looked angry about her presence.

"Welcome back, Stevens," he greeted as he slammed down some files on the counter. He must not have expected it.

"Thank you, Dr. Merrick," Agatha smiled sweetly. "It's good to be back."

Merrick grunted, then pulled out his tablet to make some notes before beginning his round.