Page 43 of Noticing Natalie
I looked at her and she winced.
“What?” I asked.
“You’ve got… well, a black eye and a big swollen goose egg on your forehead.”
I gaped at her, then remembered. “Oh, yeah. The door.”
“Good. At least you remember.”
“Natalie Martin.”
Maxine blinked at me.
“My name. It’s Natalie Martin.”
“Oh, right,” she chuckled. Then she cocked her head at me. “Wait… are you starting here today?”
“Yes…”
“How’s the patient?” A tall, well-built man with dark hair, olive skin, and light gray eyes came in. He was wearing a lab coat and a big smile. He had dimples. He was so freaking handsome, I couldn’t quit staring at him.
And then I remembered I had a black eye and huge goose egg on my forehead. I must look like a monster right now.
He didn’t seem to think so. He came right over and winced when he saw my face. He examined my black eye and palpated the lump on my forehead. Then he took his pen light and assessed my eye movements and pupil dilation.
“I really think I’m fine,” I protested.
He ignored me. “Has anyone checked her for concussion?”
“Not yet, Dr. Reyes. Do you want me to order an MRI?”
“No. But do a thorough concussion check. Based on what I just saw, I think she’s fine. But we need to make sure.” He finally stood up and addressed me. “Listen, I am so sorry about this. Please let me take you out to dinner to make it up to you.”
I blinked. Was he asking me out? Like out out? “Um… why do you need to make it up to me? Is this just a super friendly hospital?”
“I… ah… hit you with the door.” He grimaced, obviously embarrassed. “Listen, I’m sorry. I saw this beautiful woman coming into the hospital, and I couldn’t help it. I had to try to impress you. It, um, backfired.”
I laughed a little, and then he did, too.
Something started hurting. I glanced at the nurse in confusion and realized she was putting hydrogen peroxide on scratches that were on my legs.
I frowned. “How did I get the scratches?”
“Oh. Well,” he rubbed the back of his neck. “After you blacked out, you fell in a large holly bush. It’s one of those with pointy leaves.”
“Dr. Reyes fished you out of the bushes, picked you up, and carried you through the hospital. It was like a scene fromGrey’s Anatomyor something.” Maxine looked entranced with the handsome doctor, who had to be at least thirty years younger than her.
Dr. Reyes looked embarrassed, then chuckled. “It was a strange way to start the day,” he admitted. “Anyway, who were you coming to see at the hospital? I can get word to them that you’re recovering from a doctor-induced injury.” An alarm went off on his watch. “Excuse me. I have to go meet my new surgical physician’s assistant.” He looked at Maxine. “Can you handle Mrs…” He glanced at me, and I realized he wanted my name.
“Natalie Martin. Ms. Natalie Martin. I’m not married,” I smiled and so did he.
“My day just got better,” he said. Then something seemed to hit him. He dug in his pocket and pulled out his phone, scrolling through something. Then he stared at me. “Natalie Martin?”
“Yes,” I said slowly, wondering why he was asking me again.
“You’re my new surgical PA.”
My mouth dropped open. “I don’t think so. I was interviewed by Dr. Lyon and told I would beherPA.”
