Christmas in Rose Bend by Naima Simone

Author:Naima Simone
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HQN Books
Published: 2021-08-25T13:19:29+00:00

* * *

SHE DID IT.

Relief and pride flooded Nessa as she changed out of her borrowed scrubs in the employees’ bathroom. And underneath those two emotions? A quiet but powerful joy.

Relief because she hadn’t crumbled. There’d been a frightening moment when she’d first arrived and another nurse named Jackie had handed her the scrubs. Nessa had frozen, her breath whistled in her head, edges of black and gold encroaching onto her peripheral vision. But after a few moments of dragging in deep, deliberate breaths, she’d beaten back the beginnings of anxiety and pushed through. And the rest of the day had been like slipping into familiar, comfortable pajamas. It’d been...fun.

Pride because she hadn’t allowed fear to conquer her.

And joy because she hadn’t lost her purpose. That had been another unspoken worry of hers. That maybe the reason for her panic attacks hadn’t been grief but an ambivalence toward nursing. Because after Evelyn’s death, she hadn’t enjoyed going to work; she hadn’t enjoyed anything. But no. Today showed her she hadn’t lost that happiness in helping and serving other people, the satisfaction in determining a diagnosis and seeing another person on their way to being healthy again.

Today showed her she wasn’t lost.

Unable to hold back her smile, she folded up her scrubs, slipped her purse strap over her shoulder and exited the bathroom.

“There you are, Nessa.” Dr. Luke Collins stepped out of his office, his partner, Dr. Kelly Prioleau, right behind him. Nessa had worked with the distinguished older man today, but had crossed paths often with the other stylish doctor, who rocked beautiful twists and gorgeous leopard-print shoes. “We were hoping to catch you before you left. Thank you, again, for pitching in today. You were wonderful and a perfect fit.”

“I heard so much about how kind and professional you were from patients,” Dr. Prioleau added. “You were amazing today for stepping in, Nessa. We have a check waiting for you at the front desk with a bit of a Christmas bonus added in.”

“Oh you didn’t have to do that—”

“Yes, we did,” Dr. Collins objected. “You rescued us today, and we appreciate you. Especially since it’s your vacation.” He offered his hand toward her. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. It was my pleasure. Really. I’m not saying I’m a workaholic, but I will say I missed this environment, being with patients, even charting.” Nessa laughed. “I never thought I’d say that.”

Dr. Prioleau chuckled. “Luke, if you ever hear me say that, call the cops. Someone has taken over my body, and I need to be saved.”

When Dr. Collins smiled, Nessa clearly glimpsed where Sydney inherited her lovely smile.

“I need to head out and meet my sister at the middle school if you don’t need me for anything else,” Nessa said, holding up the scrubs. “I can drop these off in the hamper on my way out.”

“Keep them.” Dr. Collins waved. “Consider them another gift from us.”

Nessa grinned. “I love gifts. Thank you both for a great day. This being Rose Bend, I’m guessing I’ll see you around.

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