Ms. Cassandra, Game On!: The Gift, #8

By Kara Beth Huddleston

Fool! Why did I think coming home would solve my problems?

Dr. Cassandra Guthrie deals with the tragedy that destroyed her entire family and begins a job near her birthplace. Dr. David Guthrie warmly welcomes her into his practice and into his life. Despite their shared, lifelong history and earlier hopes of a future together, a sudden, debilitating, physical trauma causes David to drive Cassy away.

Cassy's meltdown sends her speeding down the highway, resulting in house arrest, and leads to a friendship with a couple who are on the police force where Cassy's family's plane crash occurred. Cassandra's emotional frailty keeps her on a roller coaster, but the couple's oversight helps her come to terms spiritually and romantically. They, with many others, address the wickedness that continues to plague David and Cassandra.

As they work through their relationship, the continued attacks on their lives send them to a local sanctuary where they can remain unmolested. David's condition is still of uncertain origin, and Cassandra's wounds at the hand of her nemesis must be considered if they are to confront the evil. In their weakness, will they be able to defend themselves? Can they really have a future together?

Caveat Emptor

Books by KB may contain a few naughty words, occasional, mildly inappropriate behaviors, conservative viewpoints, religious ideologies, politically incorrect scenarios, activities beyond 'neuro normal', and plain old imagination.

If any of these things would cause offense, feel free to keep on walkin' down the line and buy someone else's books.

If you want a fun read, come on, grab a glass of iced tea, pull up a chair, sit a spell, and enjoy.

Keep in mind that all characters, events, and most locales are simply KB's creativity taking a spin, i.e. – complete fiction. When Bible verses, poems, songs, or old sayings are quoted exactly, KB gives proper credits. Her freestyle paraphrasing (aka total misquote) doesn't really need details. 

Book cover designs are the works of KB's amazing grandchildren or her own sweet self! 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kara Beth Huddleston
• Release date: Apr 1, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201147891

Kara Beth Huddleston

As a lifelong learner, Kara Beth self-identifies as a silver-haired, seasoned, sophisticated matron who wishes her creative efforts be widely dispersed before she leaps enthusiastically into eternity. Her three daughters call her quirky. It’s all about perspective. She could never keep in the lines in a coloring book or follow a recipe. Marching to the beat of her own drum gives a whole new meaning to syncopation. Though every authority has told her to write a serious bio, this is the best she can manage. She and husband, Ronald, recently celebrated 50 years of putting up with each other. They have the best kids (and their spouses) in the world, and grandchildren are their constant delight. Kara Beth is a Texan by birth, Yankee by schooling, and Georgian by retirement. She has degrees in music education and media communications. Through the years, she led children’s classes and choirs, wrote and produced Christian children’s musicals, and taught elementary music and private music lessons. She was also a homebound tutor for a large high school and has costumed for churches, schools, and regional theater.  She believes that the mind is capable of much more than anyone can imagine and believes in love at first sight. She is a staunch right-wing conservative. She believes in God’s supernatural power and His desire to interact with mankind. If you want to know the real Kara Beth, check out her blogs.

Book preview

Chapter 1

CASSANDRA’S STOMACH churned. Last week’s visit by the woman should have been the last, but maybe she was sorry for her bossiness and wanted a chance to apologize. And maybe I’m dreaming. Thankfully, Cassy had been able to excuse herself from the unwelcome visitor after five minutes because of a scheduled meeting with a realtor. I should have never answered her phone call to begin with and certainly not given her the address of the motel! Why do I think I need to be polite when she never is?

Cassy should have refused her former teacher’s request to meet her tonight for supper, but they had too much history to ignore Ms. Nelda’s invitation. Sure to get a scolding for a number of things, Cassandra stiffened her resolve and strode into the restaurant.

Nelda stood by the door and tapped her watch. Barely on time, I see.

Cassandra was five minutes early but knew that a response would only start the confrontation that was sure to come. It’s a nice evening, isn’t it? The traffic from my end was surprisingly sparse.

I couldn’t believe you chose a hotel in that part of town! Trashy and unsafe! You’d think as old as you are you’d have more sense. But with those shoulders and height, you probably wouldn’t find a mugger who would dare attack you.

Lucky me, right? She flushed in anger and embarrassment. The hostess had witnessed the conflict and heard the older woman’s harsh words. She led them to a booth.

Nelda refused rudely. I said I wanted a table! Don’t you listen? she groused. She bullied her way past the hostess and settled herself at a table of her choosing.

Cassandra circled behind Nelda and mouthed an apology to the hostess. When the waitress came to the table, Cassandra spoke quietly. We’ll be on one ticket. I’m treating.

I should think so! As much money as you are raking in from selling your entire birthright! Your great grandfather Guthrie is rolling over in his grave! How ungrateful you are of your inheritance and rich heritage! Auctioning everything off for a few dollars! Hoarding all that money from your brothers’ families. How uncharitable can you get!

Cassy could have defended herself, but she wasn’t going to go into that with the delusional woman. Nothing of her life’s situation was Nelda’s business.

At Cassandra’s silence, Nelda handed a container of brownies to Cassandra who slipped it into her large purse. What? You don’t want to taste them? After me spending all that time baking?

I’m going to hoard them, Miss Nelda. If I ate them here, I might have to share! Cass’s smile and comment disarmed the woman briefly.

Cassandra took the menus from the waitress and before she could pass one across the table, Nelda grabbed it. Cassandra smiled at the waitress. I’ll have tea, please.

Since the good doctor is paying, I’ll have a martini and a bottled water. Maybe something else later.

Cassandra didn’t have an appetite, but she studied the menu to keep from having to make eye contact or engage in conversation with Nelda. It was almost a good thing Nelda had been so rude. Anger at Nelda would keep Cass’s tears and grief at bay.

So, I heard you were trying to get a job in Newman. Isn’t that where David Wilson works? Nelda didn’t wait for an answer. I’d think you’d have taken the hint and stopped chasing him by now!

Cassandra smiled. You’d think, wouldn’t you?

The waitress returned with drinks, and Cassandra gave her order for one of the smallest entrées. She knew that no matter what Nelda ordered, it wouldn’t be satisfactory. Nelda picked the most expensive entrée, added several sides that were upcharges, and told the waitress exactly how she wanted everything spiced. I’ll want at least three small to go boxes and the crème brûlée for dessert!

Other than selling everything your family has worked for and chasing after a man who rejected you years ago, what have you been doing?

Her voice was as loud and annoying as it had been during Cassandra’s youth. They received several disapproving glances from those seated nearby.

Once again, Cassandra ignored Nelda’s rudeness. Would you like me to pass you a roll, Miss Nelda?

I’m sure they are stale this late in the evening! What were you doing that you couldn’t meet earlier? Not fixing yourself up, that’s for sure. How old is that outfit? I seem to remember it from your high school days.

Cass’s head was throbbing from trying to contain her anger, but she would not let the woman make her behave inappropriately. It probably is that old. I was sorting some of my things. I always did like this blouse. I was really tickled it still fit.

I’d be ashamed! And wearing jeans to a nice place like this! It’s inexcusable!

The kitchen staff must have put a rush on their food. The waitress served Nelda first. Without so much as a thank you, Nelda picked at the meat with a disgusted frown. Cassandra was thankful for a few minutes of relative silence as the woman chomped loudly and fussed about everything between bites. Thank goodness she’s not picking me apart as viciously as she is that food! Cassy watched as Miss Nelda gnawed another large bite with her mouth gaping. Disgusting!

Cassandra nibbled and picked at her food for a different reason. Between her fury at herself for giving in to Nelda’s invitation and nervousness about her job starting tomorrow, her stomach was aching as badly as her head.

Have you heard anything I’ve said?

I’m sorry, Miss Nelda. I was concentrating on this wonderful food.

The food is less than stellar, young lady! You’d think as rich as you are you’d have developed better taste.

I’m a simple country girl at heart. Cassandra focused on her food.

Nelda’s tone became even more sarcastic and cutting. I said, I hear every beautiful woman at the hospital has been chasing David. He has quite a reputation.

Cassandra took another bite and forced herself to chew slowly before answering. I am there for a job, Miss Nelda. There was an opening. I was tired of living in Virginia and needed to come home.

Nelda’s eyes narrowed. What did they do up there? Find out you were a phony? You should have never gone into anything scientific! I’m sure you’re as clumsy in the operating room as you were on the football field. It always shamed your mother and me that you were such a plod horse. Bigger than most of the teams you played!

Nelda’s cruelty cut Cassandra deeply. I had a good reputation as one of our practice’s top surgeons.

If I thought you’d end up like you are, I’d have never given you that scholarship! A total waste of my money! You have no respect for your heritage or other people’s sacrifice. If I had been given the opportunity to become a doctor instead of a teacher, you’d better believe I’d stick with a job no matter what! You were always an ungrateful brat and still are!

Cassandra reached into her purse with shaking hands, retrieved her checkbook, and wrote Nelda a check for the entire amount of the scholarship with interest. She put it firmly onto the table beside Nelda.

That should repay my debt completely. Please don’t bother to contact me again. Ever! Cassandra drew cash from her purse and paid the bill with a substantial tip for those Nelda had abused. Cassy left as stoically as she had entered.

Cassandra stuffed her tears and anger until after a hot shower. She imagined washing away the vicious words. It wasn’t the first time Nelda had abused Cassy. Though she had asked Nelda to leave her alone, Cassy felt it wouldn’t be the last time the woman would try to cause distress or harm. As Cassy crawled into bed, she continued to try to erase the feelings of inadequacy.

But enough was enough. Tomorrow was an important day. Cassandra set an alarm and took several sleeping pills. There would be more convenient times to deal with her grief.

Chapter 2

GAME ON, GUTHRIE! Dr. Wilson encouraged his childhood friend.

Cassandra stood with David at the doorway of the surgical ward workroom. Meeting large groups of new people was always a challenge for her. She could feel her cheeks flush.

David felt her tension and pulled her into the closest pre-op area and closed the curtain. He took her by the shoulders and gave her a gentle shake. You’ve got this, Cass. I’m here. I’ll do whatever you need. He turned her around and patted her butt like he did before every football game they had ever played. Whether a pickup game with friends and family or on their small high school’s real team, he always had been one of Cassy’s most avid supporters.

She nodded but once again stopped right outside the open door.

Did you see the size of our new surgeon? A petite nurse sat at the table with her back to the doorway, unaware the subject of her derision was behind her. She could be a tackle for the NFL! She’s huge!

David took his turn to flush as he reddened in anger. Cassandra held him back to keep him from addressing the situation. She lifted her head defiantly and strode into the small room. Actually, I was an award-winning kicker all four years of high school. She smiled back at David as she walked around to face the woman. Now all I kick is a person’s ass out the door if they tick me off. She raised her eyebrows, smirked at her critic, and winked at the few that had the nerve to smile at their rude coworker’s discomfort.

David chuckled at Cassandra’s crude response. He should have known. She grew up with three brothers of her own plus David and his three brothers as neighbors. That, plus being on the football team, had toughened this girl to face the most obnoxious jerks out there. He loved her sassy retorts back then, and today’s comment was spot on. Kim was a loudmouth nuisance and detriment to the surgical team. This was the last straw, and he would send her on her way by the end of the day.

Ladies and gentlemen, this is my childhood friend and now my colleague, Dr. Cassandra Guthrie. She will be joining me in surgery this afternoon. He sobered and looked around the room. I trust you will welcome her to this workplace and community.

He placed his hand on Cassandra’s shoulder to guide her from the room. We’ll be back in an hour or so and get to that joint replacement. If you have any questions or concerns, text me. He smiled and led her to his conference room where a catered lunch was ready and waiting.

Cassandra groaned. She was so hungry all the time but after the last lapse into comfort eating, she had vowed to stick to her diet no matter what. As a kid, her work on David’s family farm and the sports she participated in kept her lean. Until college, she had been able to eat what she wanted and not have an ounce of fat. When the only muscle she exercised was her mind during college, residency, and fellowship, she gained more weight than was healthy or attractive. In the last six months, she finally dropped to the perfect weight for her body type, though grief had caused the weight loss not sticking to a diet. Like Kim had said, Cassandra’s frame was way above normal for the average woman.

There is no perfect size or weight, Cassandra.

Stay out of my head, Wilson! It had always annoyed her when he knew what she was thinking.

If you don’t want me knowing what you’re thinking, don’t sigh like that when you look at a table of food. He pulled out her chair and bent to kiss her cheek when she was seated. Welcome back to Georgia!

He sat opposite and reached for her hand. After a brief prayer of thanks, he filled his plate. Eat what you want, and we’ll have leftovers for another day.

Cassandra frowned and filled her own plate with a variety of things that would keep her on her diet. I was planning on doing some more driving around after work to find where I want to live. Looking online doesn’t make it for me.

I’ve got a great evening planned. If you don’t mind, let’s wait on that. I’ll go with you tomorrow.

I don’t want to inconvenience you, she argued. He had no communication with her from the time he told her of the job until now. She wasn’t quite sure where his friendliness was coming from. It wasn’t like he’s shown an interest in me for years. The only one who wanted a relationship during that time was me!

He was a year ahead of her in school and though they went to the same university for undergrad, they hadn’t been close since high school. Their relationship totally dissolved when he did his residency and fellowship in Houston and she had gone to Vanderbilt for hers. She wanted a fresh start with David and tried to dwell on their wonderful childhood friendship, but she doubted his interest in her or his sincerity.

Did Miss Nelda put you up to this? Nelda had tried to boss them around through the years. After last night’s hateful words, Cassy doubted Nelda had suggested he resume a relationship with Cassy. Unless it is to set me up for another failure and heartache!

David grimaced and tried to squelch his angry expression. He wiped a napkin across his sweaty face.

I’ll take that as a yes. Plus, you feel sorry for me. Tears threatened. Six months ago, her entire family died in a plane crash. Their deaths, selling the family farm, and dealing with all her brothers’ properties and belongings had nearly destroyed her. Resigning from her practice in Virginia left her purposeless until David called and said there was an opening in his office. Taking the job seemed like a blessing at the time but now, she had her doubts. Blessings! What a crock!

Cassy, there’s no doubt I ache for your loss. Though not anywhere as badly as you do, I mourn the loss of my childhood friends and your parents. I hurt for you, and I hurt with you. He reached across the table and held her hand.

I have talked to Miss Nelda. Rather, she talked to me. She called several times since the, the tragedy. He stuttered over the word but didn’t know what else to call it. The last time I heard from her was about four months ago. She had an exact layout of what you were to do and when you were to do it. On her timetable, of course. Your future would be entirely in her hands if she had her way. I tried to listen politely, but I didn’t agree with any of her plans because you are the one who has to make decisions, not Nelda. And you’ve heard her spiel. We both have. He blocked her calls after that, but for Cassy’s sake, he tried to put aside his anger at the meddlesome woman. He again wiped his hot, sweating face and palms with the extra napkins on the table.

And we’ve both been trying to ignore her for years. Cassandra wondered what words of wisdom Nelda bestowed on David. Cass had heard more than enough last night but doubted Nelda would have been as rude to David. He wouldn’t have put up with the abuse.

Cassandra didn’t have the energy to go into that story with David, so she continued the conversation. I think the last time I paid attention to her advice was when she told me if I didn’t get my paperwork into the university on time, she would paddle my backside!

And aren’t you glad for the threat?

I would have done it eventually. Cassy was well known for her procrastination. A tear fell on the table. If she had accepted the small scholarship to the university David attended instead of sending off that last application to Vanderbilt, she would have been close to David. Maybe we would have gotten together. And maybe I’m dreaming.

If she had remembered to get her work schedule changed, she would have been on the plane with the rest of her family. She bit her lip and gripped her hands into fists. She couldn’t fall apart today!

Cass, we’ll spend the afternoon doing our jobs. We can deal with other things later. They both knew an evening of talking wouldn’t solve Cassy’s issues. David prayed with God’s help, he could help Cassy get one step closer to healing.

They finished eating and engaged only in small talk about the practice’s policies and procedures. David escorted Cassandra to prepare for the surgery. They sat for a few minutes looking over his notes and the x-rays that would guide their work, then they joined the patient and his wife in the pre-op area. David introduced Cassy and reassured the patient by answering a few last-minute questions.

Will you be doing the entire surgery? the wife asked and looked nervously at Cassy.

Yes. I may have someone help with the final stitch up, but the actual implant will be performed by yours truly! He responded with his usual good nature but with a hint of grit in his voice, he continued. Dr. Guthrie could do it better with her eyes closed, but I’ll finish out with Harry. I promise.

Cassy could tell the woman’s question had aggravated him. Since their childhood, he defended her against the world. She was sorry he thought he still had to speak up for her. But maybe today, it was best. Spouting off to an impertinent twit of a nurse was miles different from offending a patient.

She would have prayed for Divine intervention, but that was a thing of the past. And a total crock!

Before surgery, one of the older nurses patted Cassandra’s back as they stood at the sinks in the ladies’ room. Don’t pay attention to Kim. She has been struggling and is making everyone else suffer. Her husband left her and two small girls. She has been flirting with every male in the hospital hoping to find a man with a good job who would solve her problems. Dr. Wilson was her favorite target. He has carefully sidestepped her every move. She looked in consternation at Cassy. Now I understand why, she said under her breath.

Cassy had turned on the water full blast and didn’t hear the woman’s last statement. She took a brief glance at herself in the mirror. There, a gaunt woman with sad eyes returned her gaze. No wonder David thinks he needs to take care of me! I want so badly to go back to the good times! There was no going back to their past, but she determined to do her best to see the good in her present situation and build a new relationship with her former friend. Even if it is only a friendship.

By the time they scrubbed and dressed, the team had prepped the patient. Cassy stood at a distance and watched the interaction of the group. David had always been able to converse easily and make those around him comfortable. Cassy was glad the woman who insulted her in the breakroom was not in the operating room.

After the surgery, David stood beside Cassy. We’re done here until the next one. He led her to the cleanup area and motioned to the rooms where they could change for the next surgery. After they had changed, he asked her take on his last surgery. So how did I do?

As the youngest of his family, he had often needed an affirming word. Even though she hadn’t given much attention to the actual surgery, she gave him a thumbs up.

Which means, you were watching the anesthesiologist, he grumped. All the women in the hospital were vying for Dr. Modi’s attention. Not that David was interested in the women here. He just hated to see women be susceptible to a man whose lack of morals was well known among the men who worked at the hospital. Rahul’s bragging of his exploits was no secret. As yet, his behavior had not gotten him into trouble.

Cassy frowned. Why would I do that? He looks like an arrogant little perv! And he has a wimpy handshake. She shivered in disgust. In addition, she was four inches taller than he, and her shoulders were probably three inches broader than his.

All the ladies think he is gorgeous. David waited for her reaction.

She sat beside him at the computer station. Good looking, yes. But I can always smell a skunk a mile away.

David lifted his arm and sniffed. I did use deodorant this morning. He