Love Hurts

Three

Camilla,

Ugh, some people have such nerve. This guy thinks he can bring his dog into the hospital whenever he wants, just because his aunt used to be the head nurse. Well, newsflash, she's not the head nurse anymore - I am! I make the rules around here. But, despite my initial frustration, things didn't go as I expected. As soon as he mentioned Nurse Dorothy, I caved and let him do whatever he wanted. Dorothy was so kind to me during the two months she trained me, and I really miss her. It's important for me to stay composed and not let those who are used to her way of doing things overpower me. I have to admit, though, the dog was really cute, and the handler wasn't too bad to look at either. But then it hit me - that officer is the same one I saw at McDonald's when I first moved here three months ago. Damn it!
Stella asked me about Officer Moore's behavior as he was leaving. I told her that I wasn't sure what she was talking about. Stella didn't believe me and said that Officer Moore deliberately ignored me. She warned me not to make enemies with someone as powerful as Officer Moore, whose nickname is Hoss. Stella teased me about being interested in him and for me to admit he was an attractive mean and I told her to focus on her work. She stuck her tongue out at me and I reminded myself that I need to be their boss first, even though we have become good friends. Later, Olivia invited me to go to the bar with some of the girls on Friday, but I wasn't sure if I could make it. As I was leaving work, my real-estate agent called me.
          I can't help but smile uncontrollably. I really hope she has found something for me to buy. I'm so tired of being stuck in this motel room for the past three months. I eagerly pick up the call.
"Hello, Mrs. Rosalie," I say with anticipation. "Please tell me you have some good news for me."
"Hello, Ms. Rose," Mrs. Rosalie responds, her voice filled with a smile. "I have a little cottage on about 20 acres that just came up for sale about three hours ago. I called the owner and could set up a viewing of the property this afternoon in about an hour, which will be around 7:30. Will that work for you?"
"That will be perfect," I reply, excitement bubbling inside me. "I just finished work, so I'm walking out of the hospital right now."
"Great," Mrs. Rosalie says. "I'll see you in about an hour. I'll text you the address."
"Sounds good," I say, ending the call. With a smile on my face, I skip down the steps of the hospital. Finally, everything is falling into place, and my life is starting to feel normal again.
But I remind myself not to get too ahead of myself. I haven't seen the place yet. It could be a rundown property, or the price could be way out of my budget. There are so many factors that could prevent this from working out, but it's hard not to feel excited.
Back at the motel, I quickly take a shower and get dressed. Glancing at my watch, I realize I still have about thirty minutes to spare, so I decide to grab a bite to eat.
As I pull up to the potential home, thirty minutes later, Ms. Rosalie greets me with a warm smile. "Hello Ms. Rose, it's nice to see you again. Are you ready to go check this place out?" she asks. "Yes, ma'am, I am," I reply, shaking her hand. We make our way towards the house, and I can't help but admire the property. There's already a fence and barn in the back, perfect for keeping horses and cows.
Even though I haven't seen the inside of the house yet, I'm already in love with it. It's exactly how I would picture a cottage - a charming wooden house with a slanted roof and a fireplace. Despite being in Florida, a fireplace is a must-have for a cottage. The front porch stretches across the entire front of the house, complete with two rocking chairs, a table in the middle, and a porch swing at the other end. The living room has beautiful hardwood floors and a massive brick fireplace. There's a flat-screen TV and a cozy couch with two chairs. It's a dream come true. The kitchen is located behind a door off the living room, and as soon as I step inside, I'm blown away. It features a stunning island with stools around it, and the stove is tucked into a brick archway with a ranch-style sink overlooking the backyard. I couldn't have asked for a better place.
Ms. Rosalie has done an amazing job finding this gem. It took three months of waiting, but it was worth it. Now, the moment of truth arrives. The price will determine whether my dreams can become a reality. I clear my throat and ask, "So now that I'm in love, how much are we talking?"
Ms. Rosalie gives me a warm smile and replies, "35,000." My mouth drops open in disbelief. "You're pulling my chain, right? If you are, it's not funny," I say, hoping she's not joking. She laughs and reassures me, "No, ma'am, I'm not in the business of pulling people's chains." I can't help but laugh at that, trying to hide my overwhelming emotions. "Wow, only 35,000 for this beautiful place and property," I exclaim.
Ms. Rosalie explains that few people move to Florida to live in the country, so when the owner passed away, the family wanted nothing to do with the property. They're simply looking to make a quick buck. With my bank account balance exceeding 55,000 dollars, I have more than enough to afford it. "I can write you a check today, or I can go to the bank first thing in the morning," I tell her, relieved that things are finally going my way.
"A check will work just fine today. We can meet at my office and get started on the paperwork today. After about a week or two, the house will be yours." Ms, Rosalie tells me.
                                                                                                 ♾️
     It's been about two and a half weeks now, and Ms. Rosalie just contacted me to let me know that I can pick up the keys to my new home after work. I'm really excited about it.
When Stella comes up to me about a patient in triage 3, she notices the smile on my face. "What's up boss you haven't smiled like this since the day we met." And she's right. I've been a bit down since I started working here, but things are finally falling into place. If Alan suspected that I was alive, he would have already started looking for me and found me by now.
I tell Stella about buying a house and picking up the keys today. She suggests that we celebrate tonight, and Jasmine and Olivia join in the excitement. We decide to meet at my new place after work, around 8ish.
     "I need to pick up my clothes from the motel. I'll only be gone for a couple of minutes, but I'll provide you with the address to meet me there."
     "While I understand everyone's excitement, let's take a moment to reflect. We need to get showers and eat, so I recommend you girls get your showers then head over to my house around 7ish. Then we can either order something to eat before we go or we can eat at a restaurant before we go." I tell them. The other girls giggles. "Yes that makes more since." Stella says. Then Jasmine lets us know she will bring a couple pizzas to the house.
    "Okay that all sounds good, but let's get back to work." I tell them, and everyone splits.
     "Stella, you wanted to talk to me about a patient in triage 3?"
    "Oh yes, well, it's a woman who came in with a broken arm. She says she fell down a flight of stairs at home, but her body language is saying something different."
    " That someone at home is abusing her?" I ask.
    "Only one someone, and he is in the room with her, so she can't say anything. I guess I'm asking what I should do because I really think she is asking for help."
   "Is it the husband?" I ask.
    "Yes." Stella tells me.
    "Has she already been taken down for X-rays?"
    "No, not yet."
    "Okay, so here's how we play this. You take her down for X-rays, and once you are out of earshot of the husband, you ask all the right questions. See what she will tell you, but we have to get her to tell us what he is doing to her, and then and only then can we get the authorities involved." I tell Stella.
     "Yes, ma'am.'  Stella says, stalking off toward triage 3.
     "A woman on a mission," Jaz says. Then The doors to the ER wing swing open, and the paramedics come rushing in with a 17-year-old boy on a stretcher. Doctor Felipe rushes over to the patient. "What do we have?" He asks.
     "17-year-old male with a gunshot wound to the leg, vitals are within normal limits." The female paramedic informs Doctor Felipe. "Thank you, let's get him in triage 1."
    " Olivia," he yells, and Olivia is on his heels in no time. "Jasmine, I think they may need more than one nurse in there." I tell her. " On it," she says, running into the room.
    The day goes by fast, and before I know it, it's six, and the night shift is coming in. I catch nurse Beverly up on what's going on, then get ready to go.
    "Okay so we are all meeting at your house around 8ish right?" Jasmine ask. "Yes, that sounds good." I tell them. Everyone agrees, and we start walking to our cars. About 20 minutes later, I turn in my keys at the front desk and head out to my new home. Oh my, my new home. This is unbelievable. I can't help but smile. The house is just as charming as it was when I first walked in. The furniture left behind makes this house special. I can't wait to cozy up by the fireplace with one of my Jane Austen books. I giggle at myself as I swing around the living room. I feel like a child on Christmas morning. My only wish is for this happiness to last. I walk down the hall and reach the main bedroom to start unpacking my clothes. Now, I can finally buy more clothes. My wardrobe currently consists of only a few nice suits and my scrubs. I didn't see the need to buy more clothes when I had no place to put them. I pick out a cute little green dress and my high heel dress boots. Once I figure out what I'm wearing, I quickly shower because I'm sure the girls will be here soon. I apply a small amount of makeup and decide to spike my hair tonight. It looks good. It might become my new hairstyle. The girls pull up to the house ten minutes later, with Dr. Phillips accompanying them. Apparently, she often goes out with the girls. "Oh my god, girl. Do you need a roommate?" Stella asks. "This place is to die for. It's so quiet out here."
    "Yes, it is," I reply, "but I thought you lived with your boyfriend."
    "Yeah, but I would totally move out of his house and move in here."
     "Alright, girls. Let's have some pizza and a glass of wine before we go," Jaz suggests. "I'll get some plates and glasses."
     "No need," Stella says, "I bought some on the way out, so you don't have to dirty any dishes."
     "Thanks!" I tell her.
       "Sometimes I think outside the box." Stella says.  We all find it amusing because Stella is not known for thinking outside the box. We decide to call an Uber to take us to the bar. Once we arrive, we find a table and Stella signals the server. "We'll have a pitcher of Bud Light and five glasses," she says. Suddenly, a husky voice from behind me interjects, "Make that seven glasses." I turn around to see Berry and that other cop, the one who was rude to me at the hospital a few weeks ago. I whisper to Olivia, "Why is he here?" She shrugs innocently and replies, "He's a friend of my husband's." I can't help but feel suspicious of her innocence. "Don't act like you don't know," I retort. "I had told Berry that we were coming to the bar, and now here he is." Olivia says shrugging her shoulders like its not a big deal.  "Ugh!" Olivia smiles sweetly at me. "Come sit beside me, Hoss," Jasmine says, earning a kick to the shin from Olivia and a stern look from Stella. "There's a seat right beside Camilla," Olivia suggests. "No, someone is sitting on that chair," I respond. But Hoss ignores me and sits down anyway. "Don't be such a witch," he whispers in my ear. I clench my teeth to prevent myself from saying something I might regret. Did he really just call me a witch? Are we back in middle school? "Jaz and Stella, would you like to dance? The table is getting a bit crowded." Olivia asks, "What about me and Jenny?" "Oh, sorry Jenny, would you like to come?" I offer Jenny.
     "Oh the hell you say Olivia says and joins us on the dance floor.
      "What's wrong with you, Camilla?" she asks. "Hoss is a good guy. Why are you giving him such a hard time, girlfriend?"
       I reply, "He wasn't nice to me when he was at the hospital a couple of weeks ago. He was very arrogant, and I don't have time for people like that in my life." Jaz interjects, "That doesn't sound like Hoss."
      "Anyway, I didn't come out here to talk about him. Can we please just dance?" All four of them exchange knowing glances and say nothing more. Sam Hunt's "Body Like a Back Road" starts playing, and we sway our hips to the music.
      About five seconds into the music, I start to relax and really get into the song. Suddenly, I feel big, callused hands on my waist. Without questioning it, I go along with it, letting the music guide my movements. To my surprise, it's Hoss whispering in my ear.
       "You keep moving your hips like that, and you're going to get more than you bargained for," he says.
     His words hit me, and I realize how close we are. Embarrassed, I gasp and apologize, explaining that I got caught up in the music and didn't realize how close we were.
     Hoss chuckles in my ear and reassures me, telling me to just keep dancing so nobody notices. It's a good idea, and I decide to forget about everything else for the night and let loose. It feels amazing.
    We dance to three more songs before heading back to the table. I'm incredibly thirsty, so I quickly down my beer in two swigs. Jaz comments on my thirstiness, and I laugh, joking that I didn't realize dancing could be such a workout.
    Jaz suggests that I come to her workout dance class, and I'm surprised to learn that it's a thing. I playfully stick my tongue out at her and agree to give it a try.
    Jaz then asks Hoss if he still has his moves and if he wants to dance with her. Hoss hesitates for a moment but then agrees, perhaps hoping to make me jealous.
    And it worked.
    But Hoss will never know that.

                            Authors Notes: How are you guys enjoying the books so far? Let me know with a comment at the bottom, and if you just love the book don't forget to hit that star to vote. Much Love.

@crystal Steadman 2023