Best Laid Plans... Often Go Awry

By Kelly Yannucci/ RoViSa

A physical therapist is falling for her patient no matter how hard she resists! He doesn't make it any easier and when he kisses her... she melts in his arms.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Sep 27, 2018
• ISBN: 9780359119400

Book preview

Best Laid Plans... Often Go Awry

BEST LAID PLANS…

By Kelly Yannucci/ RoViSa

ISBN:978-0-359-11940-0

I checked the food and water dishes before settling on the sofa with my computer, I just had to finish a report. I worked for an hour before stopping to watch my 3 kittens playing in a box. I tried to look away, but they were so cute! Okay you guys, take the box in your room! I closed them in the second bedroom, checked the time and picked up my computer again, maybe I could still get a little work done.

I let the kittens out before I got in the shower and they played around my feet while I got ready for work. I played with them and Rosie before putting them in their room and leaving for work. I do overnights as a nurse’s assistant at a nursing home, I’m also a physical therapist intern a few hours in the mornings. I’ll finish a few more college classes and get my degree.

It’s a tiring schedule but I have everything planned, money saved (from my grams insurance) and my big bills are paid; I don’t have a mortgage or car payments. After I finish the fall semester, I’ll have 2 classes in January and might only work a few days a week. Although with my luck; it’ll be on the days it snows; bad things happen when it snows!

Work was boring again tonight, so I cleaned the office, did rounds and read to one of the residents. Four hours later, I helped get a few residents ready for breakfast and stopped to get food on my way to my second job. I went over my notes while I waited for the therapist’s office to open.

Neil waved as he pulled into the lot, at least people were awake here and it wasn’t as boring. Good morning Marcy, you’ll help Carla do her stretches; keep Ray going for his full 30 minutes on the treadmill and at 10 I have a new patient for you.

Max was my new patient; he hurt his shoulder playing football so Neil showed me the exercises to start him on. Max was handsome and had a great body! Thankfully he made it easy for me to stay professional; he knew he was hot and I hated attitude. By the time I stretched and massaged his shoulder, I was over his looks.

Neil asked me about him before I left at 11. So what did you think about your new patient?

I shrugged, I don’t think his shoulder is that bad, but I’m not a doctor. He has full range of motion and strength; he seemed determined to demonstrate it every time he put his arm around me.

Neil laughed. Yeah, he seemed a little disappointed that you weren’t turned on by his body. I reminded him that you’re doing your job. I’m impressed that you were able to resist his charms again, maybe he’s just not your type.

I didn’t wanna say it, but I thought I knew him. Again?

Marcy, Max came in after a second surgery right after you started your internship. Wendy and I worked on him but you’re the reason he came back for maintenance for almost 2 years now.

I stared at him and felt my body get warm all over; so I lied a little. Neil, I was a mess; full time student, grams was barely gone a year, I was seeing Randy or we were apart again and I think we lost another resident around then. I shrugged and turned away. I might have said hi to him, but I was a train wreck. As for type, he’s every woman’s type; handsome, nice to a point and his body is totally edible, but his ego sucks balls.

Neil cracked up and patted my shoulder. You aren’t red because you’re thinking about Randy… I saw you looking at him in the mirrors. Max comes in and if you’re not here he leaves. You’ll be working with Ray, Carla and Max for at least month; maybe you’ll get to know him. He doesn’t have full strength and can’t go back to work till we clear him and his doctor double checks.

I stuck my tongue out at him; he made a cute and suggestive remark, he always made my day better. I called my neighbor Mrs. Baxter before heading home, wrote down what she needed, then stopped for food and to fill her prescription. I still knocked on Millie’s door before using my key. Millie Baxter was one of the few remaining original residents of the neighborhood and she’d been widowed for almost 12 years.

I grew up with her daughter’s 2 children; a boy and girl and used to see them in the summer and on holidays, but they don’t live close enough to help now. I took on the job when my older brother Scott and I moved back 7 years ago to care for our grandparents.

Pops fell off a ladder; Grams couldn’t take care of him and I just finished my nursing degree!

Pops passed a year later and Scott went back to college out of state. I said he was a chicken, but I knew he’d never be comfortable helping Grams in the shower and I was trained for it. Grams passed away 3 years ago and left the house to me.

Yes, it was great to have my own place, but I’m sure I’ll spend the rest of my life cleaning out the 50 years of stuff that they packed in the basement! I promised myself several hours a day through the winter just to go through stacks of boxes. I’ve been working on it and I still haven’t cleaned out all of Pops clothes! I guess in 30 years when their stuff is gone, I can start thinking about repairs and updates… it’ll never end and I’m only 27!

Millie and I talked while I made dinner; I’ve gotten in the habit of cooking a big meal for both of us twice a week. I prepared and froze meals ahead for Millie’s lunch and dinner. She only ate a few different dinners and some were as easy as TV dinners. Salisbury steak with corn and peas, Mac and Cheese shells with Vienna sausages and corn, Sliced Turkey/ gravy/ stuffing with green beans and carrots. Finally; any kind of stew!

I bought the other things and substituted what she didn’t like. I made the stew from scratch in big batches and only had to make it twice a month. She had eggs and toast or oatmeal and fruit for breakfast. Lunch was whatever was easy for her but usually included salad and except for winter, that was from her garden!

She was set in her ways and I was getting into the same routine out of ease and habit.

Millie explained how she planned to arrange her garden in the spring and said that the ‘nice boys’ across the street were going to help clear everything out soon.

I cleaned up and packed the rest of the food in small portions, sealed them in airtight pouches and put all but one in the freezer. Then kissed Millie and headed home, I let the cats out and went to clean their room. I shouldn’t need to lock them up soon, but it was nice that they could only wreck one room while I was gone!

At 2pm I studied and watched the ‘nice boys’ across the street play football. Taylor was hot and a lot like Max… too much ego! I was drawn to him and let myself believe he wanted to be with me. Anytime we got close… he made a remark and walked away. I wanted to punch him!

His brother Randy was cute and I’d gone out with him years ago; we were off and on as needed since. Right now he had a steady girlfriend so he was off limits. I wasn’t sure about the other 3 guys; maybe they all lived there now, but I hadn’t met them. If I was more like Marie I’d walk out and say ‘hi I’m Marcy and you’re hot!’ No way!

Randy and Taylor Reynolds… they say their brothers but they really don’t look alike and they’re only a year apart. They also talk about growing up in different places. The one time I asked, maybe 4 years ago, they said they had different dads and grew up apart; a custody thing. Then they were moved around some but caught up with each other in high school.

At 5 I called Kayla about our plans for the next afternoon, my schedule was pretty much the same every day and it was driving me a little crazy. It would be easier if I didn’t work at the nursing home from 3 am to 7 am, but the pay was good. In 6 weeks I wouldn’t have the job because they were moving the residents and shutting down for an overdue update and remodel. They guaranteed all of us our jobs back when they reopened in 9 to 15 months, but who knows.

I looked out the front window again while Kayla talked about ‘ladies night’ at one of the clubs and whether we should eat somewhere else first. I lost track of the conversation when 2 of the men stopped throwing the ball long enough to take their shirts off. Yumm…

Kayla practically yelled. Are you paying any attention? You don’t like the food at the club… so what’s ‘yumm’, or who?

I took a quick picture and sent it to her. That is yumm… I don’t know if he lives across the street or just hangs out a lot, it would make things convenient.

It could also be awkward… but he does look tasty.

Which one?

Who cares! They’re both hot, actually I don’t see an ugly guy out there… can I move in with you?

I had to laugh. I suggested that, remember? You said your privacy was worth the rent. If you change your mind, you’d still have to help me clean out my grandparents’ things. She said her rent was going up so she might reconsider the offer, besides she hadn’t had enough dates to make the privacy worthwhile.

The club was okay, the ‘live band’ was crap and the guys were the same ones as every other Wednesday. We decided that ‘girls night’ be rescinded until we could figure out where the hot men were hanging out. Until then Kayla and Marie would come over for pizza and movies.

About a month later they helped me paint pumpkins for Halloween instead of watching a movie. We carried on my grandparent’s tradition; we ‘built’ a snowman and woman out of pumpkins, using dowels to hold them together. They’d be dressed for Halloween, changed into pilgrims and finally ‘flocked’ with spray on snow for Christmas. The pumpkins would have to be replaced, but that was easy.

Marie and I accidently met, Jason and Alan. We were setting up 2 of the pumpkins by Millie’s front door; getting their hats straight and checking the costumes. Alan opened the door and knocked me on my ass, he laughed and apologized while he helped me up.

I am so sorry; I swear I didn’t see you! Are you okay, I’ve seen you next door… I’m Alan, this is Jason.

I moved his hand from brushing off my butt and stepped back a little. I’m Marcy and this is Marie. Jason took her hand while I openly checked Alan from head to toe and smiled.

Wow, I don’t think I ever had a woman look me over like that… do I pass inspection?

I smiled and raised one eyebrow. It’s nice to have a good look, but you already know you have a great body. Why are you in Millie’s house half naked?

He had a sexy smile and dimples. We were cleaning out her garden and she insisted we take off our muddy clothes and leave them in the washer, she said to get them tomorrow.

I nodded. I’ll have them done at 10 or so. Tomorrow is cooking day, I get distracted.

Jason asked Marie if she’d be around tomorrow and they headed toward the sidewalk. Marie didn’t waste time when she liked a guy; but only stayed with them for a month at most. Kayla was about the same, but she didn’t like dating one man at a time, because she got too attached; right now she wasn’t seeing anyone!

I liked dating, just to have fun… if sex was involved that was fine but I couldn’t move fast. Getting to sex took at least 4 dates or a month. My last serious relationship (I don’t count Randy… he can’t be serious). Anyway, I was in nursing school; a fellow student and I were together for 13 months. He cried when I said I had to leave and swore he loved me. He even suckered me into saying it and they aren’t words I use often. It was mid-term and he found someone new and posted pictures on-line before Pops was even out of the hospital!

I wanted to block him out so I put everything into taking care of Grams and Pops. Scott said I was better off and if he ever met Trent he’d punch him for me. I cried and laughed on his shoulder… I miss my brother, but he’s married and they have a baby on the way. I finished messing with the pumpkins and stood up.

I guess if you wanna find ways to avoid me, it’s okay. The pumpkins are really cute by the way.

I looked at Alan and shook my head. I’m sorry, I was thinking about how crappy my social life is. I have a crazy schedule and don’t know if I could get involved with anyone.

He grinned, put his arm around my shoulder and walked me home. Why don’t we start with a drink and figure it out from there. I’m not looking for anything permanent, you know life story and all. I agreed and we went to my house so he could meet Kayla. Marie already had a date with Jason but both men promised they’d bring their friend over to meet us if we wanted. Kayla and I tried not to look too happy.

Marie wasn’t as reserved, she giggled. More men… cool! She meant to be cute and it’s not like she could help it anyway. I know in every group of friends there’s a cute, petite than 2 normal ones. Kayla and I shared our size 10 clothes and Marie is a perfect size 4; the one that guys walk backwards to watch. It’s annoying, but we love her anyway… most of the time! Randy showed up, gave me a quick hug and said he was looking for Jason, then Taylor and his ego came over with their other roommate Dillon.

Alan smiled. Well that was easier than I thought! We had fun until I got a call to work for someone. I didn’t wanna break up the party, but I had to get some sleep. Everyone helped clean up the pumpkin mess and went across the street. I took the beef stew ingredients over to Millie’s and told her I might be a little late in the morning and started the laundry.

I got in bed at 8 pm, up at 12:30 and at work by 1 am; there was nothing to do. I packed the art supplies and emptied a few drawers, then sat in the lounge. I got off at 5, went home and fell into bed until after 9. After playing with the kittens and a shower I felt alive and went to Millie’s house.

I tried to apologize, but she reminded me again that I didn’t have to take care of her. The clothes were in the dryer and we were cutting the vegetables for stew when Jason and Alan knocked. Jason helped with laundry and to make Millie’s bed, and he had to go. I found out he’s studying to be an anesthesiologist, had a year plus to go and had an older sister.

Alan stayed and we talked for hours; he was nice but always found ways to touch me. He was studying to be an OB/GYN and knew how to slice vegetables so I guess he was nice to have around on cooking days!

He asked Millie if he could help with anything else; I heard as far as where the toolbox was before I laid down on the couch for a nap. I woke up to the smell of beef stew and Alan touching my shoulder. You can really sleep; even the hammering didn’t bother you.

Millie asked if I was okay. I said I didn’t do well when my schedule changed; besides I was beyond being ‘a heavy sleeper.’ We had a nice late lunch together, Alan helped me pack the rest of the stew then walked me home. I told him it wasn’t necessary; it wasn’t even dark out and I was only next door.

He smiled and kissed me at the door. I had a good reason to walk you home. Then he kind of snuggled me against him. So do you work tonight, or can we have a second date?

I have to work. I seriously considered dragging him in just got to cuddle; I like the way he held me. Thanks for helping at Millie’s but I need some real sleep. He pulled me against him a little hard and asked if he could join me; he knew a way to help me sleep. The hug was nice but I don’t move that fast.

I didn’t see any of them for the next 4 days and nights, and I couldn’t tell which was which! Neil said he had me covered and not to come in till the moving was done. I barely made it to Millie’s; she said I looked terrible and didn’t want me to come back until I got some sleep. She had all the boy’s numbers; they’d do laundry and she had plenty of food, I nodded and went home. I think I missed Halloween and there were notes from Marie that she was taking care of the kittens.

I was working 11pm to 5am and 11am to 5 pm because it worked for the 5 remaining staff members and their second jobs! Three more people quit in October and we only had 7 residents left; under normal circumstances that should have been okay. The problem was that we had to pack them to move to different facilities and we still had to pack everything in the nursing home too!

I hadn’t done any work for school but I fell asleep as soon as I opened my books. My supervisor, Margret swore we’d get help but nobody had shown up for the 4 days we were pushing to make a dent. She said the last of the residents would be moved soon and then the construction crews would start; she said it was time to ask for help or beg. We were getting a couple of retired nurses to help with patients but they couldn’t do any lifting or packing.

I went across the street between shifts and knocked Monday night but nobody answered. I scribbled a note on a receipt and went home to sleep. I was ready for work and cleaning the litter boxes when Randy and Alan came over. "Sorry, I have to go