FINDERS KEEPERS

"Hey Julie."

Jules looked up at her open door and smiled. "Hey Ruth. Come to say goodbye?"

"So you’re really going to do this?" Her visitor leaned against the doorframe, arms across her chest. She’d met Ruth during her initial interview with the clinic director and the two of them had become fast friends. Aside from Jacob, Ruth was the only person she felt she could trust.

"I’m not spring-cleaning," she said and shoved another box out of her way. "The plans are made and I’m fully committed."

"Funny choice of words, considering." Ruth watched as Jules taped another box. "We’re still trying to figure out how you convinced Director Thacker to let you open an office in Bay City. Most of us thought he was leaning toward New York so he could use it as a write-off when he visits you."

"All it took was a little persuasion on my part."

"Persuasion or blackmail?"

"Is there a difference?" Jules taped the last box. "That should do it. Everything is packed and ready to go."

"When do you leave?"

"Tomorrow. Jacob is meeting me at the airport and then driving me out to my new home." Jules stood and dusted her hands on her shorts. "This move has already taken too long to complete."

"It’s only May. And what’s with this ‘Jacob’ stuff? His name is CARL. Unlike you, I was actually here when he returned with his family. His FAMILY, Jules."

"Small details."

"A wife and two kids is not my idea of a detail. You know, I still don’t understand why you’re doing this Jules. He left here in perfect health, picked up his real life and moved on. If I didn’t know better, I’d swear you haven’t been completely honest with me because I have no idea why you’d follow him to the middle of nowhere."

"He needs me. Jacob needs his doctor." She turned away from her friend, unable to look her in the eye. "There’s no one who can care for him like I can."

"Oh god, I knew it. You’re in love with him. Now I know you’ve lost it. Do you know how much trouble you’d catch from Thacker if he even thought you’d been involved with your patient?"

"How dare you suggest such a thing! Jacob and I had nothing more than a doctor-patient relationship while he was here."

"The two of you were always together," Ruth countered.

"We were friends. Are friends, which isn’t what you’re being right now."

"I’m being honest. You’re holding something back, I can tell."

"It’s my life you know. Some things are too personal to share, but I can assure you I haven’t lost my mind. I now exactly what I’m doing."

"Uh-huh. Remember what happened the last time you said that. How long were you ‘away on consult’? You can fool yourself all you want Jules, but you can’t pull it on me this time."

"I am not trying to hide anything."

"Then call him Carl. That’s what his wife calls him."

Jules contemplated the challenge. He wasn’t Carl, he was the man she’d found unconscious on a beach. The man she’d saved and nursed back to health. She couldn’t call him by a name he simply wasn’t.

"I can’t," she whispered.

Ruthie hung her head in defeat. "What good will come of this? Someone is going to get hurt Jules, and I’m afraid it’ll be you."

"Hey, I’m a big girl. I didn’t make it to this age without a few aches and pains. It’s not like I’m setting out to destroy their marriage."

"Yet."

Jules ignored the unkind comment. "I care for him Ruthie. I need to be near him. You said it yourself you know. Look what happened after he left. I couldn’t function."

"You walked around like a zombie."

"Precisely. Being near him is enough. His friendship is enough."

"For now it will be. What happens when your feelings change."

"My feelings haven’t changed since the day I found him. His wife loves him, I know that. I couldn’t tear them apart if I tried."

Ruthie stared at her then sighed. "Alright, I give up. I just don’t want you getting hurt. You’re my best fiend Julie." The two women hugged. "I gotta go. My shift starts in a bit. Call me, email me, whatever. Just be careful."

Jules saw her friend to the door. "And if I need a really good OR nurse just call, right?"

"Right." With a final hug, her friend was gone. Jules knew she’d miss Ruth more than anything else she was leaving behind. She felt horrible for lying to her. Well, almost lying. While it was true she had no plans for her and Jacob, she couldn’t guarantee she wouldn’t let the opportunity pass if it presented itself. Jules looked around her bare apartment and smiled. In less than twenty-four hours she’d be in her new home with Jacob living just minutes away. It would be like they never parted.

+*+*+*+*+*+

The Next Day—Bay City

The flight had taken forever to get her to Bay City, but now that she was actually on the ground, Jules felt like she was going to be sick. Sweaty palms, dry mouth, racing heart. However, that didn’t keep her from being the second person off the plane.

In the waiting area she craned her neck for a better view. She didn’t see him. He wasn’t there. He had forgotten her.

"Doctor?"

A young blond woman approached her.

"I’m Jules Seagrave. Should I know you?"

"I’m Remy," the girl smiled. "Grandpa is waiting outside. You don’t have much with you do you? Grandpa’s already received most of it."

Jules was disappointed he’d sent this girl to greet her. "Just a couple of cases. The rest arrives tomorrow."

"Super. He wanted to come in, but we were running late and couldn’t find a parking spot close by."

"I had no idea…Carl…had a granddaughter."

"Technically I’m not, but I’ve never really had someone like him in my life. Grandpa Carl is the greatest. My Mom thinks he’s just the best. Are these yours?"

Between them they found Jules’ luggage and lugged it through the airport. Oh well, at least he hadn’t sent his wife to meet her.

+*+*+*+*+

"I know it isn’t much, but I wasn’t sure what you’d prefer."

Jules, Carl and Remy stood in the living room of her new home.

"I love it! I’d never thought of living in a cottage. It’s so quaint." She was truly impressed with what she saw. "You made the perfect choice."

"I thought it was ideally situated. The neighborhood is quiet and just a short drive from BCUH. All the necessities are close-by. A dear friend of mine once lived once lived a few doors down from here and I’ve always fancied the area."

"I think it’s very nice. I haven’t lived in an actual house in years, and it beats the clinic’s apartments by far."

"I’m delighted you’re pleased. All the boxes you sent ahead are in various places. I can come by tomorrow if you like."

"Me too," Remy added. "If that’s okay."

"Thank you both, but I’m not sure I’ll even be up to doing anything tomorrow." Jules looked around the bare room and knew furniture would need to come first. "I hope I at least have a bed for tonight."

Carl grinned. "I had some things of mine stored away. My ‘Before Rachel’ belongings you could call them. I placed a spare bedstead in your room which you can borrow until you’ve purchased new."

"Thank you Carl." His name nearly stuck in her throat.

"We stocked the fridge for you," Remy said. "My Mom sent something for your dinner. She’s a super cook."

"But you’ll be coming to our house for dinner tomorrow. A family cookout actually. If you feel up to it," he added.

Damn! How could she excuse herself out this one! Time with HIM would be marvelous, but the entire clan? "I’d love to."

"Excellent," Carl replied. "We’ll leave you to yourself for now. Someone will be by to pick you up tomorrow. Of course, you’ll eventually need a means of getting around."

"Let’s not worry about that just now." Maybe if she kept her answers short they’d get the hint and leave. It was good to see him, but Jules wanted both of them out so she could think clearly again. "Tomorrow is another day." Please leave!

"Here Remy." He tossed the keys to the girl who literally bounced out the door, leaving them alone.

"I know you want us out of your hair, so I’ll make this brief." He brushed his lips against her forehead. "It’s good to have you here."

He was gone before her eyes opened. Jules swayed slightly on her feet before slumping to the floor in a satisfied heap.

….to be continued…