“As I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted, your first clinical in the ER might be somewhat overwhelming. That’s to be expected. However, over time you will learn the ropes, find your stride, and realize that it isn’t some big scary place that will swallow you alive.”  Dr. Tommy—I refused to call him Dr. Bones anymore—continued.

I started doodling on my paper, drawing curls and swirls around mine and Tallulah’s names.

I’d just made a fourth star when a large tanned hand came and snatched the pen out of my hand.

“I can see now why your pen ran out of ink.” Dr. Tommy stared down at me with barely restrained impatience.

My face flushed.

If it were possible to sink into the floor in completely embarrassment, I would’ve done it. Right then and there.

Jesus Christ.

“I think you should see me after class.” He murmured.

My brows furrowed.

I hadn’t done anything wrong.

Looking over to Hadley, she returned a sympathetic smile before turning her head down to her own work.

“Okay.” I finally said.  “I’ll see you after class.”

He nodded once, but kept his pen.

Irrational anger followed me throughout the rest of class, and by the time that it ended, I was beside myself.

“Do you want me to wait?”  Hadley asked.

I shook my head.

“No.” I snapped.  “I have to go to work after this anyway.  I just hope he doesn’t make me late.”

Hadley packed her book into her bag, gave me a worried look, and then left without another word.

I stayed in my seat once my bag was packed, waiting to see what Dr. McAsshole had to say.

Once the last person escaped, he stopped erasing the board, (and yes, I was admiring his ass if you were wondering) he turned and crossed his thick, muscular arms over his chest.

“The other teachers give you glowing recommendations.”  He started saying.

I licked my lips.

“Uh, thank you?”

I didn’t know what to say, nor where he was going with this.

“I wanted you to understand that I won’t tolerate this kind of behavior when I have you in my ER.”

I blinked.

Then blinked again.

“Uhhhh,” I started to say, but he interrupted me.

“You’ll be starting on your nurse internship next week.  You’ll be there two days out of the week, twelve hour shifts, and always under me or Dr. Wild.”

I blinked some more.

“I…I got it?”  I finally was able to get out.

He nodded his head.

“Though I expect that has more to do with who your mother is than whether you are actually qualified or skilled enough to be there.”

My mouth dropped open in affront.

“Oh, I assure you that I am skilled and qualified enough to be there.” My back straightened. “Is that all?”

I could’ve sworn I saw his lips twitch at my show of anger, but no other signs were apparent.

“Yes, that’ll be all.”

I nodded and stood, throwing my bag on my shoulder and practically stomping toward the door.

He stopped me, though, the moment I was about to exit fully.

“Thank you.”

I froze, and turned.

“For what?”  I asked stiffly.

“For not running over me this morning.  Thank you for paying attention.”

I didn’t bother to answer him.

Otherwise I might’ve said that I now wished that I hadn’t been paying attention.

Mother fucker.

Who did he think he was?

My mother wouldn’t stoop so low as to get her daughter a job…would she?