The Perfect Family Man by M. M. DeLuca
Author:M. M. DeLuca
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Canelo
Published: 2021-10-15T00:00:00+00:00
27
NOW
The cityâs main hospital occupied several blocks, and with many research facilities attached, it resembled a small city. At fifteen, Mrs. Barnettâs real son would have been in the childrenâs section, so I circled the block several times before I could find a parking space. Parking spots were limited here, but the meter guys were like flies crawling on spoiled food. One minute late and theyâd pounce with a ticket.
I decided to start with the main lobby of the hospital, a glitzy place with its own hotel, a Starbucks and a vast cafeteria as well as a pharmacy and gift shop. I reckoned the gift shop would be a good place to start since it was staffed by volunteers. If theyâd been around a while, they might recognize Nate as the boy who brought the books around. Maybe theyâd even remember his real name.
The gift shop was buzzing with people, browsing the flower arrangements and soft toys and candies. Trying to find some little knick-knack or keepsake to brighten up a sick personâs day. Business was booming. Not surprising since it was winter and therefore flu season, which always inflated the patient numbers. I picked up a little book titled Dreams of Andalusia, attracted to its bright cover of blossom trees blooming around the Alhambra. Two women were manning the cash register, so I picked the older one with the silver bob and thrust the book towards her.
âMy gran loves to read,â I remarked as casually as I could.
She studied the cover and smiled. âThen sheâll love this one. Itâs been a big seller. Something to do with the exotic locations.â
âYes, thereâs nothing like a good book to take you away from reality,â I said, swiping my debit card. âTell me, do they have a book lending service here for the patients?â
She handed me my book, wrapped in a paper bag. âOh yes. Itâs not as popular as it used to be, but some patients still use it.â
âOnly I was looking to do some volunteer work, and I thought that might be a good place to start.â
She laughed and handed me a receipt. âThen youâd have to fight Shirley for a job. Sheâs looked after the book lending for years and thereâs barely enough demand to justify having her here.â
âBut it wouldnât hurt to chat with her, would it?â I said, regretting that I hadnât just gone to the front desk and asked for the person who delivered the books.
âYouâll find her in the volunteer coordinatorâs office. Third floor.â
I rode the elevator, cursing myself for wasting time and realizing Iâd just have to get to the point with Shirley. No more fake offers about volunteering. Iâd have to find some other tactic, though at that point I was flying by the seat of my pants.
The doors swished open onto a featureless corridor with drab cream walls. Totally dissimilar to the flashy lobby. A sign at the far end read Volunteer Coordinator.
The door opened onto a small reception area where a young woman sat scrolling through her phone.
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