A Second Wave-The Surge

Chapter 29-Simon

Chapter 29

Simon

It has been a long couple of days. I spent the first night at the hospital, being so busy and an emotional rollercoaster but the work had to continue. Today things were much more organized. We had enough staff and the flow of patients was working. The medical director told me to go get some sleep. I reminded him that Dr. Stone is flying in and should be joining us tomorrow and he is grateful for that and looking forward to meeting her if time allowed.

We also discussed the pending hurricane. If it turns in the next day or so it could be a direct hit. We come up with a contingency plan for that. My first thought is maybe Shelby shouldn't come so she is safe but with the weather you never know. It could not even come near us and knowing Shelby the way I remember she would not even consider not coming.

Back at the hotel I take one of the longest showers as if washing away the previous day's events. I glance at my phone and no text from Shelby, just some work emails which I answer. Seems the New England area is quieting down with the virus but from what I have projected and if people start being complacent come fall the spikes will start up again.

I let Carol know the plans that after Shelby and I finish in Texas that we will both be returning to New York for a short period of time. She lets me know that she will take care of the flight details and email Shelby and I our tickets. With no text from Shelby, I start to wonder if she made her flight. I check the news on my phone of flight delays and none are listed. Maybe she just got tied up and did not have time before she was airborne. Checking the time difference and the flight time she should be landing in the next half hour. Feeling a little hungry and thirsty I decide to go down to the outside restaurant. It had some outdoor fans so the heat should not be bad. Plus, it is right off the lobby so I would be able to see Shelby when she gets to the hotel.

Downstairs I take a seat at the outside bar and order a soda and an appetizer. I am thinking once Shelby gets settled, we can have dinner together.

"Fancy meeting you here at this gin joint," she says and when I turn it is Samantha. I want to be polite and not let her see my disappointment that it is not Shelby and want to keep things professional.

"Well, that is definitely an American saying," I laugh behind my mask.

"I guess it is, not really sure. Do you mind if I join you?" she asks and must see my hesitation as I look over her shoulder and she turns to see what I am looking at.

"Waiting for someone?" she asks.

"Actually yes. Shelby, I mean Dr. Stone should be arriving shortly from Brazil."

"Really, well I will keep you company until she gets here." She sits next to me and orders herself a drink. I sit there quietly, not really sure what to say. Plus I do not want her or Shelby to think there is anything between us. Just a professional relationship. She must sense my nervousness.

"Simon," she says and waits until I turn to look at her.

"Yes," I say and turn towards her.

"Look, I realize the other night happened and you should not be upset. I know you are in love with Shelby."

"I, I do not know what..." I start to say, not knowing what I told her and what I did not tell her.

"You don't remember but you told me everything about how the two of you worked together and how the relationship started. You even told me about her not remembering that part of her life. You know the part about her and you." She takes a sip of her drink.