CHAPTER NINE

Kaitlyn and Mr. Brady walked down a brightly lit corridor in the medical center basement. He had driven her from school to help her get enrolled in her volunteer activity. They came to a door labeled Volunteer Coordination Services and entered an office suite.

The receptionist sprang up and greeted him like an old friend, giving him a hug. “So you’ve brought us a new recruit.”

“Yes, indeed, Martha. This is Kaitlyn Andersen. Cassandra is expecting us.”

“She’ll be back from a meeting any minute. Why don’t you go wait in her office?”

They had barely taken seats when a pretty middle-aged lady strode in and likewise greeted Mr. Brady warmly. Cassandra Simpson wore a string of pearls around her neck and a lot of lipstick. “And you must be Kaitlyn, Dr. Forester’s niece.” She shook Kaitlyn’s hand. “Welcome. We always need the help.”

“Kaitlyn had a study hall this period, then lunch,” Mr. Brady said. “I thought we’d get the ball rolling.”

“Excellent. I took the liberty of calling Dr. Forester’s office so we can get a permission signed. How’s everything with you, Jim? I hear you’re thinking of retiring next year.” As they continued talking, Kaitlyn studied Cassandra’s office. There was a Boston fern like Aunt Zoë had, but not as healthy looking. Watering plants was one of the chores Zoë had given her. She never needed to worry about forgetting because Julia would bring her the watering can and ask to pour the water herself, which half the time she ended up spilling. Julia was easily distracted. She’d get excited if a fly landed on a leaf. Oh look! She was going to miss Julia. Having a kid-sister type around made you feel older.

“Kaitlyn, when would you like to start?” Cassandra said, interrupting her thoughts.

“I don’t know. Maybe the day after tomorrow?”

“That would work on our end,” Mr. Brady said. “That’s Friday and they have a teachers’ workday.”

“What will I actually be doing?” Kaitlyn asked.

Cassandra described things like helping at the reception desk, transporting patients, delivering supplies, assisting the nurses, carrying flowers up to rooms, making coffee for families, helping in the medical library, and so on.

“Will I go into the operating room?”

“Would you like that?”

“Sure.”

“We might be able to arrange that. Are you interested in medicine, Kaitlyn?”

“Sort of.”

“Any particular specialty?”

She’d never thought of this before and said the first things that came to mind. “Pediatrics and psychiatry.”

“Well, maybe you’ll go to medical school here someday like your uncle.”

“She’s definitely got the brains for it,” said Mr. Brady.

Kaitlyn felt a surge of irritation. She wished Mr. Brady would stop being so positive. She’d be lucky if she got into a community college somewhere. Suddenly, a knock came from Cassandra’s door.

“What is it?” Cassandra called.

The door opened and there stood a tall, skinny young man wearing a dark suit. His head was shaved except for the back part, which was pulled into a bun. It looked like he had a wing tattoo on his neck. That was bold.

“A little busy here, Tré,” said Cassandra. “Can I help you?”

“Hi, Ms. Simpson. Sorry to interrupt. Martha called the office and said the dean’s niece was here, so I thought I’d stop by and say hello. You must be Kaitlyn. And—my lord—Mr. Brady! I didn’t know you were here too. Remember me?”

“Well, if it isn’t Tré Tannino. Look what the cat dragged in. I didn’t know you were working here.”

“Yes, sir. Five years this June. I’m Dr. Forester’s administrative assistant and working on my MBA. I bet you thought I’d be in jail by now.”

Mr. Brady laughed and denied that was the case.

Tré shook Kaitlyn’s hand. “Nice to meet you,” he said. “Welcome. I’ll look forward to seeing you around. Maybe we can do lunch sometime.” Then he shook Mr. Brady’s hand again, repeated an apology to Cassandra, and was gone.

“Wow,” said Brady. “That made my day.”