Waves of Change (World Above Water, Book 1) Read Free Page B

off two layers of gloves on her hands was one of the last tasks before she could head back to her office. As she approached the row of deep stainless steel sinks, she thought over the case she’d just finished. That was pretty close. She bumped a lever beneath the large basin in front of her with her knee and placed her hands into the stream of water activated by the action. She stared ahead at the pale green subway tiles on the wall and scrubbed away the light dusting of powder left behind from the gloves. Thank you, inventors of Gore-Tex. ASD repairs wouldn’t be the same without you. Thoughts of super materials and op notes swirled in her head until a familiar voice called out above the sound of the water as it splashed against the metal.
    “There she is. Great work on that case.”
    “Were you watching?” Alicia turned to regard Dr. Thomas Bergen, hospital director.
    “I certainly was. Your skills are as sharp as ever.” The older doctor spoke with a twinkle in his eye, a look she’d seen in her father’s eyes many times before.
    “Thanks, but we were lucky they arrived when they did.” Alicia shut off the water and grabbed a few paper towels. She turned to face the doctor as she dried her hands, leaning against one of the sink dividers while he spoke.
    “Don’t be so modest, Dr. Lewis. You do great work, and you help a lot of people. We are proud to have you on staff.”
    She knew Dr. Bergen was trying to be nice, but she had already resigned herself to a specific fact in this case. Timing was everything. She shook her head as she tossed the used towels into the nearby wastebasket before she returned her gaze to his. “If their plane hadn’t made it in time, the outcome could have been completely different.”
    “If they had a different surgeon, the outcome would have been different.” He crossed the room to stand next to her and gave his own head shake. “Just take the compliment.” The words were spoken through a chuckle as he gave the side of her upper arm a gentle pat.
    Dr. Bergen had a contagious laugh, and when she heard it, Alicia couldn’t help but join in. Dr. Bergen was more than her boss. Even though he was over forty years older, he was a friend, and they both shared a love of making a difference and saving lives. These thoughts filtered into her consciousness as their laughter died down. As she studied his face, she watched his light expression fade, to be replaced by eyes framed by furrowed brows and narrowed lids. She didn’t have a reference for the change in his expression, and she tilted her head and raised a brow as she watched him. “Is there something wrong, Doctor?”
    “You’re exhausted; get some rest. Real rest this time, not staying here for thirty-six hours reading charts and doing rounds after working a fourteen-hour shift.”
    His laughter returned, and with it she felt a measure of relief. “Fine, Dr. Dad. I’m going. You do know my father is alive and well? His name is John, and he is more than happy to nag me about my work hours, so you don’t have to.”
    Another clap on her arm was his parting gesture, and he chuckled to himself as he left.
    Alicia crossed the room with a smile and retrieved her lab coat from her locker while thoughts of getting through paperwork danced in her head. As soon as she slipped her arms into the long sleeves, her mobile phone rang inside her pocket. “Dr. Lewis.”
    * * * *
    Daniel stood under the spray of his shower and attempted to wash away the workday. As he rinsed the last of the shampoo from his hair, his thoughts traveled back to Alicia, and a large smile spread his lips. The memory of the surprise on her face when her friend blotted her cleavage forced a laugh from his throat, and feelings of excitement returned in an instant. She’s shy. That’s so adorable.
    It had felt like an eternity before she turned back to face him while he knelt next to her, and when she did, it took all of his willpower to remain calm. Visions of