Chapter 24 From Below to Above
Jasper had volunteered for the night shift for Ingrid’s sake. At first, it was just gossip until a group of people saw it for themselves.
The two of them were standing outside the empty operating room at 5:00 am, exchanging playful jabs. In a single night, everyone’s attitude toward Ingrid shifted a
dagain. When she walked down the street, strangers would greet her. At first, Ingrid was nervous but soon realized that her secret with Jasper had been exposed. How far had it spread? The woman who had been trying to set her up with a boyfriend stopped her one day and said, “Why didn’t you tell me that Dr. Clifford is your boyfriend”
Ingrid Mushed deeply. “He’s not.”
The woman winked. “Is it because the hospital has a rule about not telling amone? You can tell me in private. I won’t say anything. Sorry to be so bold” Before Ingrid could explain, Xena came cushing over. The woman waved her off, urging her to get back to work
Ingrid asked, “What’s going on?”
Kena was clearly anxious and said. “Ms. Leone, I need you to help me out.”
Ingrid asked, “What is it?”
Kena was almost out of breath and said, “My aunt called just now, saying my uncle hurt his hack lifting something, and his lumbar spine got displaced.
“It’s too late to get a good doctor at a public hospital, even in the ELI was hoping to get him in at Peaceheart Hospital Could you ask Dr. Clifford if he can do the surgery?
Ingrid hesitated before responding. It wasn’t that she wasn’t close enough to Xena, but her relationship with Jaspe wasn’t precisely as people thought.
Seeing Ingrid pause, Xena quickly added. “Ms. Leone, I know Dr. Clifford is busy, but please help me out.”
She grabbed Ingrid’s hand, and Ingrid lowered her voice “No one knows, but you should know that Dr. Cliff….”
Afamiliar male voice interrupted her thoughts.
Ingrid turned around quickly. Jasper had come out of his office and was walking toward them
Xena, too shy to speak to Jasper directly, nudged Ingrid
Jasper stopped in front of Ingrid. “Do you need to tell me something?” His voice was so gentle it almost felt unreal.
Ingrid’s scalp tingled. “Xena’s relative’s lumbar spine is displaced. She wants him to have surgery here….”
Jasper turned to Xena. “Haw you talked to the department? Tell your relative to come anytime, and I’ll handle the surgery.” Xena early burst into tears with joy. “Thank you, Dr. Clifford I’ll call them right away!”
Jasper smiled. “Need to thank me, we’re all friends bere”
Nema squeezed ingrid’s hand excitedly. “Thanks, Ms. Leone! go now, but I’ll take you and Dr. Clifford out in eat sometime
With that, Xena dashed off, leaving an awkward Ingrid and a calm Jasper standing together.
At this point, Ingrid said, “Sorry to trouble you, D. Clifford,”
Jasper slipped his hands into the pockets of his white coat and said with a smirk, “How about you treat me to breakfast? I’m craving some Wales City noodles.” Ingrid nodded. “Ali ight”
Jasper didn’t make any other demand. “I’ll go get ready. You go ahead
Ingrid nodded again and watched him leave. Just as he was walking away, he suddenly turned around.
Their eyes met, and Jasper flashed a playful smile. “What are you staring at?”
Ingrid frowned, unwilling to snap back in public, and quickly turned around to walk in the opposite direction
Her back may not have eyes, but she knew Jasper was still watching her, smiling
Jasper was performing surgery upscales at 100 am.
Ingrid sat at the nurse’s station when the internal phone rang. She picked up and beard Brandon’s voice on the other end. “Come to my office.
Ingrid’s expression darkened, but he hung up and stood up the knocked, opened the door, and stood in the doorway. “Mr.Geppard, is their something you need?”
Brandon looked at her. “Are you with Jasper now?
It was late, and the condo was empty. Though no one was around, Ingrid stepped forward and closed the door behind he
