Leslie in 1602 says she is in love with Billy in Room 1608. And Johnny—well, don’t get me started.”
“Have you ever given a straight answer, Doris?” Shelly asked with a smile.
“You know, Doc, I’ve been here a long time, even before your first time around, and if I gave a straight answer to all the doctors’ questions, it wouldn't be much fun, would it?”
Shelly nodded, knowing full well a sense of humor was a must- have defense mechanism.
“So, just curious,” said Doris, “how much did you make from the Foundation event?”
“We raised almost a hundred seventy-five thousand dollars,” she answered as she flipped through the evening’s charts. “And early this morning, someone gave twenty-five thousand dollars anonymously.”
“Someone gave you twenty-five thousand dollars just like that? My lord. If that’s a man, I need to find him and say, thank you, baby!”
"Well, if I do find him, he’s all yours, Doris."
"I saw you talking with Nick Harris last night," Doris quickly changed the topic.
“Yes, and you’re right, he is good looking. And then within five
minutes, he asked me out.”
“The man works fast. Mercy.”
“He seemed like a nice guy, though. Jerry, too.”
“Did you know his mother died of breast cancer last year?”
Doris asked.
“Nick Harris’ mom?”
“Yes, Jane. She was in our support group. Great lady. Jane and Sal had a storybook love and were the envy of everyone who knew them. They met in high school. know one thing: Nick sure loved his mom.”
“What else do you know about Nick Harris?”
“There is more than meets the eye. His mother told me things she was so proud of, the last time I spoke to her. Doesn’t seem that long ago … She was a special lady. She had eyes just like yours.”
“You know, you’re a special woman, Doris.” “And a helluva good nurse.” She smiled.