Lily gathered her blonde hair into a loose ponytail and secured it. “I don’t know how I’m supposed to be in two places at once, Beth. I’m mean, there’s job security and slave labor, you know? I’m scheduled on the women’s floor in an hour.”
“So Teresa just quit?”
“I just found out this morning, I’m stuck here until six PM now,” Lily said. “More overtime for me, but I’m wiped.”
“Well, don’t get too frazzled,” Beth said. “They don’t pay you enough for that.”
“Talk about frazzled, I keep forgetting things.” Lily said, checking her pockets for a pen. “So, what’s with the new guy in three oh two?”
“Adam Blackwood?” Beth shook her head. “He’s a smart ass, is what he is.”
“Cute ass,” remarked Lily. “The rest of him, too.”
“Can’t argue with you there,” Beth said with a sigh. “And he gets cuter every year. God, I’ve been working at this place way too long.”
“His eyes are two different colors. One green and one brown? I’ve never seen that before. They’re beautiful.”
“What can I say about Adam?” chuckled Beth. “He’s a handful.”
“I guess he’s been here before?”
“Adam’s been here so many times, I’ve lost count. According to Dr. Leo, he specializes in being a royal pain in the butt.”
“He doesn’t seem like a pain in the butt,” she said. “I kind of like him.”
“He keeps things interesting, for sure.” Beth rooted around in her pocket and pulled her keys out. “Don’t let your guard down around him, though. Adam has a penchant for stealing keys. And he’s as crazy as they come. Trust me, Lily.”
“He doesn’t strike me as crazy,” she insisted. “Eccentric, maybe.”
“There’s a fine line between eccentric and crazy,” Beth said. “Or so I keep telling myself.” She picked up a clipboard. “I need to do the afternoon check. I’ll probably need your help with the patient in three oh one. I can hardly wait until they send him home, talk about pain in the butt. He pissed all over his bathroom last night, just for fun. And of course, none of the cleaning staff were in sight.”
“We’re so understaffed.” Lily said dramatically. “I feel like I’m in solitary.”
“I’m sure it takes its toll on you younger people.” Beth chuckled. “Me? I come here, work, go home, and listen to Ben complain about being on disability. I’d be happy to be in solitary.”
“At least you have someone to go home to,” Lily said. “My parents keep bugging me to settle down. How am I supposed to meet anybody when I work all the time?”
“Some of the doctors are still single,” Beth said.
“Meh.”
“Dr. Leo?”
“Ew, no.” Lily made a face. “He hits on everyone. And he’s old.”
Beth raised her eyebrows suggestively. “Dr. Cassano?”
“Take a number,” she said. “I keep trying, but I don’t think he’s interested. Out of my league.”
“Don’t feel bad. Dr. Cassano is all work. He doesn’t date staff. Or anyone, from what I hear.” She got a faraway look in her eye. “I’d like to get a hold of him for just one night. I wouldn’t even ask for seconds.”
“Beth!”
“He’s like an Italian god. What’s not to lust after?” She smirked. “I’m married, not dead.”
“Adam’s probably more my type,” Lily said. “Working class kind of guy that would just throw you on the bed and—”
“Okay, stop!” Beth interrupted, laughing. “Unfortunately, Adam will probably end up at another hospital. Not this hole in the wall.”
“You think?”
“At some point, his brother has to figure out that Adam’s not going to take his medication voluntarily. Dr. Leo is just going through the motions.” Beth jingled her keys. “Speaking of, I’m off to do the deed.”
“Have fun.” Lily gave her a wave.