Total pages in book: 56
Estimated words: 52072 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 260(@200wpm)___ 208(@250wpm)___ 174(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 52072 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 260(@200wpm)___ 208(@250wpm)___ 174(@300wpm)
Usually, they’ll bring in food of some kind—doughnuts, cupcakes, and the likes. The mail consists of birth announcements or a thank-you card, which the front staff will display on a peg board. Sometimes, money and gift cards will be slipped inside. Gallo and I will put whatever we get in a jar, check what we have once a month, and we’ll add to it if there isn’t enough to take our office out to lunch. This place is very much a team, even if we have an employee or two who give us a massive headache with their drama.
I shuffle shit around, moving things off my desk and putting the shit in order to take care of right away rather than move it to another day. I’m finally done with picking everything up, sitting in my office chair, and bringing my computer to life, when my phone goes off. Thankfully, it’s not ringing. Having any other sort of interaction that requires talking today might make me throw the damn thing in the trash.
I’m half tempted to push myself away from my desk, gather my laptop, my digital voice recorder, check on Gallo’s patient, and then head the fuck home. It’d be a hell of a lot better than staring at these four walls. Only I know myself better than that. I’d get home, take a long-as-fuck hot shower, grab a beer, make some food, and abandon my work. Then it’d be stacked up even more tomorrow.
I grab my phone, glance down at the screen, and see there are notifications from the group chat.
Asher: You all good with us hosting Sunday? Lennie is adamant about being fine and wants her girls around before she gives birth.
Johnny: We’ll be there. You grilling?
Jagger: We’re there. I think Lyric is bringing a friend. Keep your paws to yourself (directly from Lyric).
Tysen: Wouldn’t miss it. We’ve got an overnight and might be late.
Trent: We’re in. Briar isn’t missing an activity where there’s a pool and desserts involved.
Jude: I’ll supply the candy.
Matthew: I’ve got the appetizers covered.
Crew: Fine, I’ll bring the drinks. Beer, wine, and juice boxes?
Asher: Only person left to hear from is Luke. We all know he’ll be here. If not, I’ll have Lennie call him. That’ll light a fire under his ass.
Johnny: Pregnancy hormones are not something to play around with.
Jagger: Learned that recently, did you? Must suck to be you.
Tysen: Just wait, Jag. Your time is coming.
Jagger didn’t think he’d ever settle down, but when Lyric blew back into town, the script was flipped. As for me, I’m not against it, just haven’t met a woman who makes me want to think about not working long hours or finding the person I want to come home to day in and day out.
Me: I’m there. I’ve got the weekend off. I’ll bring whatever no one else does, sides or the meat to grill. Just let me know. Anyone want to grab dinner tonight?
I look at the time, wincing when I see it’s already going on six o’clock. I’m doubting very seriously any of them will want to meet up, especially the guys who have women at home.
Jude: I’m down. Name the place and time.
Crew: Next time. I’ve got to get these drawings done.
Matthew: I’m out, too. The case I’m working on is kicking my ass.
Johnny: I’ve got the club tonight.
Asher: Lennie has dinner on the table as we speak.
Tysen: I’m in the sky brother, sorry.
Me: All good. It’s last minute. Jude, Smoked Oak in about an hour?
Jude: See you then.
Trent: I’m at the station. Might dip out, though, and meet you for a few.
Me: Sounds good.
I place my phone on the desk, pull up the patients I worked on today, go through the process of dictating each one thoroughly with as much attention to detail as possible. This is the part of the job nobody warns you about. It’s not just helping patients or delivering babies; it’s this side. And while Gallo has a better system than I do, one I should adopt, I’ve yet to find it in me to be as quick with my colleagues and patients. He’s not an asshole, but he’s in and out in a flash, while I have a harder time breaking free.
I’m about to finish up my charting when Gallo sends me a text.
Gallo: Sent you the file. Thanks again.
I’d been so wrapped up in getting my work done that I already forgot about doing his rounds.
Me: Loading it now, then I’ll head to the hospital. I’ll keep you posted if something’s wrong.
I got about five patient notes done, which will be good enough for tonight. Since I’m making rounds in the morning, I should have time to wrap the last of my files up before starting the day.
Gallo: Sounds good.
Gallo isn’t much better than I am. Turning off and disconnecting from the practice is damn hard. Shit follows you, especially when you’re on call as much as we are. I stand up, walk to where my coat is located, grab it, slide one arm through the sleeve and then the other before heading back to my desk to pick up my laptop and phone. I go about closing down my office, knowing I’ll more than likely head out after checking on Gallo’s patient.