Free One Sure Thing (Mamma Lou Matchmaker Series) by Celeste Norfleet

he’d ever find that kind of enduring affection.
    A deep line creased his knitted brow. Then, slowly, it was replaced by an easy, knowing smile that steadily crept across his face. The bizarre thought of finding a devoted relationship had taken him by surprise. But now he was back to his old self again.
    He shook his head to clear the stray thought. He refused to be betrayed by his own musings. Mamma Lou with all of her matchmaking talk was beginning to get to him. This wasn’t the first time he’d wondered about his romantic future. But he would certainly make sure that it would be the last.
    Now, for the first time since crossing the threshold of Golden Heart Medical Center did he actually take the time to look around at his surroundings. Feeling like Dorothy in Oz, he was definitely not at Manhattan Medical nor any of the other private hospitals. Compared to them, Golden Heart was more like a poor, sick, pathetic stepchild in need of support and an even more in need of a major influx of cold hard cash.
    The main nurses’ station looked dated, as if stuck in a time warp. The florescent lights cast an unflattering glow over an enormous circular workstation. The workstation was virtually devoid of warmth.
    He walked over to the ER nurses station. He glanced around for any sign of Hope. Several nurses attentively looked up from their tasks with interest. He declined their assistance then asked about Dr. Adams’ whereabouts and was informed that she would be back within the half hour. He nodded and walked away more disappointed than he should have been. He told himself that he was solely interested in the tests results but a part of him knew better.
    He briefly glanced into each of the eight exam rooms as he passed, only three of which were occupied. Yet, seeing that Hope was nowhere around, he continued through the large circular area until he came to triage. Instinctively he looked in. It too was empty except for an on-duty nurse who’d been cleaning and restocking the area with supplies. She politely asked if she could assist him but again he declined her offer and instead asked for directions to the cafeteria.
    “Doctor Gates.”
    Hearing his name called, Raymond turned around. “Yes?”
    “Doctor Gates, excuse me. Might I have a moment of your time?”
    “Yes of course,” Ray responded automatically.
    Scott Wallace extended his hand to shake. “Doctor Gates, I am honored to actually meet you. It’s truly a pleasure. Your reputation precedes you. I’ve followed you and your father’s work extensively. As a matter of fact, I did my internship at Johns Hopkins and spent quite a few hours watching your father operate. He’s a brilliant surgeon.”
    Not particularly surprised by the sudden flattery, Raymond thanked him. “Thank you Dr.”
    “Wallace, Doctor Scott Wallace. I’m the ER Medical Director here. First off, I’d like to offer my sincere apology for the appalling treatment by my staff. Dr. Adams was completely out of line and totally unprofessional. Her behavior was unwarranted and completely uncalled for. And I assure you, she will be suitably reprimanded.”
    “That’s not necessary. Dr. Adams was just doing her job. She is the attending physician.”
    “I’ll discuss this with the hospital administrator and have her removed from the case at once.”
    “That’s a bit much don’t you think? After all, we were both at fault.”
    “Dr. Gates, you needn’t concern yourself. I assure you, this isn’t the first time that Dr. Adams has over-stepped her bounds.”
    “Ultimately, my only concern is the welfare of my grandmother.”
    “As am I, I assure you. It will be my honor to personally take over the case.”
    Raymond wasn’t completely comfortable about changing doctors in this manner. “I’m sure Dr. Adams is quite capable. And I appreciate your interest but…”
    “No need to thank me. I assure you, it’s my pleasure.”
    Scott spent the next ten minutes discussing the