It's Friday again!

I hope you’ve had a good week. Today I have another romantic short story for your reading pleasure. Enjoy!

The Hospital Encounter

Erin paused outside Room 312, dreading another encounter with her stubborn patient. If Mr. Kowalski threw his jello against the wall one more time…

Taking a deep breath, she pushed at the door, leaving it propped open. “Time to take your blood pressure, Mr. Kowalski.” She smiled at the elderly man in the hospital bed.  

         “My blood pressure? Again?” His droopy mustache moved with each syllable. “Everyone’s always bothering me. How am I supposed to get well if I can’t rest?”

         Erin sighed. All the nurses wished this man would get well. “We’re trying to help you. Pneumonia is a very serious—”

         “Don’t tell me! I can feel the pain in my chest.” He sat up. “I’m leaving.”

         Alarmed, Erin placed her hand on his shoulder. “Mr. Kowalski! You can’t get up.”

         “Of course I can!” He swung his legs out from under the sheet, the thin hospital gown inching up his knees. “I’m going home!”

         But as his feet touched the floor, he doubled over, coughing. Erin jabbed the call button for the nurse’s station, then grabbed him around the waist as he continued hacking.

         “Need some help?”

         That was fast.

At the sound of the baritone voice Erin glanced toward the door, expecting to see an orderly or male nurse. Instead, a handsome man dressed in jeans and a polo shirt stood in the doorway, holding an open wallet in his hand.  

         Mr. Kowalski stopped coughing and leaned weakly against Erin.

She nodded toward the bed. “I could use your help.”

The man strode into the room. “Now, sir.” He grabbed Mr. Kowalski under the arms, and Erin felt the older man’s weight lift away. “Let’s get you back in bed.”

Erin pulled the sheet up, concerned about her patient. Leaning back against the pillow, Mr. Kowalski closed his eyes. After a moment he was breathing evenly.

She motioned the helpful man out into the hallway. “Thanks so much. Mr. Kowalski should be okay now.”

Veronica, another nurse, joined them. “Did you press the call button?”

“It’s all taken care of.” Erin glanced up at the man. “Thanks to this guy.”

“The name’s Chad. I was walking by and heard the commotion.” He motioned down the hall. “My grandmother is in Room 304.”

Erin’s eyes widened. “Lydia Cartwright? She’s such a sweet woman and has so many visitors. You must have a close-knit family.”

“We do.” His paused. “I’m planning to visit Grandma tomorrow. If you have any more trouble with your patient, I’m your knight in shining armor.” He grinned before he turned to go.

Erin’s heartbeat fluttered as she watched him walk down the hallway and out the door.

Veronica smiled. “Looks promising. You’ll have to ask Lydia about her grandson.”

Later, as Erin peeked into Mr. Kowalski’s room, something on the edge of the bed caught her eye. A wallet. Opening it, she glanced at Chad’s picture on his driver’s license. Chad Edward Hoffman. The license listed an address but no phone number.

And tomorrow was his birthday.

Walking down to Room 304, she entered Lydia’s room. The bedside table held a cheery bouquet of flowers in a basket. She glanced at the card, written in neat masculine printing. Get well quick, Grandma! With all my love, Chad.

Erin’s heart melted.

Lydia opened her eyes. “Oh, hello.” Her smile was weak. “Time for my medicine again?”

“Not yet.” Erin held up the wallet. “Your grandson left this here. I need to call him but his phone number isn’t on his driver’s license.”

The woman frowned. “Chad’s number is on my cell phone. Look in my purse.”

At Lydia’s direction, Erin found the phone and called Chad. Her heartbeat quickened when his baritone voice filled her ear.

“My wallet?” He paused. “Hey, you’re right—it’s gone. Whew! Thanks for finding it.”

Twenty minutes later, Chad stood beside his grandmother’s bed, the wallet in his hand. “Thanks again, Erin. I’m glad you recovered this. I should give you a reward for returning it.”

“No, no.” She laughed as she held up her hand. “You helped me with Mr. Kowalski. That’s all the reward I need.”

Lydia cleared her throat. “Here’s an idea, Chad. Why don’t you reward this sweet nurse by taking her out to lunch tomorrow?” She raised an eyebrow. “And she could help you celebrate your birthday.” Lydia turned to Erin. “What do you say, dear?”

“Sure.” Erin glanced shyly at Chad. “If it’s okay with him.”

“More than okay.” Chad’s eyes held hers. “I won’t turn down lunch with a pretty woman. Just don’t tell anyone it’s my birthday.” He winked. “I don’t want all the waiters to gather around and sing.”

Erin grinned, looking forward to tomorrow when she could spend her lunch hour with Chad Hoffman. “Your secret’s safe with me.”

And to think she owed it all to that stubborn Mr. Kowalski.

* * *

Until next Friday, may the Lord bless you!