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............Part Ten
........,
"Alicia," said the orderly as he poked his head into Johnny's room. "You've got a phone call."
"Thanks, Ted." she replied, as she swiftly put her hand on Johnny's wrist, as if she were taking his pulse. "I'll be right there."
"Okay," he said as he closed the door.
Alicia lifted the sheet to check Johnny's bandages. They were filthy. "I'll have to come back and change them. Good." Her gaze moved up the length of his body. She licked her lips unconsciously and sighed in appreciation.
Alicia left the room and walked to the desk. She picked up the receiver. "This is Alicia, how can I help you?" she said in her most professional manner.
"Hi Alicia, this is Craig Brice. I wondered if you would be available to go to a movie with me on Friday. I believe we're both off."
Great, she thought. Now what do I tell Craig? He's okay, but Johnny, well.. there's just something I can't describe about him.
**** Johnny tossed and turned in a restless sleep.
"Johnny," said Joanne as she handed him the screwdriver. "Thank you so much for coming over while Roy's away with Chris at Scout Camp. I don't know what's wrong. Usually I can do this kind of thing myself, but with Jennifer home with strep throat, there hasn't been time. She's been cranky and miserable. I don't know why the stove picked today of all days to go on the fritz. Roy was going to replace the burner, but he got called in to cover at Station 86 the day before he left with Chris."
"Don't worry about it, Jo." Johnny took the screwdriver and unscrewed the burner. "You know I'd do anything for you or Roy. God knows you've gone out of your way for me plenty of times." He quickly replaced the heating element and handed the screwdriver back to Joanne. "All fixed." He flashed a crooked grin at Joanne. "Where's my favorite girl?"
"Upstairs." Joanne pointed to the little girl's bedroom.
"Mom-my!" came the hoarse cry. "Is Uncle Johnny still here?"
"Yes, Honey!" Joanne looked at the top of the stairs. "He just finished fixing the stove."
Jennifer appeared at the top of the stairs. "Can you read me a story, Uncle Johnny? My throat hurts!"
Johnny smiled. "I know what'll fix that, Sweetheart. I'll be right up." He winked at Joanne. "Is it okay if I bring her up some ice cream?"
Joanne smiled. "That's fine. It's about all she can really swallow right now."
Johnny spooned out two bowls of ice cream and took them upstairs. "All right, Squirt, one story, then I have to leave. Which one do you want?" He handed Jennifer one of the bowls.
"Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel!" Johnny opened the book and read to Jennifer. After they finished their snack. Johnny tucked Jennifer in for a nap, and carried the bowls downstairs.
"I hate to eat and run, but I've got a date." Johnny put the dishes in the sink. "Jen's asleep."
"Thanks, Johnny," said Joanne appreciatively. "She wouldn't take a nap for me, no matter how I tried." She escorted him to the door and opened it. "You know, you're really beloved around here. I hope you know how much we appreciate and love you."
Johnny blushed. "Thanks, Joanne. I don't really know what to say."
****
Joanne, pregnant, thought Roy as he looked at his wife's peaceful face. I have to be the father. She's faithful. I know I'm faithful. Besides, the only guy who comes and goes regularly around our house is Johnny. He wouldn't....nah. At least, I don't think so.
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