do anything but our jobs.” I smiled. “You were the one who was brave enough to go up to the ICU and let us stick pins in you, on the off-chance it was going to make a difference. You were the courageous one here.”
“It was a team effort.” Donnie winked. “Say, did you hear that they’re going to write the paper about my case?” His eyes lit up. “They interviewed me and everything. They did all kinds of tests on me and asked me questions about my quality of life and all that. Pretty big stuff, huh?”
“I did hear that,” I laughed. “And yes, it’s very big stuff. I can’t wait to get my copy—I’m going to have you sign it.”
“I’ll be famous!” Donnie chuckled. “Do you think it might make me look good in front of the ladies? I have a new neighbor who I’m looking to impress. She goes down to the Elk Lodge sometimes on Friday nights, and I’m thinking if I have a copy and just casually show it to the guys, it might make me seem like a celebrity. Sort of.”
I bit the inside of my lip, trying not to smile. “You’ll never know unless you try.”
“True.” He wagged his head. “You know, Emma, I spent the better part of my life in the service. I gave all my best years to Uncle Sam, and I didn’t have time for a wife or a family, because the Army didn’t issue me either of those things. I laughed at guys who let their wives talk them into retirement. But now here I am, done with the service, and I’m alone.”
I’d often wondered about Mr. Crew’s family or lack thereof. During his treatment, he’d mentioned a sister and a brother-in-law as well as a couple of nieces, but he’d had very few visitors, outside of a few men from his neighborhood. I wished I’d known earlier how alone he felt.
“It’s not too late, Donnie,” I advised. “If this lady from your block is nice, she could be the one. But even if she isn’t, there are plenty of other fish in the sea.” I stood up and patted his hand. “And you’re an awfully good catch.”
He blushed, his full cheeks going red. “Aww, Emma. You don’t have to say that. I know I’m just an old codger.”
“You’re not old, Donnie. You’re mature and well-seasoned. A wise woman would see that right off the bat.”
“Oh, posh.” But his eyes were shining. “Speaking of love and chances for it . . . I notice Deacon’s still not back home. Any word on when he’s planning to return?”
I schooled my face to maintain my professional expression. “Not that I’ve heard, but don’t worry—we’re fully covered here. I know that Dr. Wakely’s been taking good care of you.”
“Yeah, she’s great. But I’m not worried about my care. I’m talking about you.” Donnie’s brows drew together, and he peered into my eyes. “It couldn’t have been easy when he hit the road. Are you okay, Emma?”
As touched as I was that Donnie was worried about me, the last thing I needed was my patients gossiping about the broken heart I was ostensibly nursing after Dr. Girard’s departure. I forced a laugh.
“I’m absolutely fine, Donnie, I promise. Maybe a little over-worked, but even that hasn’t been so bad since Alison—Dr. Wakely—came down.” Anxious to change the subject, I reached into the pocket of my jacket to find my phone. “Let me show you what’s been keeping me so busy in my off-hours—my cabin is finished. I moved in a few weeks ago . . .”
Donnie ooohed and ahhhed over my photos, and by the time we’d finished looking at them, the orderly had arrived to transport him upstairs for his test. I waved them off, promising Donnie that I’d stop by again to check on him later. And then I went on my way, relieved that I’d dodged the bullet this time.
“Emma, do you have a minute to talk to Greta Scarborough? She had some questions about her diet. She says she Googled it, and she thinks maybe she’s not getting enough protein.” Jenny cocked a skeptical brow at me. “Apparently, she got her dietician certificate when we weren’t looking.”
I sighed. “She means well. She’s trying to take ownership of this part of her care, and that’s commendable. It’s a good thing.”
“I know that, because I’ve been trained by a naturopath.” Jenny shot me a faux-sunny smile. “That’s why I came to you