“We can’t change it now,” Rowan sighed, running a hand through her hair.
“We can’t,” I agreed. “But no matter what happens between us, you’re safe. Please know that.”
Tears gathered in the corners of her eyes and I took the opportunity to lean down, planting a kiss on top of her head. “Thank you for coming back,” I whispered, before turning to leave her to her TV time and candy.
Heading straight back to my office, I did my best to compose myself. I needed to text the others. We hada lotto talk about.
Rowan
Finally. It was time to open my clinic.
It’d taken a couple of days to get the cabin suitable for seeing patients, given the years of caked-on dust and grime. I’d also been looking after Rory in the interim, making sure he continued to improve now that his system was clearing out all the harmful medications Jenkins had prescribed.Thankfully, he was well and truly on the mend. Griffin was as good as new, too, and had even been helping me move a few boxes.
I had been so focused on my little project for the past few days and trying not to dwell on Orsen’s words. Was I truly safe? That was all I wanted, more than anything. Could I believe it? I would think about it again and again at night, keeping me awake. Eventually I had to shove those thoughts to the back of my mind and focus on the clinic.
Part of me expected no one to show up when I opened the doors. Even though several dragons had expressed an interest in seeing me, they already had a healer. Sure, the healer wasn’t exactly their favorite person, but he was their healer, nonetheless. Andeveryoneknew how he felt about me being here.
Only, that morning, I’d found a line of dragons waiting outside the front door, smiling or meeting my surprise with gratitude. All because of my new clinic.
“Hello, Rowan!” A dragon I hadn’t met waved excitedlyas I approached.
“Morning,” I said with a smile, nodding politely. God, there were so many of them. My heart pounded against my ribs, and I felt a distinct clamminess waft over me as I approached the entrance, ready to unlock the door and get to work, which would at least distract me from the sheer number of people here.
But I stopped. The clinic was already open. I had the key; who would have another one and just let themselves in?
Ma sat in the small reception area, greeting me with a warm smile.
Of course.
“Hello, my dear girl. I decided to come down and help you out for the first few days, ’cause it looks like you’ve got quite the line.”
“Yeah,” I replied, looking toward the door, my brows knitting together. “I thought I’d have one or two patients. But this…” I trailed off.
Ma shook her head. “Oh, honey. People haven’t been happy with Jenkins for a while. I think you’re going to be ratherbusy. Is that okay?”
There was a hint of worry in her tone, making my pulse noticeable in my throat again.
I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. “Well, it’s more than I prepared for, but I’m not going to turn anyone away. The entire point is to help.”
“Would you like some coffee? I had one of the boys bring over one of the fancy machines to keep you caffeinated.”
A grateful groan escaped me, my eyes closing as I nodded. “That sounds amazing. Thank you.”
She waved me off. “Go get settled in your new office. Just let me know when you’re ready for the first patient. I’ll bring you a drink shortly.”
“Have I mentioned that you’re my favorite lately?” I praised as I headed to my office, smiling and feeling much lighter.
“You have, but it’s always nice to hear it again.” Ma laughed, that warm grin on her face as she walked over to the coffee maker.
Thankfully, I was pretty much ready to see patients. It was farfrom perfect, but since I was just a visiting healer, I didn’t need an ultra-professional setup, with charting computers and medical equipment worth tens of thousands of dollars.
There wasn’t much to prepare, so after grabbing a notepad and pen, I nodded through the window at Ma. She ushered in a patient, closing the doors behind them.
“Hi, I’m Rowan. How can I help you today?” I used my friendliest voice, gesturing at the chair opposite my desk.
The middle-aged dragon took the seat with a faint smile, his hands squeezing his hat for dear life. “Hi, I’m James. I just wanted to get a rash on my back checked out. Doc insisted it was nothing to worry about, but it’s been making work difficult. And it hasn’t gone away.”
Still wearing that practiced smile, I stood up and walked to the newly refurbished exam table. “Of course. Just hop on up here and remove your shirt, please.I’ll take a look.”
