his grandfather got Alzheimer’s. Reece’s father had sold the Kentucky cabin and put his grandfather in a home near Memphis, where he’d died alone a year later.
Reece had never seen his grandfather again. It was then he’d decided to dedicate his life to curing Alzheimer’s.
That was all that mattered.
Medicine. Not music.
“She should be fine, but maybe try to find out if your mother tried to do harm to herself in her past. If she regresses it could be a repeat episode.”
Vivian nodded. “I will. She doesn’t talk much about those times. She’s private too.”
Reece chuckled with her. “I know, but I would hate to have to put her on a suicide watch.”
“She’s not suicidal when she’s lucid,” Vivian snapped defensively.
“Okay, but you understand where I’m coming from as her doctor.”
“You’re not her doctor.”
“I will be.”
Vivian looked confused. “What do you mean?”
Even though he shouldn’t do it because it would mean that he would be further getting involved in Vivian’s life, he couldn’t see her suffer like this. Her mother was a good candidate anyway—given that Vivian had said she was early onset and was diagnosed only three months ago—and he had to keep telling himself that he was going to make the offer because it made sense for his trial...not because of his past with Vivian.
“I mean I’ve decided to take your mother in my trial.”
Vivian was stunned. “What?”
“That’s what you wanted, wasn’t it? Your mother can start my Alzheimer’s trial tomorrow.”
This is not distancing yourself from her.
“I THOUGHT YOU said your trial was full?” Vivian asked.
Reece shrugged. “There’s room for a good candidate and I think your mother is a good fit.”
“You don’t have to make room for her because it’s me.” In fact she didn’t want him to. She’d taken so much from him already. She didn’t deserve this kindness and didn’t want any handouts.
She didn’t need them.
Except, her mother needed to be on his trial. It was a shot.
“I’m not. Don’t mistake my offer for anything but the fact your mother is a good candidate.” His eyes were dark, cold and it sent a shudder down her spine. “This has nothing to do with our past relationship. It’s purely medical.”
Vivian tried not to blush. Of course he wasn’t doing it for any other reason and she felt foolish for saying it. What did she think—that he would still care for her seven years after breaking off their relationship with a note?
“Of course. I’m sorry. You don’t deserve that. It’s been a trying day.”
His expression softened. “I’m sorry too.”
“So why don’t you tell me what you need for this trial?” Vivian asked, trying to steer the subject away from apologies for something that was no longer there. Something she never really deserved since she’d thrown it away.
“Well, first things first. I will get her admitted up into the neuro floor and we’ll go from there.” Reece turned to the computer and began to do the paperwork.
“Admit her?”
“Yes. All my trial patients are admitted until after I administer the medicine and they recover from the procedure so I can keep a close eye on the protocol. Will that be a problem?” Then he frowned. “I know you didn’t want this spread around...”
“You’re right, I didn’t, but it’s okay. She’s more important. Besides, she has a different last name from me.”
“Not Maguire?”
“No.” And she didn’t elaborate that her mother had kept Vivian’s father’s name, but Vivian had taken her mother’s maiden name when she’d turned eighteen. She’d wanted to wipe her father’s name from hers. She didn’t need to be reminded she was the daughter of Hank Bowen, failed country singer, liar, cheat and drunk.
“So your mother’s surname is...?”
“Bowen. Her name is Sandra Bowen.” Vivian sighed and gave Reece the rest of the info he would need to admit her.
“Vivian?” her mother moaned as she woke up.
“Right here, Mama.” Vivian gripped her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.
“Where am I?”
“Cumberland Mills,” Reece reminded her gently.
“Why?” Then her mother winced and looked at her bandaged wrist. “More than a blip?”
Vivian nodded. “Dr. Castle wants to admit you.”
“I’m not suicidal,” Sandra snapped. “Please believe me. The knife slipped.”
It broke Vivian’s heart because Reece had seen the old scars. Scars from a long time ago when her mother had been just that. Another reason why Vivian had wanted to sever the ties between her and her father.
“We know, Mama. It’s not that at all...”
“I’m running an Alzheimer’s trial. Your daughter, Dr. Maguire, will be helping and you’re a perfect candidate, Mrs. Bowen.” He smiled at her, one of those charming smiles which could win over any woman with a pulse and it worked like a charm on her mother.
“Oh, well, that sounds great. What’s the trial testing?”
“Medication, Mrs. Bowen, that will hopefully cure Alzheimer’s.” He smiled again, but wouldn’t look at Vivian. “I take it Vivian is your medical power of attorney now?”
“I am,” Vivian said. Then she looked at her mother. “What do you say, Mama? Do you want to be part of the trial?”
“Of course.” Her mother grinned. “Besides, I’ll get to see you in action.”
Reece smiled and patted her mother’s arm. “That’s the spirit. I’ll get a porter to take you up to your room. Dr. Maguire, can I speak to you for a moment?”
“Sure.” Vivian kissed her mother’s head. “I’ll just be a moment.”
“Of course, darlin’.”
Vivian shut the door to the trauma pod. “What do you need, Dr. Castle?”
“I just wanted to clarify something.”
“Okay.” Now she was confused. She thought everything was fine. Maybe he’d changed his mind.
“I said you were involved with the trial to ease her, but since you want her connection to you kept quiet you can’t have any involvement.”
“I assumed as much,” she said, trying to not let her anger take over. Did he think she was so obtuse?
“I also want her MRI. The one her GP sent you.”
“Of course. Anything else?”
Reece shrugged with indifference. “No, I’ll update you as I know more.”
“Okay. For what it’s worth, thanks.” She didn’t wait for an answer. He’d made it quite clear why he was doing this for her mother. It was purely medical and she was fine with that. She expected that. Whatever they had in the past was long gone. And really all she wanted now for their working relationship was tolerance