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AT TWO OCLOCK, after donning a sterile gown, booties and gloves, Binney Taylor entered the ICU room where Rio McNabb lay trussed up like a Christmas goose. She could hear the soft whiffle of a snore indicating her arrival hadnt wakened him. And that was good. It gave her time to collect her
thoughts at seeing him in person again.
In high school the popular and handsome McNabb twins were crushed on by every girl in school, including her. As someone who didnt travel in their sphere, shed been particularly drawn to Ryder McNabb and had loved him from afar. Then in her junior year, Ryder had asked her to the spring dance. Beyond thrilled shed borrowed a nice dress and then spent money she didnt have to spare on having her hair done. And shed arranged for a night off from her after-school job. Ryder never showed up to collect her at the group home. Nor had he called. Later itd been cruelly pointed out by mean girls at school that hed taken Samantha Walker to the dance. He had never bothered to apologize, and the rejection lingered until she got to nursing school, where in time shed learned to value her self-worth.
She hadnt run into either twin since they graduated from high school the year before her. She knew they were both following the rodeo. As she gazed at Rio, she was transported back to a time when the very thought of administering care to either of the hot, popular twins wouldve left her feeling awkward. Now Rio McNabb was just another unlucky cowboy in need of nursing.
Binney opened his computer chart with her access card. Reading over the many injuries diagnosed in ER, her empathy for him grew. His recovery was going to be arduous. It was easy to see why Dr. Layton thought she might hesitate being stuck on such a remote ranch, forced to ride herd on someone the surgeon had indicated could be cantankerous. But she was well trained and good nurses handled all types of grumpy patients.
She closed out of his record, and glanced up to find the patient in question studying her with serious gray eyes.
If youre here to deliver another shot for pain, forget it. I dont like how they knock me out. I cant recover if all I do is sleep my life away. And tell that hospital advocate who came by to say I need to book an ambulance to take me home next Saturday, and rent a hospital bed for a month or so, that the wrangler who works for me will collect me in his pickup. No ones gonna turn me into an invalid.
Actually, Im not on your nursing team. Dr. Layton said he told you Id drop by around two today so we could talk about your home care. Im Binney Taylor, a private duty nurse. I see you dont remember me. We attended the same high school. You and your brother graduated a year prior to me.
Youre a home nurse? You look so young, he blurted. Layton said we went to the same high school, but I assumed he meant you went there years before me.
I believe age is just a number. But if you have questions as to whether or not Im competent, she said testily, I can provide you with references.
Sorry. I suppose youre capable. High school was a long time ago for both of us. To be truthful, I dont remember you. He closed his eyes. The shots they give me mess with my head. I wake up fuzzy. I dont like it, not thinking clearly, I mean.
Frankly it irritated her to hear so bluntly that she was totally forgettable, although it shouldnt surprise her. Back then all kids who lived in the group home were made fun of by cliques of their popular peers. That didnt mean she had to endure his slights now.
Taking out her cell phone, she phoned Lola Vickers, the former private duty nurse. Hi, Lola, its Binney. Dr. Layton has a patient at City whos going to need home care in a week or so. Can you take this job?
No. Arthur called me. Im retired. My husband and I plan to travel. Why cant they get that through their heads?
Oh, I didnt know Dr. Layton had contacted you. Sorry. She chewed the corner of her lower lip and eyed the man in the bed. I know you turned the area over to me, Lola. I am free to take this assignment. Its more that this patient wants a nurse with more experience. But I understand. Enjoy your trip. Ill talk to you later. Bye.
Rio glared. Did I question your experience? I just dont want anybody caring for me at my ranch. He rubbed the furrows thatd formed between his eyebrows. Can you cut me some slack? I feel like Im navigating through fog.
Binney reopened his record. I see you are on a heavy-duty opioid. Are you aware that you sustained serious injuries? While youre here you should let them do whatever they can to keep you pain-free. Really, though, I am happy to hear youd rather not take painkillers. Once you get home and settled we can certainly start cutting back. Jerking upright, she keyed out and guiltily met his searing gaze. Uh, thats providing you elect to hire me. I didnt mean to be pushy. Dr. Layton called Lola Vickers, but shes not available.
Do I need to decide right now? Ive been tossed off horses before, and even been kicked in the head.