Practice Makes Perfect (8 page)

Scalpel barked.

“Looks like everybody wants to eat,” Ian said.

An hour later the remains of rare steak, a huge green salad and hot crusty bread that Paige had bought on the way home—Ian had called it manna from heaven—was spread out before them. Ian closed his eyes as he put his feet up on the chair opposite him and sighed. “What more could a man ask for?”

Scalpel lay at Paige’s feet. She wasn’t used to having dogs around, but this one’s endearing personality had her slipping him scraps. Scratching his head, she feared she’d made a friend for life. She stretched out like Ian and stared up at the sky. It had turned dark and stars twinkled overhead. Crickets began their nightly chorus from the trees.

After a while Ian said, “How about dessert?”

“Did you bring that, too?”

“No, we could go to Abbott’s for ice cream. You can ride in Scalpel’s seat, can’t she, buddy? You’ll give it up for a pretty lady, won’t you?”

Once again, Scalpel barked.

At Paige’s shake of her head, Ian said, “What? You have to teach them manners, you know.”

She laughed.

“So, ice cream?”

“Hmm, I don’t think so, Ian.”

“Aw, come on, live a little.”

The dog began to whimper, almost as if he was begging.

Paige laughed again. She realized she was enjoying them both.

But...

“You’re scowling, woman. Don’t you like creamy, sinfully rich chocolate ice cream? Or better yet, black raspberry?”

She loved chocolate. But...

“Come on, Paige, this was fun. You don’t have enough fun in your life.”

“Ian, you have no way of knowing something like that.”

“Well, have some tonight. Come on. Let me spoil you.”

Paige drew in a breath. She didn’t like the sound of that. She valued her independence and didn’t need men to spoil her. Particularly sexy men with dictatorial tendencies. Ian was the type who’d take over her world if she let him. Paige preferred less-aggressive men. “I don’t think so, Ian. I’m tired.” She glanced at her watch. “It’s almost midnight.”

“And Cinderella doesn’t want the prince to take her in his chariot for a little ice cream?”

“No, but thanks.”

“All right, I won’t press my luck.” He stood. “Until the next time.”

“Ian, don’t misunderstand tonight. This isn’t the start of something.”

He leaned over, and she was afraid he was going to kiss her. Instead, he ran a finger down her cheek. Just a light caress, but it made her insides quiver. “We’ll see, Ms. Cool and Cautious.” He straightened. “Say good night, Scalpel.”

The dog, of course, barked on cue, and nuzzled her hand.

Then she watched them both disappear out the gate and into the starlit darkness.

“GOOD MORNING.” Ian flashed a smile from his seat at the small conference table where he waited for his meeting with Paige to begin.

“Good morning.” Paige hadn’t seen him since Thursday, when he’d come to visit—unexpected and uninvited. Today was Monday—their first day at the Center.

“How are you?”

She took a seat one down from him. “I’m fine.”

He eyed the navy-blue sundress underneath her lab coat. “You look good.” He studied her face. “Rested,” he added as if he deserved credit for it.

“Thanks.” Despite the fact that Ian and his almost-human dog had unnerved her, she had slept better. And she felt more at ease about working with him after that evening they’d spent together. “So, how do we proceed today?”

“I’m fine, Paige, thanks for asking.”

She looked directly at him. Today he wore a cocoa-brown silk T-shirt and dress pants of the same color. A leather-strapped watch wrapped around his wrist, and a gold chain peeked out from the neck of his shirt. “How are you today, Dr. Chandler?”

“Just fine. Scalpel sends his regards.”

She laughed. She couldn’t help herself. “Now can we talk business?”

“Of course.” He picked up a sheet of paper and scanned it. “All the patients have been cleared financially.”

She frowned. “Don’t you hate it that they have to reveal their financial circumstances to get treatment?”

“Yeah, I do,” he replied seriously. “But most of them get welfare when they need it.” He shrugged and handed her a file. “We’re meeting with this patient in a few minutes.”

“Do you do the clearance, too?”

“No, some of the grant money we get from the federal government is earmarked for a part-time office manager to do that.”

Paige opened the folder. “Mary Ellen Barone.”

“Yes. She’s due in about two months. Nora Nolan’s bringing her in from Serenity House.”

Careful to keep her face blank, Paige read the file. “She’s having twins.”

“Uh-huh. A boy and a girl.”

“Hmm. A ready-made family.”

From the corner of her eye, she saw Ian lean back in his chair. “You want kids someday, Paige?”

“Maybe someday.”

“Any man in the picture? I thought about watching my back after I left your house the other night.”

She looked at him. He was sprawled in the chair, arms folded over his chest, staring at her. Smiling. Flirting.

“There’s no man in the picture right now, so you can sleep easy.” Her dry tone changed. “I told you not to misunderstand that evening, Ian. I don’t mix business with pleasure.”

“Pleasure,” he whispered. One hand curled briefly as if he wanted to touch something. Her?

There was a knock on the open door. Nora stepped in with a dark-haired, very pregnant girl of about seventeen. “Hi, we’re here. The nurse told us to come on back.” Nora smiled. The girl did, too, shyly. Nora said, “Mary Ellen, this is Dr. Kendrick. And of course, Dr. Chandler’s been treating you throughout your pregnancy.”

Paige hadn’t known that. Did he work directly with Serenity House? she wondered. “Hi, Mary Ellen.”

“Come in and sit down.” Ian stood and pulled out chairs for the two women.

Nora and Mary Ellen came farther into the room. The girl was about Paige’s height, and the advanced pregnancy made her waddle. For a moment Paige remembered the strange sensation of being off balance, of feeling that basketball in front take over. Briefly her hand dropped to her stomach.

Mary Ellen sat. Nora squeezed Paige’s shoulder—a gesture of support—and flanked the girl. Ian smiled at them and took a seat on the other side of the table. “How are you feeling today, Mary Ellen?”

“Like a hippo. I can’t believe I still have two more months to go.”

“Hmm. Only a hippo, huh? Wait till you hit the elephant stage.”

The girl laughed. For the first time, Paige wondered what it would be like to have a gynecologist like Ian.

“I’ll want to do another ultrasound today. But since twins often come early, I thought we’d go through a few things about the labor and the birth, and then you can ask Dr. Kendrick any questions you have about the babies.”

Mary Ellen beamed, making her plain features glow. “I’m so excited.”

“Good. Have you arranged to attend the childbirth classes I told you about?”

Glancing gratefully at Nora, Mary Ellen nodded. “Uh-huh. Nora’s going with me to them.”

Breathe, Paige. That’s it. In and out slowly...

A frown marred Ian’s handsome brow. “I thought your mother was going to be your coach.”

“Um, she can’t.”

“Are you still planning to go home and live with her after the babies are born?”

A proud expression lit the girl’s face. “Yes. Mom’s getting the room ready now.”

Your father and I will clear out the back room, Paige. Daddy will paint it yellow and I’ll sew some curtains.

“When will you be leaving Serenity House?” Ian shot a look at Nora—a concerned one this time.

“As soon as the babies are born. My mom can’t take care of me now.”

Ian’s jaw tightened. Paige wondered what was going on.

“All right. Let’s talk about getting these babies here first, then Dr. Kendrick can fill you in on what to expect of a newborn.”

Do you ever think about her?

Mary Ellen had some questions about epidurals and C-sections, and the dangers associated with having twins. Ian assured her that all her ultrasounds looked good, but if there were problems, he’d be right there to handle them. And he’d delivered several sets of twins, so he was experienced. In fact, he told her, as Paige had told Kari Linstrom, even if he wasn’t on duty when she went into labor, she could have him paged and he’d come in to deliver.

After about half an hour, Ian stood. “I’ll have the nurse show you to the examining room.” He called Cindy Black—one of the part-time nurses—who came and ushered the girl away. Ian closed the door and leaned against it, his big shoulders stiff. “What’s going on, Nora?”

Nora sighed. “Her mother drinks. I didn’t think she could be counted on to get Mary Ellen to the hospital when the time came, so I convinced her to let Mary Ellen stay at Serenity House until the babies are born.”

“I see. Are you sure she’s got a place to go afterward?”

I’m only here for a few months, Nora. As soon as my mom and dad get out of rehab, Jade and I can go home.

“Her mother says she wants her back.”

We want both you and Jade back, darling. This arrangement is just temporary
.

Nora’s face showed exasperation. “No, I’m not sure. But I have no say in this, Ian.”

Paige straightened. “What do you think’s going on?”

“I think Lena Barone plans to use the government assistance Mary Ellen will get for her kids to buy booze.” Nora’s voice was scathing. “She’s got this live-in boyfriend, and there are indications that he put the idea into her head.”

Ian swore. “Sorry, ladies. This just galls me.”

Paige said, “Isn’t there
something
you can do about it, Nora?”

“No. Mary Ellen wants her mother.”

I want my mother. Please, I want my mother
.

Paige’s stomach churned. “It’s not right.”

Ian stood. “I have to go.” He squeezed Nora’s shoulder. “We’ll take good care of her here, Nora.”

When Ian left, Paige stared down at Mary Ellen’s chart, but saw, instead, the face of another young, trusting girl.

“This situation hits pretty close to home, doesn’t it.”

She looked up at Nora. “I don’t want to talk about it.

“All right. But let me say one thing. I’m worried about you working here. This kind of parallel is bound to happen a lot, Paige.”

“I’m not seventeen anymore, Nora. I have control of my life and my emotions. I’ll be fine dealing with girls like Mary Ellen.”

“I still can’t figure why you’re here.”

She gave Nora a sideways glance. “Did you ever try to change Ian Chandler’s mind about anything?”

Nora laughed. “I see what you mean. But it’s unlike you to let a man bulldoze you.”

“I really didn’t stand a chance against Dr. I’ll Get My Way Or Else.”

“Still, I don’t like it, Paige. I know you don’t want to be confronted with your past.”

Paige fiddled with the folder and changed the subject. “Is everybody coming for your wedding?”

She rarely asked about the other girls. She didn’t want to know what had happened to them after they left Serenity House.

“Dan heard from Anabelle. She’s going to make it.”

“Where is she?”

“In Seattle.” Nora cocked her head. “You want to know?”

“Sure.” Paige tried to smile.

“She’s a cop.”

“Like Dan?” Paige knew there had been a special bond between those two, though she never knew all the details. “How nice.”

“Have you spoken with Jade?”

“I caught her on her way out last week. She got your invitation. She said she’d get back to me, but she hasn’t yet.”

“Feeling bad about losing touch with her?”

“No,” Paige lied. “I hope she comes home, though, so we can straighten this whole thing out.”

There was a knock on the door. “Come in,” Paige called, grateful for the interruption. Cindy entered. Always businesslike, the tall, slender nurse was also warm and friendly. “Paige, Ian wants you to join him in the examining room.”

“Sure.” She stood. “Don’t worry about me, Nora. I’m okay.”

“I’ll always worry about you, sweetie.”

Not liking the ominous reply, Paige headed out to join Ian.

o0o

IAN WAS BONE-WEARY as he made his way to his office at the end of the Center’s first day. He’d delivered a robust ten-pound boy at noon and had been on the run ever since.

Elliot Emerson and Carol Camp were standing outside Elliot’s door when Ian reached it. Elliot said, “We’re going for a drink at Rascal’s to celebrate the opening. Marcus is joining us. Want to come?”

“Yeah, sure. I’ll have to run home and let the dog out, but I can be there. What time?”

“Six.”

He glanced at his watch and reached for the door handle to his own office. “Did you invite Paige?”

“Of course.” Elliot’s eyes showed...interest. “She said no. We couldn’t budge her.”

Hmm. Sounded like a challenge to Ian. He could still see her last week filling out her little black swimsuit in all the right places, sipping the merlot, petting his dog. She’d withdrawn at the end of the evening, but he’d made progress. Twisting the knob, he opened the door to his office.

She was on the phone. Pivoting around in her chair, she looked annoyed to see him.

“I can leave,” he mouthed.

“No, that’s okay. It’s just an answer... Hi, Jade, it’s me again. For the fourth time. Please call me back. I’m on my way home. I’ll be there all night.” She hung up with a bang.

Ian cocked his head. “Jade, as in your sister?”

“Yep.”

“Not returning your calls?”

“Nope.”

“Wanna talk about it?”

She shook her head. “Nope.”

He crossed to his desk, which was on the opposite side of the room. Casually he set down his clipboard and edged a hip onto the surface. “The gang’s going to Rascal’s for a drink. Come with us.”

“No, thanks.”

“Paige, it won’t hurt to socialize once in a while.”

“Go run somebody else’s life, Ian.” She swiveled around so she wasn’t facing him.

“We had fun the other night when you let your guard down.”

“It was nice. But I told you not to count on a repeat.”