Page 26 of Rookie Days

“Good job, Dr Fox. Textbook perfect, as usual.”

Amiel Carter, the other surgeon who’d been present during the operation, tapped her on the shoulder as they pulled off their gowns and gloves and threw them into a bio bin.

“Hey, you too, Carter,” Janet said with a smile. She’d not let him assist very much, to be fair, and he deserved a compliment for being a good sport about it. “Wow, already two o’clock. Time does fly when you’re having fun, uh?”

“Yep, though I’ve got a hole in my stomach the size of the Grand Canyon now,” he joked. “Fancy lunch in the canteen?”

“I’m going to shower first, then grab a hot dog across the street.”

“I’ll catch you later then.”

“Yep, no worries.”

Janet was always keen for time on her own after a job, both to reset and also savor the release of endorphins which always followed. In many ways, surgery was like ocean swimming for her. She relaxed in the shower. Stretched aching muscles in her shoulders under the jet of hot water. She’d just finished pulling on fresh socks and scrubs afterwards when she heard someone giggle behind her. Janet turned around and cocked an inquiring eyebrow.

“Yes? Can I help you?”

Bryn O’Connell, one of the staff nurses, smiled at her from the other side of the room.

“Maybe. I think you’ve got too many clothes on, Dr Fox.”

“Just the appropriate amount, I believe. In case you haven’t heard, surgeons are still not allowed to roam naked around this place.”

“What a pity in your case.”

“Haha. Thanks, darling.”

“And thank you for putting a lovely image in my head.”

“I don’t think you need my help for that, uh.” Janet snorted ironically. “I’m sure your head’s always full of naked women, Bryn.”

“True.” The woman chuckled. “So, you got some time?”

“I’m going to grab a quick lunch, yes.”

“I’m hungry too, but not for food.”

Janet eyed the tall, blond-haired and blue-eyed Bryn, who looked like an angel but also owned a wicked grin to match her torrid ways. It wouldn’t be the first time that Janet followed her into an on-call room for some heated relaxation. It was easy with Bryn. No strings, no complications. Janet used to be just like her. Free, for sure, and eager, definitely. But now, when Bryn offered to do the usual and always satisfying thing with her, Janet felt empty and flat. No reaction. Or rather… Yes. One. A vivid image of a woman with luminous grey eyes and jet-black hair flashed across her mind, and she was instantly distracted.

“Not in the mood?” Bryn prompted.

“No…” Janet flashed her a gentle smile. “Not today.”

“Okay.” Bryn kept her eyes on her as she sank her hands in the pockets of her own coat. “But you were miles away just now. Are you alright?”

“Yeah, sure.”

“Been busy?”

“Yes, I just completed a nice DBS with Carter assisting. The patient cracked the worst jokes all the way through. It was pretty funny.”

“Good, good. So, what’s her name?”

“Uh? What are you talking about?”

Janet laughed, ready to deny any suggestion even as Ellie’s name burnt the tip of her tongue.

“Come on, Jan… You’re never not in the mood!”