Chapter 17
Patrick stormed up to the nurse's station and threw the chart down in front of Elizabeth. "I thought I made it clear that I wanted my patient's vitals checked every hour on the hour – why are my orders being ignored?"
Elizabeth rolled her eyes and calmly took the chart. She reviewed the notes and shook her head. "Doctor, we are following the notes you made yourself on the chart and they state that the patient's vitals are to be taken every other hour on the hour."
He grabbed the chart and reviewed his notes, feeling incredibly stupid. He had spent all day yesterday trying to get Robin to talk to him but she refused to answer his calls or texts. "I apologize." His apology was short but sincere. "Please continue doing what I originally noted."
"Yes doctor." Liz took the chart back from him and filed it away. "Just talk to her Patrick – help her understand why you did it."
Patrick shook his head. "I have been trying to but she won't even talk to me. I know she starts her shift in ten…"
"Dr. Soltini won't be in today." Epiphany walked over to the nurse's station.
"Why?" Patrick's anger turned to worry instantly.
Michelle, who followed Epiphany up to the desk, answered. "Because she is helping me out. Rylee has strep throat and mom didn't want me to miss my first day here with Nurse Johnson." As part of the nursing program she was shadowing the head nurse.
"Of course she didn't." It was typical Robin – think of others before herself.
Michelle took a chance and smiled at Epiphany – the nurse had a soft spot for her mom and daughter. "Might I speak to Dr. Drake for a moment in private?"
"If it will stop him from barking at my nurses, go for it." Epiphany began reviewing charts to see if there were any changes in medicines or treatments her patients needed while Michelle dealt with the cantankerous doctor.
"Thanks Nurse Johnson." Michelle led Patrick over to the couches and sat down with him. "We need to talk – she is furious with you."
"I know but…"
"Do you even understand why she is so mad?" Michelle and her mother had talked while waiting to get Rylee seen at the clinic yesterday and then again at home so she understood exactly where Robin was coming from.
"Look, Jason is…"
"Jason Morgan is her past and she would never get involved with him again for many reasons but that doesn't mean she can't treat him. She prides herself on remaining objective and being a great doctor no matter who the patient is." Michelle was trying to get Patrick to understand so he could mend his relationship with her mom.
"But what he did to her…" Patrick was trying to defend his decision but Michelle quickly cut him off.
"Was years ago – she has made her peace with it." She shook her head. "You need to understand that my mom is a strong, independent woman who has been making decisions for herself for years. You treated her like a first year intern, not a staff doctor who has been practicing medicine for years."
He flopped back on the couch. "Can I fix this?"
"Yes but you need to make her understand that you were never doubting her abilities or judgement."
"I would never do that." Patrick was offended that Michelle even thought that was possible.
"I know you wouldn't but that is what mom thinks you did." Michelle stood up. "Look, I have to get back to Epiphany but mom is waiting for me to bring Jason's file home with me. Maybe you could take it to her along with some lunch?" She pulled her keychain out of her pocket and took a key off it. "We keep the door locked – just make sure you leave it on the table by the door before you leave."
Patrick took the key and hugged the young woman. "Thank you Michelle."
She hugged him back. "I want her to find someone to spend the rest of her life with, to be there for her no matter what, and I think you might be that man. Don't prove me wrong."
Patrick let out a small laugh. "That sounds almost like a threat."
"Just remember that my mom is an excellent shot and my grandmother has taught me some of her best moves. You hurt my mom and you will find out just how good a student I was for both of them." Michelle let her words sink in as she headed back to the nurse's station.
Patrick stared at the key in his hand and sighed. He didn't have any surgeries scheduled for the day and the only consults he had could wait until tomorrow. He walked back over to the nurse's station. "Liz, please clear my schedule for the day – I have a house call to make."
Patrick quietly unlocked the door and walked into the house quietly. "Robin?"
There was no response so he set the bag of food on the floor and file folder containing Jason's medical records on the table. He softly shut the door and walked into the living room. He heard the soft sounds coming from the television of Joy, Anger, Sadness, Fear and Disgust – they were watching Inside Out again.
"Robin?" He was trying to announce himself without scaring her or Rylee. He walked into the living room and saw why neither one of them was responding to him – they were passed out cold on the sofa. He walked over and took in the sight for a moment before he gently laid a blanket over their sleeping bodies.
Patrick started to walk out of the room when he heard a small voice say his name. "Uncle Patrick?"
"Hey little one." Patrick turned around and was by Rylee's side in a flash. "How are you feeling?"
She pouted at him with big, brown eyes. "Throat hurts."
"I know." He knelt down and the little girl slid off the couch and into his arms. "What would you say to some mint chocolate chip ice cream?"
Rylee nodded her head. "Thank you."
"Okay, I have a bag by the front door with a big carton of ice cream just for you and some burgers for me and grandma. Want to help me get them?"
Rylee slid out of his embrace and ran to the front door. "Let's go."
"Be right there baby girl." He turned around and covered Robin with the blanket. "Get some rest Soltini – I need you healthy if we are going to work together on Jason's case."
"Uncle Patrick I need help." The little girl was dragging the bag down the hall.
Patrick smiled at the sight before walking over and picking her and the food up. "Let's go into the kitchen and see if we can figure out where grandma hides the Sprite."
