Edith Thorne stepped out of Rampart Medical Center's cafeteria and walked to the sunny outdoor eating area. She took a seat at an empty table, said grace, and took a bite of her sandwich. Head nurse Dixie McCall soon emerged from the cafeteria as well and joined her.
"Hi, Edith. How's the first day on the job?" Dixie picked up her fork and speared a red cherry tomato off the top of her salad.
Edith, a pretty woman of thirty-four, smiled. "It's been good, Dixie. I like the staff here at Rampart." She took a bite of her sandwich.
The nurse smiled. "We haven't scared you off yet?"
Edith laughed as Dixie grinned.
Doctors Kelly Brackett and Joe Early soon appeared from the cafeteria with their trays.
"I heard we're getting a new doctor and some new nurses this week," Joe said to Kelly. He saw Dixie waving them over and stopped. "Why don't we go sit with Dixie and her friend, Kel?"
Dr. Brackett noticed Dixie sitting with a pretty brunette. "Sure, Joe. Maybe she can introduce us to that new nurse."
The two men approached the small table.
"May we join you?" asked Joe.
"Certainly," Dixie replied, scooting over to make more room as the two doctors sat.
"Looks like it's turkey again," remarked Brackett as he inspected his sandwich.
Dixie smiled. "Joe, Kel, I'd like you to meet a new friend of mine." She motioned to Edith. "This is Edith Thorne."
Joe held out a hand. "Joe Early."
She shook his hand. "Hi."
Brackett did the same. "Kelly Brackett. Are you a new nurse?"
Edith laughed pleasantly. "Oh no, Dr. Brackett! I'm the new doctor, Edith Thorne, M.D.F.A.C.S."