Page 14 of What We Break
"Or maybe they're just getting started," Reid says, appearing at the nurses' station. He's back to leaning on the counter, looking more tired but still vibrating with energy. The man has to have a battery pack somewhere. No one is this energetic this far into a night shift.
"Please tell me you're not here with another patient," I say.
"Nope. Just checking on everyone. How's they doing?"
"Most of them are out cold. It's like they just…ran out of steam."
"Good." Reid shifts his weight, his arm brushing mine. The contact is brief and accidental and sends a little zing up my spine that is entirely inappropriate for a workplace setting. "How are you guys holding up?"
"We're hanging in there."
We're standing closer than we need to be, and I'm aware of it in a way that's both comfortable and electric. Like standing near a bonfire — warm enough to be pleasant, close enough that you should probably step back but don't want to.
"So," he says, "have you worked other festival nights?"
"This is my first one. Do you?" How have I never met him before? I've been here three months. This hospital isn't that big.
"Usually get called in for extra coverage. Never seen anything quite like tonight, though."
"The butterfly guy was sweet."
"Marcus? He was. We got pretty lucky tonight." Reid grins. "He asked Tony if he thought he'd be a pretty butterfly."
"What did Tony say?"
"That he'd be the prettiest butterfly in the ER."
I laugh. "You guys are good at this."
"At what?"
"Making people feel safe. Even when they're completely out of their minds."
Something changes in his face. The grin softens. Becomes quieter and more real — less performance, more person. It's a really good look on him.
"That's the job," he says. "But tonight..." He pauses. "Tonight's been different."
"Different how?"
"Different good. Getting to know you has been great."
My brain offers several possible responses, ranging fromyou too(boring) toI've been looking forward to every time you walk through those doors(insane and terrifying) toplease never leave this nurses' station(restraining order territory).
Before I can settle on something that won't get me fired or arrested, his radio crackles to life.
Tony appears from the hallway, still drying his hands on his pants. "You're kidding me."
Reid's whole body deflates like someone let the air out of him. He drops his head back with a dramatic groan. "The grand finale. Tony, I'm going to need you to carry me. I'm wasting away. I haven't eaten since —" He checks an imaginary watch. "— since forever ago. I'm basically a skeleton at this point."
"You ate three granola bars fifteen minutes ago."
Reid sniffs dramatically. "Like I said. Forever. I'm withering away." He holds out his arms like a toddler demanding to be picked up. "Piggyback. Let's go."
Tony stares at him, dead-eyed. "Absolutely not."
"Tony. Tony, look at me. I talked down that old lady who thought you were her runaway cat. She was going to put you in a carrier."
"She wasnotgoing to put me in a carrier."
