Scandalous Scotsman - M.J. Fields Page 0,13
close my eyes and wish for my fairy god Shirley, and she’ll appear.”
She winks. “Like magic.”
I grin. “Just like magic.”
The Oasis
Ethan
Stepping out of my vehicle in the packed parking lot, I loosen my tie, pull it over my head, and toss it back in before shutting the door. Unbuttoning my shirt collar while hitting the lock on my key fob, I then walk toward the entrance of the restaurant that my colleagues chose for what I’ve learned is an informal monthly meeting.
I’m late. I hate being late. But today marked my last on-call shift in the ER that I took so that I could keep busy before the move.
I certainly didn’t want to be here before vacation then working full-time in my office at Providence Orthopedics’ new ambulatory facility, but Simon pushed me to rub elbows with the new coworkers.
Today would be the first time I met all nineteen doctors in a casual atmosphere. I’d met most of them at the center, but Simon’s correct, I should be here. However, I’m more interested to get a glimpse at the group dynamics than rubbing elbows or making friends.
Walking in, I am surprised at how casual the place appears on the inside. While waiting in line, I note the hostess is wearing an aqua-blue tee-shirt that dons The Oasis logo that’s on the building’s sign, a pair of khakis, and sandals. Those in line waiting to be seated are wearing much the same.
“You here to dine with the doctors?”
I look left and see a woman in her sixties with her white-blonde hair pinned up, she’s definitely spent too much time in the sun, her smile is genuine though.
“Indeed, I am.” I nod and wave a hand in front of me. “Overdressed?”
She shrugs, still smiling. “You look just fine to me. I’ll show you to them. No need to wait in line.”
I follow her through the packed restaurant to French doors leading out to the deck.
Over her shoulder, she tells me, “Best server and best seats in the house.”
“Don’t ye mean outside the house?” I ask, pulling my sunglasses off my head to cover my eyes, shielding them from the setting sun.
She laughs. “I suppose I do.”
Before even turning the corner, I hear a female voice.
“Well, the good doc didn’t have to nail it or screw it, so I’m sure I’m healing just fine.”
I hear the table roar in laughter.
She continues, “Let me grab you some more drinks, and I’ll be right back to take your orders.”
The voice should have given it away, but it’s not until she swings her braid around and our eyes meet, that it’s confirmed. Ms. Bloom is the server, yet I’m still a little surprised to see her.
And I don’t like what I see.
Grimacing as she takes her first step, I know she’s in pain.
“Lizzie dear, we have one more.”
“Thanks for seeing him out, Shirley.” She looks up from her tablet, and her smile falters, but she quickly recovers and gives me a disingenuous smile.
“Welcome to The Oasis. What can I get you to drink?”
It takes a moment too long to stow the instinctual lecture I’m preparing in my head to answer her question.
Shirley laughs, patting my shoulder. “Enjoy your dinner.” Then she walks away.
“Well, what will it be?”
Unable to hide my irritation, I whisper, “What the hell are ye doing here?”
She points at her shirt. “Well, it’s not Halloween, so—”
“Ye should be home with yer leg up.”
“I’ll get you a laxative.”
What the hell did she just say? I wonder as she begins to walk past me.
She slows at my side and whispers, “Maybe it will help rid you of the bug you seem to have up your ass.”
“We thought you were going to stand us up.” Dr. Sherman, neck and back, stands, grabbing my attention. “Come on and have a seat.”
Fighting the urge to throw Ms. Bloom over my shoulder and carry her ass back to Terrace Drive, I head to the table.
“Sorry I’m late.” I shake hands with Dr. Sherman and sit in the vacant chair next to his.
Dr. Hook, hip and knee, laughs. “Did you see the gluteus maximus on that waitress? Christ, what I wouldn’t give to be blue collar for just two hours.”
I glare at him, and he laughs like I’m trying to humor him. I’m not.
I look about the table to see if any of the female doctors from the surgical center where I will soon be working full-time, instead of the ER, are at the table, then around us to see