Then he rolled his eyes. “I’ll never get grandchildren that way.”
So, accepting of LGBT families but still old-fashioned enough to focus on grandkids? I could deal with that. “I couldn’t agree more. I think the key is being completely present when you’re with your family.”
“I agree. I’ve seen too many problems when people forget that.” He looked across the room toward his bookshelf and smiled at the picture of a woman I assumed was his wife. “It sounds like you two are going to make it work, though.”
“I have no doubt about it. Communication is a big part of our relationship.” I thought it was an innocuous statement, but he looked at me questioningly.
“My daughter and partner say something very similar.” His response was simple, but I had a feeling there was more going on behind his eyes than I would’ve wanted. “I think the timing of your application was very fortuitous. I shouldn’t say this, but I thought I’d picked out our new chief doctor in the emergency room.”
He took a slow breath, watching me closely. “The only reason the position was still available was because I wasn’t sure the person was going to be a good fit. I pride myself on having an inclusive hospital where every patient and staff member will feel comfortable. Finding well-qualified applicants who have not only the experience and education, but the right sense of comradery is difficult.”
“I can understand that.” I couldn’t decide how much else to say. Everything I’d read about the hospital had talked about its trauma unit and basic statistics. I had a feeling I was missing something.
“You had an interesting mix of people.” I cracked a smile. “The nurse with the blue hair in particular.”
She’d been…vibrant and very take-charge. If anyone in the place was in the lifestyle, it was her.
Dr. Jones beamed.
It was slightly unnerving because I wasn’t sure why he was so pleased.
“That’s my daughter’s partner. They’re getting married this spring.”
Ohhh.
“Congratulations to them. That’s wonderful.” And it explained a lot. Introducing me around to the nursing staff had seemed a bit premature, but wanting to make sure I fit in with the family made perfect sense. “She seemed to have everything under control.”
“Yes. She’s highly efficient and very take-charge.” He looked slightly sheepish for a moment before the expression flashed away to be replaced by another smile. “The grapevine will tell you that it took us a while to warm up to each other.”
Oh, I bet.
“I’m glad it’s all worked out.” How much to say and how much to leave out? “Working with another take-charge individual like myself will make things much easier.”
That earned me another beaming smile. “Wonderful. I find take-charge individuals refreshingly productive.”
Oddest job interview ever.
He started moving again toward the door. “I won’t take up any more of your time, but just be aware we’re looking to hire immediately.” Then his smile turned a bit knowing. “So I wouldn’t set down your phone anytime soon.”
Interesting.
“I’ll keep that in mind.” Then, because I had to know. “It’s not my business, but I’m curious. Who was on your short list? Are they local? I have a feeling if this doesn’t work out I need to know which hospital to avoid.”
That was a bit presumptive, but I had a feeling the job was mine if I wanted it. And if Dr. Jones hadn’t thought the other candidate would be a good fit for this emergency room, I wasn’t sure I’d want to work with them either if something happened and this job didn’t work out.
His lips pulled together, giving me the impression he wasn’t pleased with the question, but then in an about-face he nodded and sighed. “Unfortunately, I agree. I would personally avoid Memorial Hospital if I were you. It’s a good institution. Not a level one of course, but still well run. However, the chief of the emergency department is very…well, let’s say he’s not the most open-minded individual.”
Shit.
“Yes, I’d have to say that describes Dr. Carson very well.” I shrugged as Dr. Jones nodded conspiratorially. “My partner, Joseph, is his son. We’ll just say things didn’t go smoothly in the past. They don’t speak and I don’t see that improving anytime soon.”
“Ah.” His face tightened for a moment and I could see a sad knowing look flash over his face. “At one point, I’m sorry to say that might’ve been me. But thankfully, that is not the case now.”
Whatever had happened, he clearly regretted the past, and it looked like he was doing his best to make up for it. If his daughter-in-law-to-be could work for the man, I didn’t think I’d run into any issues. “I hope one day they can say the same thing.”
Nodding, Dr. Jones held out his hand again. “It was very nice meeting you, Dr. Patterson.” Then he flashed me another smile as we shook. “Don’t forget what I said.”
“Absolutely. And again, thank you for seeing me.” We finished up our polite goodbyes and I headed out of the hospital toward the car.
I didn’t even make it all the way to Target to search for more pajamas for Joey when the phone rang. Pulling over into a gas station parking lot, I answered, anticipation building as an unfamiliar number flashed across the screen. “Dr. Patterson.”
“Dr. Patterson, this is Dr. Jones—please call me Gerald.”
Bingo.
****
The most logical thing would have been to go home and make a celebratory dinner for us or maybe even make reservations at a fancy restaurant.
But logic was sometimes…difficult.
Ringing the doorbell of the overly fussy house, I waited, doing my best to look patient and calm. When the door opened, Deborah Carson stepped out into the brisk air, beaming. “Forest, it’s so good to see you. I’d hoped you’d stop in after you settled down. Webber said it might be a while before you came over, though.”
Because Webber knew he’d been an asshole.
But it seemed like Deborah was not aware of that.
“I’ve just been getting things organized since I got back from the cabin. Is Webber here by chance? I called the hospital, but they said it was his day off, so I thought I’d stop in and surprise him.” Knowing him, I hadn’t wanted to give him a chance to squirm away.
“The cabin? Our cabin? I thought that was winterized…” Something flashed in her eyes but she was too well-bred to let it show, forcing a smile to push away any questions. “But well, yes, he was just getting ready to hit the golf course. Come in.”
She stepped back, ushering me in and calling out to Webber with the smile still plastered on her face masking the confusion I thought was just under the surface. “Just a moment and I’ll go find him. Make yourself at home.”
I knew she meant to head into the living room, but the house was too tainted to make that appealing, and I wasn’t going to be there for long. As footsteps grew closer, I looked around the house and was surprised to see all the family photos that used to hang on the walls were gone. In their place were very lovely prints and paintings, but it just showed how much had changed.