“So you’re really going through with this?”
“What? Are you serious?”
Amber can’t believe what she’s hearing. Jess was the one who found this job. She was the one who applied for her.
“You’re really going to ask me that now? Are you trying to get me to freak out? Cause I will! I’ll freak out and call this off right now!”
Amber can feel her heart rate quickening. Her hands moisten and she drops her suitcase on the airport floor. The panic is hiding just below the surface. One wrong word, one wrong thought, and she could collapse. Flying off to a foreign country to work for a man who she has never spoken to, is crazy. It may not be for everyone, but for her, it’s the craziest thing she’s ever done. Prior to this, the craziest thing she had ever done was wear a costume to the hospital for Halloween. She was so nervous, she ended up dressing up as a World War II nurse, just in case Jess was lying about other people dressing up too. That way, she would at least still be dressed as a nurse, even if from the wrong century.
“No, no, no. Calm down. I’m just impressed. Honest to god, when I applied for you, I never thought you would do it.”
“What! Should I not be doing it? I should never have signed that contract. I had the lawyer at the hospital look into it, but he seemed a little off. Oh geez this was a terrible decision, wasn’t it? Is this really crazy?”
Amber glances up at the bag check sign. Costa Rica is written in bold digital letters below the airline company.
“Hell yeah it is! That’s why it’s so awesome you’re doing it. You’re a great nurse. A natural people person. And most of all, you deserve this. It’s going to be wonderful.”
“But I—”
“Will be brilliant.”
“But I—”
“Will blow them all away.”
“But I—”
“No more buts! You just—”
“Am trying to tell you that I think I forgot my swimsuit.”
“Oh…no problem. Just grab something when you get there. I’m sure Costa Rica is crawling with bikinis.”
Amber’s face reddens and her eyes drop to the floor.
“I didn’t want to tell you this, but I wasn’t going to pack my bikini.”
“Then what swimsuit—Oh god! Not that hideous 1950’s lifeguard looking thing you have. Why would you possibly take that?”
“It seemed more professional. This isn’t a vacation, remember? It’s a job. I’m a nurse, not a co-ed on spring break.”
“You act like you haven’t been both those at the same time before,” Jess says with a smirk and a wink.
The memories, or lack thereof, come flooding back to Amber. The trip was the last real vacation she’s had, and it was one she would never repeat. Mexico for spring break sounds great, but the movies never show the day after. It’s nothing but pain and shame.
Amber is called up to the desk. She shows her ticket, drops her bag, and continues on with Jess toward security.
“Well, that’s not what this is. I’m simply going on a business trip.”
“That’s right. All business, no fun. Make sure you don’t let that old rich guy pressure you into actually enjoying paradise. That rat bastard will probably want you to eat good food, go out into the sun, and swim with dolphins. Evil I tell ya! Evil!”
“Ha ha, I’ll try to enjoy the trip. I’m just trying to remind myself that it’s work first. This guy meets with a doctor every week, that’s why he needs someone with him on the trip. I’m just a bit nervous because I’m not a doctor. I hope I can do everything the man needs…and that he doesn’t hate me.”
“You’ll do great. You’re the most likable person in the whole hospital. And easily the second best nurse we have, behind yours truly.”
“Second best huh? Is that why Dr. Pearlman asked me to assist with his surgery last week instead of you?”
“No, that’s because his wife came by for lunch and saw us talking.”
“And…” Amber prods, knowing there’s more.
“And I may have laughed and touched his arm one too many times.”
There it is, Amber thinks.
“But the man is cute, and flirting is harmless. These wives just think everyone is out to steal their husbands.”
“Not everyone. Just smokin’ hot nurses who laugh at all their husband’s stupid dad jokes and find any excuse to touch them.”
“So…just me then?”
“Yeah, come to think of it. None of the wives hate me.”
“Okay, you can leave now little Miss Goody-Good.”
Amber realizes they’re now stopped in front of the security line. Jess can’t go any further with her. After this, she’ll be completely on her own. She squeals and pulls Jess into a bear hug.
“Thank you. I could never have done this without you.”
Jess returns the long, caring hug.
“Sure you could. You’re braver than you know.”
There’s a moment of silence while they continue their embrace. No more needs to be said. It’s just the warmth and love of two close friends. They part, both on the precipice of tears.
“Now git girl!” Jess yells, embarrassing Amber one last time as she walks toward the security checkpoint.
As she hands over her passport and ticket, she looks over her shoulder.
“Thank you,” she mouths and Jess smiles, knowing her friend is going to have the adventure she has always wanted.