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“Whoa. Hold on there, my quasi–big brother. It’s not that much of an age difference. And, besides, I don’t agree. I think you can spend time with someone just because you enjoy their company.”
“That’s because you’re only twenty-two. And sixteen years isn’t that much to you?”
“No, it’s not.” Was it? She tried to ignore the niggle of doubt sprouting inside her. She couldn’t help but wish for a mom to talk to, or a grandmother, a sister, an aunt. A bubble of sadness expanded inside her. People said you couldn’t miss what you’d never had, but Ally knew they were wrong about that. She’d always pined for a feminine connection of some kind. Not that she wanted it to replace her relationship with Abe, just supplement it a little.
Right now, she’d settle for a girlfriend. She thought of Iris, felt like maybe they were headed toward that. Disappointing that she was Tag’s sister. That seemed to preclude any advice seeking.
“You do realize you’re breaking the half plus seven rule, right?”
“The what?”
“You know, the relationship rule that says you shouldn’t date anyone younger than half your age plus seven years.”
“That’s ridiculous. Where did you hear that?”
He pointed a french fry at her. “Hey, I didn’t make it up. It’s a thing. Don’t you read Cosmo?”
“Cosmo? Of course not. I read medical journals and National Geographic. Besides, he’s not looking for a relationship. And I told him the same.” Which was only sort of a lie. She had told him that, but she didn’t know if she really meant it.
The problem, as Flynn had just inadvertently pointed out, was that she didn’t know much of anything where relationships were concerned. She made a mental note to pick up a few of those magazines.
* * *
THE WOMAN WAS sitting on her porch when Ally got home that evening after work. She bolted to her feet as Ally approached. Tall and thin as a willow switch, she had sharp symmetrical features to match. Everything about her appeared lovely but fragile, like a piece of finely spun sugar. Bluish smudges beneath her eyes suggested she was also exhausted.
“Hi, Ally? Ally Mowak?”
“Yes, hello.”
She reached out a hand. “Cami Hughes. It’s wonderful to meet you.”
Ally shook it and noted the cold clamminess of her firm grip.
“Thank you. You, too.”
The woman nodded, her gaze roving over Ally like she was trying to make a decision.
Ally offered a gentle smile. “I love meeting new people. But why is it nice to meet me, exactly?”
“Oh.” Cami’s eyes widened for a split second before she let out a short laugh. “I’m sorry. I’ve heard that your grandfather is Abe Mowak, the Native doctor healer guy?”
“Yes.”
Cami cast furtive glances up and down the street before blowing out a breath. “I was wondering if you might be able to help me with, um, alternative medical treatments? I can pay you cash.”
“I see. Why don’t we go inside and talk about it?”
Ally unlocked her door, and they both went inside. Ally set her bag down and flipped on the light.
“Please, have a seat. Can I get you anything to drink?”
“No, thank you. I’m good.”
Cami settled on the sofa and Ally sat across from her in an overstuffed chair.
“What’s bothering you, Cami?”
“It’s my thyroid. I’ve been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. Mood swings, fatigue, insomnia, weight loss, my hair… But it’s the fatigue that’s killing me.” Her eyes filled with tears. “I have no energy. I’m so tired of feeling like I’m going to drop at any moment. Please, I hope you can help me. I’m sorry…” She wiped at her cheeks and pressed one fisted hand to her pursed lips.
Ally’s throat went tight as sympathy welled within her. How could she not try and help? She plucked a tissue from the box on the end table and passed it to Cami.
“Cami, before we talk about this further I need to make a few things very clear. I’m not a medical doctor like my grandfather. I am a paramedic with the highest certification, and I served four years in the Army as a medic. Like my grandfather, I believe in a holistic approach to medicine, and that means a combination of what we call the old ways and the new, traditional and modern. Whatever works, in other words. The best approach for the condition.”
