Three Sisters. Сьюзен Мэллери

      Boston shook her head. “Enjoy this last day of normal, then. I know demolition is important, but it’s hard to watch.”

      “Fortunately I’ll be gone most of the day. I’m working with Dr. Harrington temporarily. It gives me a chance to meet potential patients.”

      “He won’t mind you poaching from his practice?”

      Andi grinned. “Not at all. He’s told me he’s pleased to have a pediatrician in the area.” She glanced around and then lowered her voice. “I think he’s tired of dealing with the little kids and babies. They tend to have more emergencies. Ear infections, that sort of thing.”

      Boston nodded, even as her gaze slid away. “Right.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “Wade mentioned something about a bat. Is it gone?”

      “It seems to be.” Andi studied her neighbor. She would swear something had just happened, but she had no idea what. Before she could figure out a way to ask, the front door of the house on the other side opened and an attractive blond woman stepped out onto her porch.

      “Your other neighbor,” Boston murmured. “Deanna Phillips. She’s the one with five girls. I should probably introduce you.”

      Andi was about to agree when Deanna raised her hand to her cheek and swiped her skin. They were too far away to see actual tears, but the movement was unmistakable.

      “Another time might be better,” Andi said, turning away.

      Boston nodded, her eyebrows drawing together. “Deanna’s always so together. I can’t imagine her crying. That would require a break in her perfect facade.” She grimaced. “Sorry. That came out bitchier than I meant it to.”

      “No problem,” Andi said, realizing life on their little street might not be as calm and simple as she’d first imagined.

      Chapter Five

      MONDAY MORNING ANDI parked behind the low one-story building and got out of her car. Deep in her stomach, butterflies flew in formation. She knew that physiologically she could detail an explanation of synapses and adrenaline, along with other chemicals brought on by anticipation of a potentially uncomfortable event, but butterflies were a better visual.

      She’d dressed carefully for her first day of work. A tailored blouse tucked into black trousers. Low-heeled, comfortable shoes. She’d pulled her long, curly hair back into a braid and added a light touch of mascara. She’d debated over lip gloss, but that had seemed too fancy for a workday, so she’d settled on a clear lip balm and had called herself presentable.

      She collected her purse, medical bag and the white coat with “Dr. Andi” stenciled on the pocket. Some of her patients found the white coat intimidating, so she’d had a bright pink caterpillar embroidered on the pocket, as well. The combination of the nearly fluorescent color and purple high-heeled shoes on the bug had the desired effect. She went from scary to funny in a glance. A relaxed patient usually made for a better outcome, and Andi was all about helping her kids.

      She walked around to the main entrance and went inside.

      The waiting area had been done in a soft beige. There were plenty of sofas and chairs, lots of magazines and a view of the strip mall across the street. Typical medical office, she thought, crossing to the reception desk.

      The woman sitting there was in her mid-fifties, with flame-red hair. She was tall, even sitting down, with flashy rings on several fingers and the longest lashes Andi had ever seen. She doubted they were any more natural than her hair color. But her smile was warm and Andi remembered her being friendly.

      “Hi, Laura,” Andi said.

      The other woman looked up and then jumped to her feet. “You’re here. We’re all so excited you’re starting today. You already have appointments, if you can believe it. When word got out a pediatrician was moving to the island, we started getting calls. Families are so excited.”

      Laura motioned for her to come back. Andi walked through the door in the reception area and found herself in a long hallway.

      The medical offices had once been a sprawling private residence. Bedrooms had been converted to examination rooms and offices.

      “Everyone should be here already, so you can meet the staff. Dr. Harrington said he wanted to spend a few minutes with you before you get started.”

      Dr. Harrington ran a family practice on the island. There was an urgent-care clinic open on weekends, but otherwise residents had to go to Dr. Harrington or visit the mainland to seek medical care. Given the demographics of the place—lots of families and within a couple of hours of Seattle—Andi had seen the need for a pediatrician. Now she was going to find out if she’d been right.

      A pretty blonde with long, straight hair stepped out of one of the exam rooms. Andi recalled meeting her when she’d visited the island and had spoken with Dr. Harrington about working in the practice for a few months.

      “Nina, right?”

      The woman, in her early thirties and wearing light blue scrubs, smiled. “You remembered. Welcome, Dr. Gordon.”

      “Andi, please.”

      “Sure. Andi.”

      Laura touched Nina’s arm. “We thought it would be easier for you to have one nurse assigned to you. Nina volunteered.”

      “Ask me anything,” Nina told her. “I can tell you everything from where we keep the alcohol wipes to the best dry cleaner in town.”

      “I’m going to need both,” Andi said.

      Laura introduced her to the other nurses, then led her back to what would be her temporary office. It was a small windowless room with a desk and a computer.

      “I know it’s not much,” Nina began.

      “Not to worry,” Andi told her. “I won’t be here for very long. Anywhere to update my charts is fine.”

      “And maybe a little internet shoe shopping while on break?”

      Andi grinned. “Absolutely. So far I love everything about the island except the lack of retail.”

      “If you want a magnet in the shape of a blackberry, I can get you a great deal.”

      “Right now I don’t have a kitchen, so that will have to wait.”

      “Just let me know when you’re ready.”

      “I promise,” Andi told her.

      She dropped her purse into the bottom drawer of the metal desk, then followed Nina across the hall to Dr. Harrington’s office.

      The older man rose as she entered. “Thanks, Nina. Andi, so nice to see you again.”

      “Nice to see you, Dr. Harrington.”

      The gray-haired man shook her hand. “Ron, please.” He winked. “My father is Dr. Harrington.”

      She took the seat on the visitor side of his desk while he settled back in his chair.

      “My staff is getting you settled?” he asked.

      “They are. I even have appointments.”

      “You’ll be kept busy, that’s for sure. There’s enough work for all of us.”

      “I appreciate you letting me work here through the summer.”

      “I’m happy to have the help.” His blue eyes twinkled behind his glasses. “At least until my son joins me in September.” He leaned back in his chair and smiled. “My son, the doctor. That has a nice ring to it.”

      “Yes, it does.”

      “Did I mention Dylan graduated at the top of his class in medical school?”

      Only about fifteen times,