Page 40 of Family Bonds- Gabriela & Luca

Considering the amount of laughter he’d had in his life in the few weeks he’d lived here, it was working.

“Things take longer, no doubt, or I can have stuff delivered to the docks and go over and get it myself on a day off. They’ve got most things I need on the island, so not a big deal. Nothing I need to rush. The place was semi-furnished and since it’s just me, it’s fine.”

He brought his couch, bar stools, which were useless since there was no place to put them, but the house came with a small table he used. His bedroom, and another room had a bed in it. There were some mismatched chairs and end tables with two lamps.

More than he needed and it worked out fine.

It wasn’t as if he was going to decorate.

It was modern enough and the best he could get on short notice. He’d decide what to do after his year lease was up.

Maybe living in Boston would be better and he could stay on the island at the hospital for those five days like Dr. Raines did.

“You always make do,” his mother said. “How is the job itself? Busy on a small island or slow?”

“In the office, I’m the only doctor on. There is a nurse practitioner with me seeing patients and a nurse’s aide. I spend about four hours doing rounds in the hospital before the office opens and then after. I’m on call those five days also. With my background, I’m helping in the ER on the weekends, then just popping up to the pediatric ward before and after, unless paged.”

“Are you okay with that? I know the ER burned you out before.”

“It’s fine. It’s a nice mix.” And something he had to do to not have it be a trigger anymore since it’s where he was when his wife died.

He could have found any number of other jobs if he wanted to be an ER doctor, but that was a no go full time.

“The job sounds good. What about what you’re doing with your time off? I worry that, with the holidays coming up you’re going to be lonely. Since you’ve got ten days off in between, are you able to fly home for either Thanksgiving or Christmas?”

He knew that would come up.

“I have to start my rotation the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Though it’s tempting, it’s the last weekend that I want to be traveling on. I’ll let you know about Christmas as we get closer.”

He could fly home but knew he wouldn’t. It was just best to say he’d let them know.

“I know that tone,” his mother said. “You want me to back off some.”

“You’re fine,” he said. “I know you care, but honestly, I’m doing great.”

“I can hear it in your voice. I really can.”

“How?” he asked, moving to the recliner and sitting. He hit the button and put his legs up.

“I don’t know. You’re almost a little happier than you’ve sounded before. I can’t explain it. I guess I worried that you’d be working yourself into exhaustion.”

“No. I’m not doing that. It’s hard to do that when I’m off. But I met a colleague. We get along well. We were at the gym together mid-week and then spent the day in Boston on Friday. So, see, I’m getting out.”

“Phew.” His mother let out a sigh followed by a laugh. “I’m so happy to hear that. That’s wonderful news. Another doctor?”

“A pediatrician in the same office,” he said. “We were both off on Wednesday and in the gym. There is only one on the island and not that far from me.”

“Wonderful. Is there a lot to do on the island? Maybe not this time of year, I’m guessing, but come the warmer months there’d be more appeal.”

“I’m finding that out little by little. We went to a great little cafe after. Awesome sandwiches and food I can get to hold me over while I’m working.”

The catering menu had promise. He didn’t care if he ate the same thing for those days. He just wanted something better than fast food since his time was limited, but somewhat healthy too.

“Perfect. I’m glad you’re getting out there. What’s his name? This way you can call him that when talking to me.”

Fuck.

He didn’t want to lie.