Love, Lies & Lab Coats Volume 2

By Dee Bostic

Love, Lies & Lab Coats brings an unusual group of people together at the South Hill Medical Center in Spokane, Washington. The cast of characters includes a narcissistic surgeon, a brilliant medical technologist, an insecure co-worker, two parking lot attendan

• Language: English
• Publisher: ReadersMagnet LLC
• Release date: Mar 11, 2024
• ISBN: 9798890914354

Dee Bostic

Born in Brooklyn and raised in the Queens Bridge Projects in Long Island City, Dee wanted to experience life outside of New York. She joined the Air Force to pursue higher education and travel. After serving 8 years and graduating from Eastern Washington University, she began her career as a Clinical Lab Scientist. She spent many years as a generalist in chemistry, immunology, and hematology. After spending 16 years in Washington State, she relocated to the Washington D.C. metropolitan area and later accepted a position in the microbiology laboratory at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, MD. Dee has always wanted to become a writer. After experiencing so many years in a predominately white environment, this became the driving force for Love, Lies & Lab Coats. Her other interests include organic gardening, cooking, reading, and traveling.

Book preview

Ebook_Cover.jpg

This e-book has been given to you by the author and publisher solely for your own personal use. This e-book may not in any manner be made accessible to the general public. Infringing on someone else’s copyright is illegal.

Please contact the publisher at www.readersmagnet.com if you think the copy of this e-book you are reading violates the author’s copyright.

Love, Lies & Lab Coats—Volume 2

Copyright © 2024 by Dee Bostic

Published in the United States of America

Library of Congress Control Number: 2024902382

ISBN Paperback: 979-8-89091-434-7

ISBN eBook: 979-8-89091-435-4

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any way by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise without the prior permission of the author except as provided by USA copyright law.

The opinions expressed by the author are not necessarily those of ReadersMagnet, LLC.

ReadersMagnet, LLC

10620 Treena Street, Suite 230 | San Diego, California, 92131 USA

1. 619. 354. 2643 | www.readersmagnet.com

Book design copyright © 2024 by ReadersMagnet, LLC. All rights reserved.

Cover design by Jhie Oraiz

Interior design by Daniel Lopez

Table of Contents

Chapter One 1

Chapter Two25

Chapter Three37

Chapter Four41

Chapter Five53

Chapter Six73

Chapter Seven78

Chapter Eight90

Chapter Nine95

Chapter Ten112

Chapter Eleven120

Chapter Twelve126

Chapter Thirteen139

Chapter Fourteen147

Chapter Fifteen154

Chapter Sixteen164

Chapter Seventeen182

Chapter Eighteen189

Chapter Nineteen198

Chapter Twenty203

Chapter Twenty-One212

Chapter Twenty-Two218

Chapter Twenty-Three224

Chapter Twenty-Four232

Chapter Twenty-Four238

Chapter Twenty-Five249

Chapter Twenty-Six260

Chapter Twenty-Seven269

Chapter Twenty-Eight 273

Chapter Twenty-Nine285

Chapter Thirty287

Chapter Thirty-One300

Chapter Thirty-Two315

Chapter Thirty-Three326

Chapter Thirty-Four333

Chapter Thirty-Five342

Chapter Thirty-Six346

Chapter Thirty-Six352

Chapter Thirty-Seven362

Chapter One

Jeanne isn ’ t ready to face another day after staying up quite late catching up on paperwork. Administrative duties involved with patient care often get in the way of doing what she was trained to do. Charles is up and has her coffee ready when she walks into the kitchen. She doesn’t know what it is but is sure he is pondering something serious.

Jeanne, we haven’t been spending enough time together.

Yes, Charles, I’m aware of that.

Just hear me out. He hands her a cup of coffee and says, I realize we have very demanding jobs and despite that, we have managed to raise two terrific kids. Jeanne smiles and replies, I couldn’t agree more Charles, they are great kids.

But, I miss my wife! I know we vowed to cut back on time spent away from home and each other, but we have yet to reach this point. We love our career choices and appreciate the life it affords us, but we need to reconnect in the bedroom. Jeanne starts laughing as Charles looks at her, trying to understand what she thinks is funny. She hugs him and says, I’m not laughing at you honey. I was just imagining the look on Dr. Austin’s face if I call and tell him, I really need to take off and make love with my husband. Charles laughs with her while holding her in his arms and says, I will if you will.

Charles, I have patients to see, I can’t just call in.

Jeanne, you always promised not to lose our marriage in the shuffle, so I really need you to take this seriously. Jeanne looks at the calendar and sees that she has a parent teacher meeting this afternoon, which she had totally forgotten. The school system has enough responsibility trying to get children educated. She realizes the importance of doing her part to help them achieve this. She has been to so many meetings where parents are yelling and screaming about all of the problems. But these are the same parents who don’t offer to help find solutions. Charles sees the wheels turning and says, Have you come up with a plan?

Yes, I have, Mr. Henry.

It’s quite chilly this morning and Jeanne decides to make hot chocolate for the girls. She looks at Charles, who is still trying to figure out what she’s thinking. Jeanne picks up the phone after putting the kettle on the stove. Charles smiles as he listens to the brief conversation. Paul, I have a meeting at the kids’ school today. I need to come in this morning to check on Bo and a few other patients. Do you think you can cover for me the rest of the day?

Jeanne, I respect that you make time to be there for your kids. We’ll take care of things.

Thanks so much Paul, I’ll see you soon.

Jeanne hangs up the phone, looks at Charles and says, I believe you also have a call to make. He has a little grin on his face and says, I took care of it yesterday.

Well then Mr. Henry, I guess I’ll get breakfast ready while you wake the girls.

Jeanne feels fortunate to have such a great family and knows that she wants Charles as much as he wants her. While preparing breakfast, she knows the girls would prefer to run to the donut shop with their friends, but she’s seen how they have benefitted from a good breakfast and quality family time. So many obese youngsters come through the hospital as borderline diabetics as young as five. Parents don’t stop to think about what they put in their kids’ mouths. Jeanne has seen toddlers drinking soda, sucking on lollipops, munching on all kinds of chips and candy bars. It’s way out of control. Most parents haven’t accepted the responsibility of their child’s nutrition, nor do they realize the health risks they set kids up for. Instead, America has convinced the masses that all health conditions are hereditary and have nothing to do with food choices or lifestyles handed down from generation to generation.

Charles comes back into the kitchen with the girls trailing behind. Jeanne decides to make waffles which is their favorite. It’s a welcome treat since Jeanne limits foods that requires syrup. It has been an uphill battle, but they are beginning to understand why she puts so much effort into teaching them about food. She is aware of the possibility that they will stray as many kids do when they go away to college. But as long as she does her job they will eat healthy on her watch.The lack of proper childhood nutrition is one of the factors that prompted Jeanne to come up with her research project. If more people truly understood food, and how certain choices could have an adverse effect on them, it’s possible some would try to change their ways.While having breakfast she can’t help but wonder if Brent has read her proposal. She decides to make checking back with him one of her priorities.

********************

Brent rolls over to hit the snooze button. He feels sick to his stomach and tries to recall what caused his discomfort. As he lays there thinking in slow motion, he begins to put the pieces together. He remembers smashing his cell phone against the wall. As he glances at the bottle, he sees he has almost finished a fifth of bourbon. The last message from Danielle still echoes in his head, as the anger and frustration flood his memory.

He pulls himself out of bed and heads for the shower. Brent turns his head side to side, admiring his reflection in the mirror. Upon taking a closer look, he sees a lone gray hair that has moved into his full head of black hair. He is outraged and tries to pull it out. His vanity will not tolerate such an intrusion. He is always groomed to perfection. Anything out of place is quite unnerving and disrupts his psyche. Brent jumps into the shower turning it on full force. He feels himself slowly coming back to life. It is apparent that the nausea is a side effect of the Vicodin and the booze. Brent can’t stop thinking about that gray hair. He hopes he doesn’t have any growing in the back.

Brent finishes his shower and stands naked in front of the mirror admiring his chiseled musculature, as he flexes and poses like Mr. Universe. He rarely dries his body with a towel, preferring instead to rub his skin with baby oil and air dry. In his mind, his body is nothing short of perfection. Guys want to be him, and all the women must have him. As he goes into the small kitchen to make a cup of very strong coffee, he is beginning to feel more conscious. The drugs have worked through his body without killing him. He gazes in the mirror while sipping his coffee and decides he’d better get dressed. He doesn’t have much on his schedule yet so he begins to think about the research project.

The air is refreshing and exhilarating, as he steps out of the hotel. He immediately takes a few deep breaths to exchange the air in his lungs. Brent gets in to start the car but as luck would have it, the engine is dead. Unsure if it is the battery or alternator, he knows he isn’t the one to find out. He jumps out of the car to approach the valet. Excuse me, would you call AAA for me? I can’t risk being late. Brent gives the guy his card, the car key and some cash and says, Have them jump the battery.

Sir, I’m not sure if I’m allowed to do this. I’ll have to check with my supervisor first. As soon as the valet turns his back to use the phone, Brent rushes over to a cab that has just dropped someone off. Before the valet can react, the cab has pulled off with Brent inside. The guy looks dumbfounded as he watches them leave.

Where to? The driver asks. You can drop me off at the hospital parking lot. The cab driver smiles saying, You must feel like giving money away today, the hospital is just up the hill.

I don’t recall asking you anything! The driver looks at Brent in the rear-view mirror and replies, Excuse me, just making conversation.

Ray and Jeff are standing in the parking lot making plans for the afternoon when they notice Brent getting out of the cab. Ray can’t resist walking over to him and jokingly asks, So doc, what happened to the old clunker? Brent isn’t amused and says, Where do you people get off addressing me this way? My name is Dr. Jamison to you! Jeff has already told Ray that Brent is a real jerk, but Ray wasn’t expecting this level of arrogance and replies, What the hell do you mean, ‘you people’? Brent glares at him and says, You take it any way you like. I strongly suggest that you guys learn to have a little respect for authority. Ray spits on the ground and says, When I see something worthy of my respect, I’ll give it. Brent is getting pissed off. You better watch your step, or I’ll have your job. Jeff can’t believe how quickly the exchange has escalated and whispers to Ray, Forget about him man. It’s not worth losing your job. Ray can tell Brent is getting pretty riled and decides that Jeff is right. He steps aside and watches him charge into the building. Jeff shakes his head and says, Man, I told you, that guy is an asshole. Some of these doctors have too much ego and a whole lot of attitude. The sad thing is, if he decides to report you, who do you think they will believe? I hate to say this Ray, but you’ve got to remember where you are. Ray doesn’t want to accept this but knows Jeff is telling the truth. He takes a deep breath and says, I guess the world really is messed up, as much as I’d like to believe that things have changed. Jeff understands where he is coming from and responds, Hey man, you’re cool in my book, no matter what. Just forget about him.

Yeah, him and half of the free world. Sometimes I wish I could slice this black skin off and have a nice life as part of the majority. I still can’t believe he said, ‘you people’, as if I’m some kind of an alien or subhuman. You have no idea how close I came to clocking his stupid ass. Jeff starts laughing and says, Ray, I hope you don’t think it’s just about being black. Ray looks at him and says, No matter what, that’s the bottom line and sometimes it just gets to me.

Look Ray, I like you better as the self-assured, Mr. Positive, so don’t start throwing a pity party, okay?

Thanks man. I know you’re right. But like I said, I still wish I could experience life from the other side, if only for a little while. It would be nice to walk down the street in any neighborhood and not have people wonder if I’m there to rob them or pick up their trash. And, I wouldn’t have to get comments like, ‘you people’! Jeff tries to lighten his mood and answers, Well, next time perhaps you shouldn’t talk about his ride. You know how guys are about their rides, man. Ray laughs about it and says, Okay, point well taken. So where were we before Dr. Pain in the ass showed up?

Dr. Henry pulls into her spot and gets out of the car, waves and says, Good morning fellas, as she rushes inside. Ray does his usual double take. I know her husband must thank God every time he crawls in the bed next to her.

I think I have to agree with that one, man. She’s cute, very nice and a doctor too. Not all doctors are jerks.

Well, you’re right again man. That’s why it’s really important to deal with people as individuals, and not group them all in one basket. Here I am, working on trying to be a better person and I still get caught up in stupid stuff.

If I remember correctly, you told me it was a process, right?

Ray smiles at him and says, You really listen to me? Jeff seems puzzled and says, Why does that surprise you? I told you how pathetic my life is, so of course I’m in search of other ways to approach things. As it stands now, I feel I’m just going through the motions to survive. We both know that survival is a far cry from living. Ray agrees and says, Well it sounds like you’re definitely on your way man. Half of the battle is attitude and once you kick that in high gear, there’s no telling what you can do.

Tell me something Ray?

If I can, what is it?

What do you think you want to do with the rest of your life?

Wow, man, of all the things you could ask me, you had to come up with that?

Jeff replies, It’s alright if you don’t know. I haven’t figured it out either.

To be honest with you man, I don’t think most people really have that one figured out. The only thing I know for sure is I want to be happy. I’d like to get married one day, be a good husband and father, but mostly I just want to be happy. I watch people come to work day after day, and most of them look absolutely miserable. Jeff starts laughing. That’s because they are coming to work. Nobody comes to work happy, man.

That’s not true. Believe it or not when I come to work, I am very happy. I have my health, a job to go to, and the fact that I was able to get out of bed is a lot to feel good about. I don’t plan to do this job forever but for now, I will make the best of it.

It’s great that you can look at things that way, man.

You have to, otherwise everything always looks bleak.Think about this. Look at all the people we see every day, getting out of real nice rides looking all pissed off, as if they are ready to kill somebody. They should be glad they can ride in a luxury car.

Hey man, they’re probably pissed off because they have to pay for those nice rides, but you actually notice all that stuff?

Well, I didn’t always, but when I started getting my life together and felt better, it was easy to see just how messed up most of us are.

Life is rough man, what else is there to feel?

Think about this for a second. I went to the nursing home with my aunt to visit one of her friends and it was heartbreaking. These people would give anything just to feel good, while the rest of us are wasting precious moments bitching, moaning and complaining. We’re putting all of our energy into hating, killing, cheating on spouses and on and on. It was a very eye-opening experience. It helped me to see what’s really important. That’s when I decided to start looking at life differently. Live now, enjoy the moment and help whomever I can along the way.

Ray, you are one strange dude.

I’ll take that from you because I think you’re pretty cool for a white dude. But you’re only saying I’m strange because you don’t see it yet. You haven’t figured out that you need to get rid of the unnecessary baggage in your life and just live. That’s real freedom.

You really believe all of this stuff?

The one thing I know for sure is, when I look in the mirror to shave, I like the guy I see. I like the way I feel. I could talk to you about this until you turn blue, but you won’t get it until you get it. I can help put you on the path, but you have to take the journey.

Sounds like you’re tripping to me, but I’ll think about it. Maybe you can let me borrow that book you were reading. I know I give you crap man, but I really do want to check some of this stuff out. You’re right, I am one of those people still walking around with a lot of baggage.

I know that Jeff, that’s why I started trying to share some of this with you. We can talk about it some more later. Do you want to lift weights with me after work?

That sounds good, man. I’m glad we’re finally working the same shift again.

Me too.

They notice a car speeding around the corner coming in their direction. Both of them move off to the side. The guy pulls up and says, I need to get my wife inside real fast, she’s about to have a baby. Ray runs over to get a wheelchair. I’ll park the car for you after you get your wife out. Ray helps get his wife into the wheelchair. Jeff decides to pull into Brent’s spot since his car isn’t there. Ray sees the car and says, I bet you that crazy doctor would have a cow if he saw that car in his spot.

Jeff starts laughing and says, That’s why I put it there. Ray thinks for a moment and replies, I think you should move the car, man. One encounter a day is enough with that guy. The world hasn’t changed much since this morning and if he does report us, you know we’ll bite the dust.

Dr. Henry has made the early rounds to check in on all of her patients. She is pleased to find out that Bo slept all night. As soon as he sees her his face lights up. Dr. Henry, can I go to the playroom with the other kids? She thinks for a moment and says, I think that would be a great idea since you’re not having another treatment today. Bird, I will be around for a few hours so why don’t the two of you have some breakfast and I’ll check back with you before I leave.

That sounds great Dr. Henry. Bo is grinning from ear to ear and says, Thanks a lot Dr. Henry.

Make sure you eat all of your breakfast, or all bets are off.

I promise.

Dr. Henry is about to go to her office when she sees Brent walking towards her. She is tempted to ask about the research project but hesitates. Good morning, Dr. Jamison, how are you today? He smiles his signature phony grin and says, All is well, couldn’t be better. Jeanne can’t understand why she feels so uncomfortable around Brent. She wants to ask about the project but at the same time thinks it’s odd that he doesn’t mention it. There is just something about him that bugs her. Before he’s out of earshot she asks, I was wondering, have you had time to look at my proposal?

Glad you mentioned it, he says with a hint of sarcasm. I was going to get back to you on that. I’m afraid I came up with a proposal that is quite similar. I guess great minds think alike. Brent’s ego has taken over. I’m going to accomplish things that others can only dream about. Jeanne can’t believe he is so full of himself and not even 40 years old. Is there something else you want, Dr. Henry?

Jeanne can’t put her finger on it but it is becoming clear that Brent just makes her feel off balance. Once again, she tries to blow it off. She has worked with great minds during her career. She knows you run across people who are a little quirky, but Brent is just downright strange. Despite what she feels, Jeanne doesn’t want to get on his bad side. As the new Chief of Cardiac surgery, Brent could make things difficult for her or find ways to exclude her from his projects. She has seen it happen before and doesn’t want to find herself in an uncomfortable situation. Jeanne smiles graciously and says, I’ll come by your office later to pick it up. Perhaps I can try other avenues to get the project going. Brent doesn’t say anything but appears uneasy. He stands there awkwardly staring at her for a moment until she says, Thanks again doctor, and perhaps we can do something in the future.

Brent goes back to his office and pours another cup of coffee. Before he has a moment to collect his thoughts, Dr. Austin is at the door. He pokes his head in saying, I’m going to set up a meeting to discuss the research projects. We need to determine how many additional personnel to hire and if we can fill some of the slots with grad students. Brent doesn’t have the enthusiasm that Dr. Austin had anticipated and asks, Is everything alright? Brent plays along, trying to appear to be in control. Fine! Everything is just fine. Why do you ask?

Oh, you just appeared a bit preoccupied, that’s all. Dr. Austin remembers how it was to be the new doctor in the house and what the added stress can do. Although it is quite early in the game for Brent, Dr. Austin is also aware that everyone handles things differently. The pressure of following in his father’s footsteps could be more of a challenge than he is up to. He doesn’t want Brent to fail.

I guess you’re right, I do have a lot on my mind. But I assure you, Dr. Austin, I am up for all of the challenges.

That’s great. I’ve been meaning to ask if you had moved into your dad’s old place.

I wouldn’t know what to do in that big old house. I was thinking about renting it out to some students.

What a great idea. So where are you staying these days? Brent laughs slightly. I’m staying down at the hotel for now. I haven’t taken the time to rent an apartment yet, but I’ll be looking into something soon.

Well, that might explain why you look a little tired. It’s hard to get a good night’s sleep in a hotel.

I usually sleep like a log, but I must admit, I’ve been a bit restless. But don’t concern yourself with this. It’s a minor aberration that won’t last.

Good, as long as you have things under control, I’ll leave it alone. I probably shouldn’t say this, but I have a lot riding on your success.

Oh?

Some of the older board members knew your father quite well, and there were some issues. Brent tries to blow it off and says, I guess one could say my dad was a bit odd. And for that matter, some might even say the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree.

Now, that you mention it Brent, that’s exactly what was said. But I believe that we are all entitled to a chance to prove ourselves.

Thanks for the vote of confidence.

And I’m sure you’re worth it, right?

Absolutely!

Thanks for taking the time to speak with me.

Anytime, Dr. Austin.

Dr. Austin leaves Brent’s office feeling confident that he has made the right decision and vows to stop questioning himself. The conversation went well and there is no need to worry. On the way back to his office he begins thinking about the promises he made to his wife. There is so much going on at the hospital but he refuses to let it consume him. He knows Clara enjoys spending time at their cabin but feels she deserves something a bit more exciting. She especially loves going to Florida when it gets cold in Spokane. Sam has a knack for planning wonderful little getaways. He sits down at his computer and starts looking for a spa package with all the trimmings. Clara is the best thing to ever happen to him and he isn’t about to allow work to come between them. And right at his fingertips he sees the perfect spa package and quickly books it. He picks up the phone to call her. Hey honey, would you get our quick getaway bags packed. I just booked an awesome spa package for just the two of us. See you shortly.

Travis is totally transformed and everyone seems to notice. Lisa walks in and says, I know how much you hate to cover the Microbiology lab, but I need you in there until noon. Without giving it a second thought Travis replies, Sure, Lisa, no problem. Lisa stops in her tracks. Okay, what’s the catch? Travis is entering some lab results into the computer. He looks up asking What do you mean? Lisa looks at him real hard and says, This has got to be the first time I’ve asked you to cover the micro lab and you didn’t give me a hard time.

You shouldn’t dwell in the past Lisa. It limits your possibilities.

Lisa starts laughing and asks, Who are you and what have you done with Travis?

Lisa, why don’t you quit while you’re ahead. I really don’t mind.

Thanks Travis. Lisa walks out and shakes her head, not knowing what to think.

Travis doesn’t like setting up cultures. It didn’t matter if it’s feces, sputum or biopsy tissue, he just hates it. But with the sudden turn his life is taking, he realizes there’s no point giving his dislikes so much energy. He’s determined to approach everything with a new attitude. Cindy is tempted to check in on him but decides not to give her co-workers anything to talk about. She is managing to hold her own in the Blood Bank with Amy and Vicki. Out of the blue, Amy says, Cindy you seem to have gained some confidence since the last time we worked together.

Cindy smiles and replies, I guess you could say that. Without letting on that Travis has been more than helpful, Cindy graciously accepts the compliment and continues working. She knows they would probably cringe with disdain if they knew she slept with him. Cindy is still trying to reconcile her feelings about Pete. She hates that he even entered her mind especially now that she has allowed Travis into her heart. She hates feeling so insecure and uncertain of what the future holds. Travis has been a great co-worker and a perfect gentleman from day one. Pete on the other hand has taken her for granted more times than she cares to recall. Not to mention the fact that she moved across the country to build a life with him only to have him dump her for someone else. And sadly there is a piece of her heart that is trying to believe they could still have their happily ever after. Amy notices that Cindy appears to be in deep thought and asks, Cindy, what do think is up with Travis?

What do mean?

Cindy, I know you haven’t been here that long, but everybody knows how Travis hates working in the micro lab. I wonder what has him so chilled out. If I didn’t know better, I’d swear he might’ve gotten…….

Gotten what?

Amy laughs a little and says, I can’t even think it, let alone say it.

Don’t be shy Amy, just say it.

I was thinking maybe he finally got laid. Vicki overhears them and asks, What did you say? Cindy is playing along, managing somehow not to give herself away and says, He’s a man so it’s possible. Amy and Vicki laugh like it is the funniest thing they’ve ever heard. Cindy still manages to be cool and says, Travis seems to be a very nice guy.

He’s nice but he has his moments, Amy replies.

Well don’t we all?

Cindy, you don’t know Travis like we do, Vicki adds.

That may be true, but as a black woman, I know how it feels to be talked about and mistreated.

Hey Cindy, take it easy, we didn’t mean anything by it. Travis is a little odd and I guess the thought is funny. Amy replies.

Yeah, I get that, but I stand by what I said. I’m a little sensitive to others being the object of ridicule and idle gossip. I’m sure neither of you meant it the way it sounded, and perhaps I overreacted. However, wouldn’t it be nice if we lived in a world where people understood and respected others differences. Words can pierce like bullets.

You’re not over reacting Cindy, Vicki says thoughtfully, And you’re right. We probably should give a little more thought to what other people feel.

Cindy can’t believe she has actually stood up for Travis like that. She is sure Amy and Vicki didn’t really mean to be cruel, but even a few misguided words can