Free Human Blend by Lori Pescatore

asked her.
    “Even after everything I told you, you still
want me here?” Julie was surprised.
    “You told me you want to make people feel
better. So do I,” he said.
    “You don't know everything about me,” Julie
cautioned.
    “I guess we are both in the same boat then,”
he admitted.
    “This is bizarre,” Julie laughed.
    “Until what time are you scheduled today?” he
asked.
    “Three,” she said.
    “You better get going, then. Come find me
tomorrow, and we can discuss how to best help Michele,” the doctor
said. Julie nodded, still digesting everything that transpired. “I
look forward to working with you, Miss Miller.”
    “Julie,” she said, standing. She didn't like
being called 'Miss Miller'.
    “Eli,” he said, indicating his first name.
“See you tomorrow, Julie,” he said, walking her to the door.
    Julie took her time getting changed and going
down to see Kathy. She was still trying to wrap her mind around
everything that happened with Doctor Elsworth. Eli , she
reminded herself. Joy was on break, she was told when she
inquired.
    Down on Kathy's floor, she knocked on her
door and entered when she heard the command to do so. “Hey,” Kathy
said smiling at Julie. “How did it go?” she asked.
    “I think it went okay,” Julie answered.
    “I think it went better than okay. I heard
nothing but good things about you. Even the head Doc called down to
make sure I didn't let you get away,” Kathy recited. Julie smiled
at the last comment. “Seems even the stuffy but single surgeon
seems smitten with you,” she said, making them both laugh. “Say
that three times fast,” Kathy joked. “So here is your schedule.
Take a look at it; I made some adjustments,” she stated.
    Julie looked over the schedule as Kathy
explained. “I have you starting later. I am only allowed to work
you six hours with a break. The mornings are crazy. Most surgeries
take place then, so we need you more in the afternoon. Is that okay
with you?” Kathy asked.
    “That's fine. Only six hours though?” Julie
wished it could be more.
    “Hospital rules, sorry sweetie. I gave you
off on Fridays and Sundays. I know you young people like to go out
on Fridays,” Kathy continued.
    Julie didn't care if she worked everyday, but
didn't want to raise questions. “Looks good,” Julie said.
    “Welcome to our rag tag little group,” Kathy
said.
    “Thank you.” Julie smiled. “Where do I check
in?” she asked.
    “Volunteer locations are posted daily in the
locker rooms. Stop in to say 'hi' once in a while, or if you have
any questions,” Kathy finished.
    “I will, and take care of that ulcer,” Julie
reminded.
    “Git!” Kathy smiled, and pointed to the door.
Julie left with a big grin on her face. She exited the building and
peeked at the sky. It was no longer raining, but the clouds
remained. Julie began the trek home.
    She had walked for about twenty minutes when
a black sports car pulled over to the side of the road, just ahead
of her. Julie took a wide berth around the car, but looked inside
as the window rolled down. “You didn't drive this morning?” Doctor
Elsworth asked.
    “Last time I checked, you need a license to
drive,” Julie replied. “Nice car,” she added.
    “It gets me from point A to point B,” he
replied.
    “So do my feet,” she said with a smile.
    “My tires have better tread than your
sneakers. Get in. I'll give you a lift,” Eli said. A rumble of
thunder shattered the calmness. The clouds looked darker than they
had when she had started home.
    “You gonna tell me you control the weather
too?” she kidded. He laughed and pushed open the passenger side
door for her. Julie had no sooner closed the door when the rain
started anew. She gave the doctor a sideways look. He just smiled
and pulled back onto the roadway.
    “You are at the Inn in town, right?” he
asked. Before Julie could question him, “I read your paperwork,” he
informed her.
    “Ah, right. Getting to know your