Page 3 of A Very Grumpy Doctor

“Daisy,” I plead.

She ignores me and jumps out of the car, coming around to my side.I hate going to the doctor.And I meanhate.The last time I was this sick, Daisy had to drag me into the ER, kicking and screaming.This time feels like it’s not going to be much better.

Daisy opens the door.

I shake my head.

“Come on, Alexi.It won’t be that bad.”

“It will,” I whisper.

“Okay, I guess we’re doing this the hard way,” she mutters.

“Wait!”

But she’s already grabbing me and dragging me out of the car.

All the doctors in this small town know about me.Some are patient and try to comfort me.Some are annoyed.I wonder which one I’ll get today as Daisy tugs me up to the front doors.

I wrinkle my nose as we approach the front desk and check in.Daisy passes me the forms, and we’re called into the back before we can even sit down.

I’ve always hated doctors.I hate everything about seeing them.The cold rooms, the crinkly paper, the condescending way they talk, and how they act like they know everything.

I’m miserable as we enter the room, and I’m forced to step onto a scale.I glare at the athletic nurse as he writes down the number.I’ve always been plus-size.That’s another reason I hate doctors.They always dismiss my medical issues because of my weight.

I sway on my feet, my whole body sweating.I’m freezing and burning up at the same time, which is fun.My fever must be bad.

“Go ahead and take a seat on the table.The doctor will be in to see you in a moment,” the nurse says.

“Thanks,” Daisy chirps.

I slink over to the table, glaring at the paper covering it.It crinkles loudly as I climb on, and my nerves escalate.My feet jiggle nervously as I fill out the forms and pass the clipboard back to Daisy.She’s busy texting Ledger on her phone and chuckling at his reply.

My eyes dart to the door.

Can I beat her to it and escape down the hall before she catches me?

No, stay.We’re already here.Stay until they give you the shot or prescription or whatever.Ten minutes of stress, and then I’ll be on the mend.

I try to relax after my little pep talk, but it’s no use.

“We should go,” I blurt, hopping off the table.

“No, Alexi,” Daisy says firmly, leaping to her feet.“We’re here.We’re staying.”

I shake my head and dart toward the door, but Daisy is quicker.I’m so weak and miserable that she easily hauls me back to the exam table.

The door opens, and the doctor walks in.

We all freeze, staring at each other in shock.

I’ve never seen this doctor before.He’s hot.Reallyhot.Black hair falls artfully over his forehead.His coat is pristine, and I wonder if he irons it.His dark green eyes glance at Daisy before locking onto me.His mouth opens slightly as he stares at me.

I try to ignore my body’s reaction to him.I’ve never had crushes or dated before, never felt that spark people talk about, no matter how attractive I’ve considered a guy.

Not until now.

Has to be the fever.