Page 25
‘Hold this tight.’ Evelyn placed Summer’s own fingers over the cotton wool, and accepted the tape from Dr Tom.
She slid the tray back to him, and he stuck the appropriate label on each vial, before securing them in the sample bag. ‘Impressive.’
‘I’ve had practice.’ Evelyn shrugged easily.
‘Do you have a minute for a quick chat?’
‘Yes, I think so. Is something wrong?’ Her eyes flicked to Summer.
‘No, not at all. But I think I have a proposition you might be interested in.’
‘Summer? Will you go and check on Tilly please? Don’t leave the surgery though, and stay in sight of the reception.’
‘Do I still get Brockle cake and ice cream for being good?’
‘Yes, I think we can just about manage that.’
‘OK.’ Summer raced from the room, eager to escape.
‘So what’s going on?’ Evelyn crossed her legs and tucked her hair behind her ear.
‘As I said, potential proposition that might be of interest to us both – but with no pressure. With Summer doing so well, and back at school, have you thought about going back to work?’
‘To be honest, I hadn’t yet. It’s been a really stressful period, and I didn’t want to commit to anything too soon.’
‘Well, you already know we’re short a nurse and that it’s causing us havoc here. You’re obviously better at phlebotomy than I am. Did you have any specialisms?’
‘My team did a bit of everything.’ Evelyn shrugged. ‘But we specialised in hospital step-downs and re-enablement. To the point that we merged with the home care team.’
‘Can I ask why you left? Was it just the relocation?’
‘Actually it was before that. The merger was just before Summer got really ill, and there wasn’t a need for two full-time team leaders. The other manager was a Band 7 too, and had just got married and bought a house. And with Summer being so ill, the offer of redundancy was timed quite well for me.’
‘Re-enablement is a big part of the community here. Would you be interested in working with us?’
‘How many hours are you thinking?’ Evelyn was surprised at the offer, but more surprised that her immediate reaction wasn’t to say no. Tom was right: Summer was happily back at school, and Evelyn had been a lot happier, and starting to feel bored, and she was planning on staying in Broclington. At least for the foreseeable future.
‘As many hours as you’re willing to give us – up to full-time.’
‘I don’t think I’d want to come back full-time just yet.’ Evelyn shook her head.
‘But what about part-time? Maybe school hours?’ He gave her a hopeful smile, and for a moment she could see exactly where Jake got his good-natured cheerfulness from. ‘You don’t have to answer now, but would you at least think about it? It’d be doing me – and the community – a big favour. And if you’re planning on staying around Broclington for a bit longer, I can’t think of a better way to settle back in than helping care for our residents.’
‘I’ll think about it,’ Evelyn promised, already tempted. All of Tom’s points were good ones, and she couldn’t deny that the money would be very welcome.
‘Why don’t you let me know in a few days? When I call with Summer’s test results – which I’m sure will be just fine – I’m assuming that’s part of your hesitation.’
Evelyn nodded. Any parent would understand. ‘So, three to five days then? Depending on how busy the lab is.’
‘Of course.’ He held out his hand and gave her a warm, firm handshake. ‘It’s been nice talking with you. And seeing you work. I really do hope you say yes.’
‘I will think about it, I promise.’
‘Good.’ He held the door open for her, and she headed down the corridor.
Before she opened the door to the reception, she could already hear Summer’s excited tones as she showed off Tilly’s latest trick of dancing on her back legs and turning in circles on command. Evelyn smiled. Village life definitely seemed to suit Summer, and she was slowly turning into a bright, confident, happy child.
Her smile grew even wider when she saw who was the audience for Summer’s latest performance. Almost as soon as she stepped through the door, Jake looked up and met her eyes and gave her a warm smile.
