A Face in the Crowd (10 page)

Lexie did as she was asked and approached the desk.

“I’ll get right to the point. It has come to my attention that you’ve been spending extra time with one of our patients.” She dropped her chin to add emphasis to her next words. “A certain famous patient.”

“Extra time?” Lexie tilted her head to the side as she fought the urge to laugh. There was no such thing as extra time when it came to nursing. Was this lady crazy?

Janice reached for her computer and turned it around for Lexie to see. There on the screen was a picture of her sandwiched between a newly bald Oliver and Bailey. When she fought to keep the color from her cheeks and failed, Janice leaned back in her chair and smirked.

“After today, you will no longer be on Mr. Honeycutt’s case.”

“Have I done something wrong?”

“It’s inappropriate for you to spend so much time with one patient and ignore the others in your care.”

“I haven’t ignored anyone,” Lexie cut in, feeling the beginnings of her temper come to life.

Janice placed her hands on her desk and leaned forward. “Mr. Callahan had a heart attack yesterday and almost died.”

Lexie mimicked Janice’s posture and placed her own hands on the desk before leaning in. “And I was there. In fact, I spent hours in his room yesterday making sure he was recovering and keeping him comfortable.” To keep from lashing out further, she bit the inside of her cheek and took a step back. “All I did was help a patient deal with his illness, which he chose to do by shaving his head. They asked me to help. That’s it.”

“Lexie, don’t make this difficult. Stay away from Mr. Honeycutt and everything will work out. You’re dismissed.” Janice waved a hand in her direction and returned her fat backside to her chair.

Lexie left the way she had come in and marched to the locker room, seeing red the whole way. The nerve of Janice treating her as if she didn’t know how to do her job. She worked as hard as anyone else, then remembered Janice’s own sister Ashley and amended, and in some cases harder. She paced back and forth in front of a line of lockers and inhaled deeply through her nose. Her phone buzzed in her pocket. Maybe she should just ignore it and let someone else do all the work since that was apparently what she did anyway. When it buzzed again, she rolled her eyes and reached for it. No matter what she said, she would never rely on someone else to do her job for her. She wasn’t wired that way.

“This is Lexie.”

“Lexie, could you get me an extra blanket? It’s rather cold in my room today.”

“I’ll be right there, Mr. Callahan.” Defeated, Lexie left the locker room and made her way down the hall. It was just as well. Oliver was out of the question and lately she’d let her libido do too much of the thinking.

Lexie rolled her shoulders in an attempt to shake off her run-in with Janice. Getting mad wouldn’t help. Janice was her boss and therefore held all the power. Arguing was futile. For Lexie, the time had come to focus solely on her job and get through the day, then, life would go back to normal. Normal . . . what her life had been before Oliver Honeycutt. A time when he’d just been the lead singer in a band whom she admired from afar. A time when her life had been simple.

She sighed as she reached Bailey’s room and remembered the previous night: the laughter, the camaraderie, the way she’d felt when Oliver walked her to her car.

For an instant she’d been part of their world.

She straightened her shoulders and held her head up high. It was time to stop thinking like a girl with a crush and go to work. “Hey there,” she found Bailey with his feet dangling over the side of the bed, a big grin on his face, guitar in hand, “ready for your next round of chemo?” She gave Oliver a brief smile and put her back to him. It was easier to concentrate when she wasn’t looking at him.

Bailey set down his guitar and climbed back into bed. “If I have to.”

“I’m afraid you have to,” Lexie’s voice sounded strained even to her own ears as she tried to sound cheerful. She sure could use the punching bag at the gym about now to help ease her frustration. But, it would have to wait. Her day was far from over.

She hung Bailey’s bag on his IV stand and let the drugs go to work.

While she stripped off her protective sleeve-length gloves, noise from the crowd outside escalated. It must have grown to be able to hear it from where they were inside the hospital.

“Earth to Lexie. Sexy Lexie are you there?” he waved a hand in front of her eyes as he tried to get her attention.

“I’m sorry. I was distracted by the noise outside. There are a lot of people down there for you.”

“Yeah, it happened a lot faster than I thought it would.”

“What did?” Lexie looked at Oliver for clarification.

“People’s reaction about Bailey’s condition. We posted the truth on the band’s website last night and the outpouring of love from the fans was immediate.” He looked almost humbled, another side to the man she’d just begun to know. “I hope you don’t mind that I posted the picture with you in it.”

“No, it’s fine.” So, that’s where Janice had seen the picture. Lexie shook her head, annoyed with her own careless lapse in judgment. Although, she couldn’t imagine Janice checking out Survival’s website as a hobby. Her mind switched gears over to Ashley and suddenly she had a pretty good idea who was to blame for her trouble. She huffed out a breath, but froze when Oliver’s fingers closed around her wrist.

“Lexie, is something wrong?” Her gaze dropped to where his skin was touching hers, confident he would be able to feel her pulse’s reaction to his touch. “You seem off today.”

She debated for half a second on whether or not to tell him the truth. “It’s nothing. Just work stuff.” She plastered a smile on her face. “You guys tell me more about the fans.”

Oliver looked at her a moment longer and then released his grip as Bailey filled her in.

“What you said yesterday about telling them, you were right. They needed to know—deserved to know. They’re the whole reason we do what we do and I should’ve thought to say something without you having to tell me.”

“You needed time to adjust and take it all in. It’s a lot to deal with.” Lexie appreciated Bailey’s enthusiasm more than he knew. It provided a much-needed distraction. And since when could Oliver gauge her moods so well?

“You’ve got that right and I didn’t know how to handle it, any of it.” Bailey paused to tug down one side of his knit cap. “I guess I didn’t really believe it, which I know sounds crazy since I’m sitting in a freaking hospital bed.”

“You’re not the first person to want to keep it to themselves or to compartmentalize what’s happening. A lot of people shut out their families, friends, and anyone else who wants to help. They try to place their sickness in this little box and forget about it, but like it or not, it’s a part of you now. The thing you have to remember is that it isn’t who you are and you’re not alone.”

“I think you’re right. It’s like all of a sudden you lose your identity. You become someone with cancer and no one thinks about you as a person anymore. Just a person with cancer, like your life before the diagnosis didn’t happen.”

“How you deal with it is up to you, but if you’re the one to control the news, it at least might make you feel as though you are not losing control of your life.”

“Own it, right?”

“Exactly. And, when you beat it—”

“You mean if.”

“No, I mean when. When you beat it, that will be your news to share, as well, and the fans will celebrate with you.”

“I sure am glad I ended up in Atlanta that night.”

“That makes two of us.” When Oliver spoke up, Lexie jumped. She’d almost forgotten he was in the room.

She glanced at him and grinned. “Me, too. It was a great show.” She winked and then laughed when both of their mouths fell open.

Bailey, incredulous, pounced first, “You were there?”

“Of course. Simone and I never miss a Survival concert.”

Oliver smiled and shook his head slowly as recognition shone in his eyes. “You were on stage that night. I knew I recognized you.”

She shrugged, but couldn’t stop her grin.

“You’re a piece of work, Sexy Lexie.”

“Back at you, Bailey.”

“No wonder my brother has a little crush on you.”

Oliver threw the magazine he’d been holding at his brother’s head, while Lexie’s face burned.

“You two are so cute.”

Cathy walked in the room. “What’s going on in here?”

“N-Nothing,” Lexie turned to leave, hit the IV pole hard enough to send the bags swinging, and fled. One person could only take so much embarrassment in one day.

Chapter 9

Lexie got up off the couch when she heard a knock at her door. Decked out in pajama pants and a tank top, she hoped it wasn’t anyone important.

“Down for the night I take it?” Simone pushed her way into the apartment, plastic bags in hand as she breezed inside.

“It was a long day.”

“Well, yeah, all that head shaving can wear a girl out.” She dropped the two bags of what turned out to be Chinese takeout on the counter. “I hope you haven’t eaten.”

“Not you, too,” Lexie groaned.

“Of course, me, too. I almost fell off the Brown’s couch when
E! News
flashed the picture of you with the guys on the screen. I had to whip out my laptop and check out the site for myself, sure I’d hallucinated or something, but nope. There you were, sandwiched between Oliver and Bailey, like you’re a long lost member of the band.”

“Right,” Lexie rolled her eyes.

“No, you looked good. Of course, I’m not sure I saw you, per se. I was too busy having a mild heart palpitation upon seeing them all with no hair and poor Bailey . . .”

“I thought you might feel that way. He’s still hot though.” Lexie poured them each a cup of cheap wine and followed Simone to the couch.”

“Sesame seed good with you?”

“Pass it over,” Lexie grabbed a Styrofoam container and lifted the lid. The smell of the sweet glaze made her mouth water.

“You off tomorrow?”

“Yes, thank God. If I didn’t have the day off, you’d probably have to bail me out of jail.”

“Oh no, what happened?”

She proceeded to fill Simone in on the conversation which took place in Janice’s office while they chowed down. Simone listened intently, snarled in all the appropriate places, and finally said, “What a bitch.”

“My thoughts, exactly. As if I wouldn’t do my job. I know Ashley said something.” Lexie skewered another piece of chicken, pretending it was Ashley’s smug face.

“She probably saw the picture and got jealous.” Simone took a sip of her wine and paused, thoughtful. “It’s not like she’s any different than half the girls in America right now, heck the world. Who wouldn’t want to be you?”

Lexie’s mouth twitched. “It was pretty fun.”

“Pretty fun? Please. I’m going to need a much more detailed report.”

Sitting across from Simone, she was reminded why she was going to miss her so much. At least with her best friend around, she could vent and had someone on her side. The hospital could be a lonely place. Everyone was always busy running around and tending to patients. By the end of the day, people were too tired to do anything other than go home.

“So, that’s it then. No more time with Bailey?”

“That’s it.”

“Did you tell him?”

“Did I tell him?” Lexie echoed as she toyed with more of her fried rice.

“Yeah, did you tell him you weren’t allowed to be his nurse anymore? No more sponge baths or back massages.”

Lexie burst out laughing and nearly shot wine out of her nose. “He can shower without help and back massages, are you kidding me? Just what is it that you think I do all day?”

“I have no idea, but since he’s hot I was trying to make things more exciting in my head. Hashtag writer’s life.”

“Believe me, your imagination is the only place anything exciting is happening, and from now on, I have to steer clear or I’m going to be looking for a new job.”

Simone arched one of her thin brows in Lexie’s direction. “Would that be so bad?”

“There are days when I think it wouldn’t.” She set her empty container on her scarred table and sighed, ready to put her day behind her. What was done was done. “That’s enough about my less than stellar day. Tell me about you. Have you figured out where you’re going to live when you get to L.A.?”

“Oh, God, you’re going to laugh. I’m going to live in an apartment with three other roommates. Three.”

“That’s going to be an adjustment.”

“Big time, but it’s either that or live on the streets somewhere. I found this place going through the studio. These particular apartments are for people trying to break into the business. Tons of famous people roughed it there before making it.”

“It will be like your very own Melrose Place.”

“Probably not that nice. I sent Leo an email about it asking him if he’d heard of it, trying to make sure it was legit and he vouched for it, so that’s something.”

“Wait, you emailed Leo, as in Survival Leo?”

Simone shrugged, but there was a wicked glint in her eye. “He gave me all his information the other night at Smith’s and told me to look him up once I got settled. That’s okay, right?”

“Of course it is. I was just surprised.” She took a swig of her much needed wine. “It’s cool that you’ll know someone out there.”

“I’m not holding my breath or anything. From what I hear, I’m going to be working crazy hours and I’m sure the band will go back on tour once Bailey is back on his feet.”

Lexie considered what she’d overheard Andy say in Bailey’s room. “I would think so. They had to cancel a few shows so they’ll have to make those up.”

“How is Bailey?”

“Really good, actually. He’s holding up better than some. He was in such good shape to start with that I think it’s helping him.”

“And, Oliver? How’s he holding up?”

Lexie squirmed as Simone studied her with hawk-like intensity. “Fine, I guess. Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Like what?”

“Like you know something I don’t.”

“On the contrary. I’m sure you know, you just won’t do anything about it.”

Lexie fell back against her favorite pillows and contemplated throwing one of the burlap squares at Simone’s head. “Please.”

“What? I know you’re into him.” She pointed an accusatory finger in her direction. “I was at Smith’s the other night, too, remember? I saw the way the two of you were together, leaning in close, casual touching, lingering looks—”

“There were no lingering looks.”

“Like hell. You both looked like you wanted to do more than talk.”

“You’re crazy, Simone.”

“Am I?”

Lexie squirmed again and downed the rest of her wine. How was it Simone could always see right through her?

“Why not just ask him to coffee or maybe he could accompany you to the gym. He does seem to be in pretty good shape.”

“I hadn’t noticed,” Lexie smirked.

“Sure,” Simone laughed. “Seriously though, you should go for it. You never let yourself take chances and you should. Have some fun.”

“I’ll think about it.” She carried their trash to the kitchen and paused to stare out the window over her sink. She had no doubt Oliver would be fun, but what happened when it stopped being fun or she got attached?

The following week was chaotic. Lexie barely had time to miss seeing the Honeycutts since Janice decided to make sure she not only wasn’t assigned to Bailey’s case, but she also had the maximum number of patients allotted to one nurse. Each night, she had to drag herself to the gym and then she would fall into bed, more exhausted than she’d been in recent memory.

“Where have you been this week?”

She jumped at the sound of Oliver’s deep voice and turned. Busy writing stats on her arm until she could make time to update charts, she hadn’t noticed his sudden arrival. “Working. How’re you?”

“Fine. Tired. But seriously, where have you been?”

“I told you, working.” She clicked her pen and shoved it back into her shirt pocket. “So, what are you doing out and about? Is Bailey okay?”

“I was looking for you,” his tone was clipped, surprising her. Was he mad? “I thought we were sort of on our way to becoming friends and then you disappeared.”

Abashed, Lexie dropped her gaze to her shoes. “I didn’t mean to disappear.” Of course, that wasn’t entirely true. She’d made the decision to stay away from him, so when he left, it wouldn’t be as hard to say goodbye. And, so she wouldn’t get in trouble with Janice. She wasn’t oblivious to the way Ashley had kept tabs on her during the week. “I’ve just been extremely busy.”

“That’s pretty lame.” He bent down until his face was only a few inches from her own. “You couldn’t stop by at the end of your day, you know, after you clock out? Unless . . .” he straightened again, but his body was still too close to hers, making her feel warm all over.

“Oh, I get it now. You only stop in when you have to.”

She craned her neck so she could see his eyes. “That’s hardly the case. Look, Oliver, I can’t stand out here and argue with you right now. I have four patients who are waiting for me.”

“You’re right. You know what, don’t worry about it. I’m sorry if I bothered you.”

She flinched at his words and out of the corner of her eye, saw Ashley watching them from down the hall.

“I really have to go now.”

“Whatever, Alexis. It’s all good. I’ll see you around,” he turned and walked back to his brother’s room, the sight of his retreating back twisting something painful in her chest.

Considering how much he’d stayed on her mind throughout the day, Lexie decided it was a miracle she hadn’t killed anyone. The look on his face haunted her while she doled out medications and the hurt in his voice echoed in her ears to the point she had to ask patients to repeat themselves. She didn’t understand why he cared so much. Or, maybe he was used to getting what he wanted and for right now while he was stuck in Atlanta, she was his entertainment.

Whatever the case, she needed to put him out of her mind for good. No more scanning the internet for articles about him. No more following his Twitter account. Cold turkey. Allowing herself to be attracted to someone like him was certifiable. Not that anyone could blame her. His broad shoulders, perfectly cocky smile, and smoldering eyes were hard not to notice. The real problem was he was causing her to feel in a way she hadn’t in a long time. Not since Mike, if she were being completely honest.

As she stepped behind the desk, she tried to regain a sliver of focus. It would be impossible to get caught up on patient files if she didn’t at least make some progress.

Halfway through the stack, Ashley came up behind her and cleared her throat. “I thought you weren’t supposed to be associating with Bailey.”

“I haven’t been,” Lexie turned her chair around to face Ashley, who was standing with her arms crossed while she continued to look down her nose.

“I saw you talking to his brother in the hall this morning.”

“He approached me. What did you want me to do, run in the other direction?”

“As if you would. Don’t act like you aren’t into him. We saw you grinning on the internet like an idiot.” The other nurse who was sitting at the desk was still facing her computer, but she’d stopped typing to listen. “Please, girl, a man like him would never be into someone like you.”

The blood rushed to Lexie’s face and pressure built behind her eyes.

“Listen, I’m just trying to help you.”

“Help me,” Lexie said through clenched teeth.

“Yes, of course. I’m trying to save you from a lot of embarrassment later.”

“Ashley, I haven’t done anything wrong, so why don’t you let me get back to doing my job. That’s what I’m here for. Not to argue with someone who acts like they’re still in middle school.”

Ashley’s smirk dissolved as her lips shriveled into a hard line. “Watch it, Lexie, one word from me to my sister and you’ll be on your way out the door.”

She balled her hands into fists to stop from standing up and smacking Ashley square across the face. Instead, and without another word, she stood and took off down the hall one step short of running. She had to get out of there before she did something she couldn’t undo.

The entire week she’d done exactly what she was supposed to and she was still catching grief. It had taken a lot of will power to stay away from Oliver, especially knowing he was right behind a door she passed a hundred times a day, but she’d done it. Like always, she did what she was supposed to do.

She collapsed onto a bench in the locker room and took a few deep breaths while she wondered if it wouldn’t be better to break free of this place and do exactly what she wanted to do for a change. Maybe travel across Europe or scuba dive in Australia near the Great Barrier Reef. She had enough money saved to get by for a while.

Head hanging, she continued to focus on her breathing. As much as she wanted to, she couldn’t hide in here for the rest of her shift. She had to go make her rounds, but Ashley had this way of getting under her skin. Lexie had never been someone who could take it on the chin. She wanted to fight back, stand up for herself, or even better, put Ashley in her place. But, what could she do?

The worst part wasn’t the threat of Ashley running to her sister, Lexie wasn’t afraid of Janice, but what she’d said about Oliver liking someone like her. It was like Ashley could read her mind and she’d thrown Lexie’s own self-doubt in her face.

It was the same with all her patients and it would be the same with Oliver. Though he flirted with her and liked to chat, it didn’t mean that as soon as his brother was discharged she wouldn’t be forgotten. It was like that with her job. She was there for as long as people needed her and then when their time there was finished, they vanished.

To her great dismay, her personal life worked much the same way, which was why light and casual was best. She wouldn’t be the one left reeling wondering why she’d been left again and if she needed to, she would be the one to walk away. Whatever she needed to do to keep from being railroaded again. Once was enough. She had the scars to prove it.