Chapter 9

Well I had one real patient. It wasn't too bad. No real hustle, but better than nothing at all I guessed. I was reading an interesting article in a medical magazine, when I heard Chuny sigh behind me.

-"What is it? Did someone die?"

-"No. The new surgeon is back."

-"Oh, he is back." Neela came rushing. "Hope he stays longer this time. Last time he was called back to OR right away. Wonder when he will help us out. I'm sure he is very good. Would be better than Albright."

-"Well anyone and anything would be better than Albright. This woman hates us all. How do you want to know if he is any good? Being hot doesn't mean a thing." Two pair of eyes stared at me.

-"It actually doesn't mean a thing. I'm sorry. Do we have to switch to this subject every time? Girls, let's stay focused on the new guy. See nice smile..." No not that they thought it was lame. "Nice ass, good pecs, ..." I let my breath out, when they turned to look at him again. He was talking with Weaver and they seemed to get along pretty well. Good!

-"I don't want to have Albright all the time. I mean it's not fair. She is just... she is just... impossible!"

-"Oh Neela, that has to be the understatement of the year!" I laughed.

-"She needs to get laid, if you want my opinion."

-"Frank, not really but thanks anyway." I laughed again. "We maybe should organize a blind date between her and Morris. That would be killing two birds with one stone!" Chuny and Neela were too lost in their contemplation to actually hear what I had said. Only Frank chuckled.

-"Ohoh, he is coming our way. Smile." Neela seemed completely excited and I saw Inez and Haleh making their way back to us. So everyone was getting in position. Interesting.

-"Why should we smile? You're married and I'm..." Neela just shushed me, so I sat back and readied myself for what was to come. As he walked toward us with a Hollywood smile on his lips, I had to admit that he really was very handsome. That got me a kick, I patted my belly and had to smile, well maybe not that handsome.

-"Ladies, I don't think we have been introduced yet. My name is Thomas Caldwell, but please call me Tom. I work with Dr Dubenko and he has asked me to look around, as I will be helping you out from tomorrow on." Some prayers had just been answered. And yes, their faces seemed to reflect a certain satisfaction.

-"I started here two days ago and I'm afraid I still get lost in this hospital." At that he laughed. Oh sweet, maybe we should buy him a GPS. I looked around and realized that a fan club was about to start. Good, maybe he was available and Luka would finally lose rank number one on the Top 3. Not that it bothers me, no, not at all. But still...

-"Well nice to meet you, I'm Neela Ragos..." I poked her. "I mean Neela Gallant, this is Abby Lockhart, over there Chuny Marquez, Inez Garcia and Haleh Adams. I'm afraid the others are currently busy or not in."

-"I met most of the guys, I think at least. I remember Malik, Dr Morris, Dr Pratt and your chief Dr Kovac. And of course I met Frank and Jerry. You are very lucky to have them, they are very efficient and friendly." At this Frank swaggered, flattered by the nice compliment. Yeah, he was definitely new. He probably would change his mind once he realized where the rumors started and who took most of the bets in this hospital. Poor innocent Dr Caldwell.

-"Maybe someone could give me a tour." He looked around, hopeful that one of us would oblige. I waited, but none of them seemed able to utter a single word. As the silence was becoming awkward, I decided to take matters into my hands.

-"Sorry I'll pass, I'm way too slow. All this waddling would be no fun for you. I'm sure Neela would love to..."

-"I'm sure you don't waddle, Abby. " I felt myself blush.

-"That's kind but wait until I stand up and start moving." He laughed and extended his hand to help me get up.

-"I assure you that I would follow you with pleasure. A pretty woman is always graceful in every situation." Wow, I was speechless. I felt myself redden even more and all the other girls' gazes on me.

-"Well you sure know how to talk to a woman."

-"You have this aura that comes with pregnancy, it's charming."

-"Well you know what else comes often with pregnancy?" Frank asked. As Tom moved to face him, Neela nudged me.

-"Stop hitting on him, you already have Luka. Leave him to the single ones of us." She whispered in my ear.

-"I didn't do anything. And by the way you aren't exactly single yourself."

-"I was talking about Chuny and Inez."

-"Yeah, sure! Don't forget Albright!" Well they were working together, if she really was looking for a boyfriend, why not pick this one?

-"No, Frank! I don't know." Tom finally answered.

-"A boyfriend! And hers is 6'4 and pretty jealous. I don't think you stand a chance if he catches you hitting on her." Tom paled.

-"But I wasn't... I'm sorry, this is not the way I wanted it to sound. I hope I haven't offended you."

-"No you haven't. What you said was rather sweet. I think."

-"Yeah, and totally appropriate if you have a death wish."

-"Frank!"

-"I'll show you around, Tom." Neela offered and he gladly followed her.

-"Well she is married, it's not much better."

-"Yes, but Gallant is in Iraq. What he doesn't know, can't hurt him or Caldwell."

-"And why did you say that? Are you trying to scare him? Luka is not the jealous type."

-"Really? Are we talking about the same guy? Maybe you know another Luka. You should warn him about the one I know"

-"Very funny. Oh come on! Give me one example?"

-"When he said to Clemente that it would be better for him if he stopped staring at your breasts and always trying to team up with you..."

-"And when is he supposed to have said that? That's complete nonsense." I saw Chuny smiling. Really?

-"It was two months ago. I haven't heard what was supposed to happen if he had gone on, but you have to admit that it's been a while since our little doctor's eyes have ventured south of your face and you don't seem to be on the same shifts anymore." True...

-"You can also ask Morris."

-"Morris?"

-"Someone needs me!"

-"Tell her what Kovac told you after he caught you several times ogling her."

-"I wasn't ogling, honest!" He turned to me, putting his hand on his heart. "I'm just short and those things were just getting bigger by the day." He gestured to my chest. " And this conversation with my boss remains private."

-"See? You don't want this hospital to lose one fine surgeon, do you?"

-"No, certainly not!"