at the variety of expressions on their faces. Michael was wide-eyed, Todd scowling, and Elizabeth fuming. Having been raked over the proverbial coals often during their training, the two more experienced doctors had obviously been hoping for the same for Katy.
“I’m glad you’re feeling better.” He looked at Katy and, luckily, she understood that he wanted her to stop holding the woman’s hand and stand next to him in a more professional manner.
“Helen, as you can see, I have some interns and residents here with me this morning. Is it all right if they stay while we talk?”
“Of course, that’s fine.”
“Thank you.” He proceeded to ask her questions and explain tests that were run, while palpating her abdomen and listening to her heart and lungs. In the midst of it she held up her hand and interrupted.
“Wait a minute.” Helen frowned at him. “First, why don’t you warm up that stethoscope before you press it on my skin, like Dr. Pappas always does? That thing is cold!” She shifted her attention to Katy. “And why is he asking me the same things you asked me already, dear? Don’t you two talk to each other?”
Katy laughed a little, and glanced at him with a smile in her eyes that felt like old times, making him smile, too. “It’s just how it’s done when we’re being taught by the attending physician, Helen. I know it’s kind of annoying but Dr. Armstrong is an amazing surgeon. I promise you’re in good hands.”
How absurd that her words, which were just to reassure the patient, made him almost feel like puffing up his chest just like the teen Alec who’d always appreciated her faith in him. Helen nodded and waved her hand. “Fine. Carry on.”
“I appreciate the endorsement, Dr. Pappas.” Alec could hear warmth creeping into his voice as he spoke and concentrated on cooling it. On sounding professional and impartial.
Katherine Pappas was his best friend’s little sister and his own student. He had to make sure no one thought they saw any kind of favoritism in the way he interacted with her.
The term “bone-tired” took on a whole new meaning after all-night call with minimal sleep followed by a long day of rounding and scut work. Katy thought she’d worked long and hard in med school, but that had been a veritable party compared to this.
As she stepped through the front door into Nick’s living room, he emerged from the kitchen. “Katy-Did, you’re finally home! You look beat.”
“Now, there’s a surprise. I’m sure I look every bit as hot, sweaty, and wrinkled as I feel.”
“Living hot, sweaty, and wrinkled is an intern’s existence pretty much. Sometimes it’s a general surgeon’s existence, too.” Nick grinned. “I knew you’d be exhausted, so I’m fixing dinner. You don’t have to do a thing.”
“Aw, you’re the sweetest big brother anyone could ever have.” She gave him a quick hug, hoping she didn’t smell too bad. “What are we eating?”
“Steaks from the grill, baked potatoes, veggies. To celebrate your first day, and because you probably need iron and protein after practically twenty-four hours of work. How did it go, rounding with Alec?”
“He’s a good teacher, of course. I’m sure I’ll learn a lot from him.” She dropped into a chair in Nick’s living room because she thought her legs just might give out if she was on her feet another minute. “But you know how I feel about him personally.”
“Katy.” Her brother’s smile faded. “Alec is a good guy, and I regret that I ever told you what happened. Yes, he went through a hellion stage when there was too much partying and too many of the wrong kinds of women in his life, but that was a long time ago. You need to cut him some slack.”
“Why? He’s not the person I thought he was. I’m allowed to be bothered by that, aren’t I?”
“You thought he was cool and smart and cared about other people. You liked him because he treated you great. And that’s exactly who he is, along with older and wiser than he was back then. Hell, I’m still working on the older and wiser part.”
“Don’t worry, I’m not going to be unpleasant or anything. I just don’t want to be friends with him again, that’s all.”
“Well, that’s too bad. Just remember he’s still my friend. And a partner in my practice.” He frowned at her for a moment then sighed. “You never really knew that Alec’s dad was always putting him down, and I think that’s part of why he acted out some back then. But for a long time now he’s worked hard to gain respect. It’s important to him. While he never did get it from his dad, he has it in spades from everyone here.”
“I’m sure he’s a good doctor, so of course people respect him.”
“It’s more than that, but I’m not going to waste my breath trying to convince you.” He turned toward the kitchen. “I’m going to get the steaks on the grill and play with the dogs out in the yard. I’ll let you know when it’s ready.”
He disappeared, and she stayed slumped in the chair, closing her eyes. Which made ignoring the mess of stuff she’d left lying around the room, still packed and unorganized, much easier. She knew she should work on it right now since Nick was being so sweet about letting her live with him for a while, but she also knew he was happy to let her rest a moment.
Much as he’d teased her over the years, Nick had been good to her, too. All six of the Pappas kids were, in fact, close, which Katy was more than thankful for. As an only child, she knew Alec had never had a sibling that he fought with sometimes but who also always had his back, and she knew that had been a big part of why he’d been at their house so much. Her mother had welcomed him, and her dad had adored and mentored him.
Which was why learning of his unethical and distasteful behavior had cut Katy to her very core. Not only that, Alec’s parents had shoved what he’d done under a rug then wrapped it up with a nice tidy bow while someone else had paid the price.
Ah, who was she kidding? It hadn’t been just his mistake and the aftermath that remained stuck as a sharp barb in her soul. It was that he’d done it all practically right after she’d boldly kissed him and he’d pushed her away. Told her it wouldn’t be “appropriate.” Which obviously had just been another way of saying, I think of you as a little sister, not a woman, since “appropriate” clearly hadn’t entered his mind before the scandal.
Her chest burned in embarrassment and disgust but at the same time she couldn’t deny that the man was an impressive doctor and teacher. And, yes, even more ridiculously good looking than he’d been years ago. Today, in Mrs. Patterson’s room, as they’d smiled together at the woman’s comments, she had to admit it had felt nice. A little like old times, and thoughts of his past had momentarily faded from her brain until she’d sternly reminded herself.
She was smart enough to take advantage of his intelligence and experience and learn what she could from him, just as she had long ago. But as far as a friendship happening between them again? Never.
The doorbell rang and, still collapsed in the chair, she nearly groaned. The last thing she wanted to do was talk to anyone. Maybe if she ignored it, whoever it was would go away.
The bell rang again and with a resigned sigh she shoved herself from the chair and forced herself to open the door.
To
