Page 32 of Deck the Hauls

Whoops. I’d forgotten that only Roz had met Emily properly.

“I’m Emily. It’s so nice to meet you. I’m staying in your Airbnb. It’s gorgeous.”

“Oh! I knew one of the cast members was staying there, but I didn’t realize it was you. I’m so glad you like it. Some people think the floral decorations are a little much.” Olivia shot an affectionate glance at Roz.

Roz chuckled. “I came around to them pretty quickly.”

Olivia had brought out a more caring, less abrupt, side of Roz, which still caught me by surprise on occasion.

I gestured to my left. “And this is Blake and Jenny.”

Blake grinned, raising a hand in greeting.

“Lovely to meet you,” Jenny said. “We were extras this morning at the café. It was so much fun. You were great!”

Of all my friends, Jenny was the most outgoing and social—which wasn’t surprising given she was an influencer-turned-event planner.

Emily’s cheeks tinged pink. “Oh, thank you! I’m glad you didn’t find it too boring.”

“Not at all,” Jenny said. “Would you like to join us? We just ordered dinner.”

“We were actually hoping to get Blake’s medical opinion on something, if that’s okay,” I said, taking a step forward.

Blake’s eyes widened. “That’s fine, of course. What’s wrong?”

I explained what happened at the rink.

Blake grimaced. “Ouch. That sounds painful.” She shuffled down the bench. “Emily, if you want to sit here, I can take a look at you.”

“Thank you,” Emily said, lowering herself onto the bench next to Blake. “I’m sure it’s nothing, but better safe than sorry.”

I sat down next to Emily, my legs jiggling. I hope she’s okay.

After asking Emily some questions about her symptoms, Blake checked her pulse and observed Emily’s breathing.

“That’s all normal,” she said. “Now, can you follow my finger?” Blake held up her index finger and moved it.

As Emily’s eyes tracked Blake’s finger, George and Hannah arrived. George placed a round drink tray with two glasses of wine, a cider, and a beer on the table.

“Hi, I’m Emily,” Emily said, turning to them as soon as Blake lowered her hand. “You’re George and Hannah, aren’t you? From Novel Gossip? Sorry to crash your dinner, but I hit my head while ice-skating and Dana suggested it might be a good idea for Blake to take a look.”

“Ouch!” Hannah exclaimed. “I hope you’re okay.”

George picked up a glass of cider. “The ice’s loss is our gain.” Her dimple reappeared.

“I’ll be done soon.” Blake pulled out her phone and switched on the flashlight function. “Now I’ll quickly check your pupils.” She shined the light in Emily’s eyes.

“That’s all looking good,” Blake said. “Last test, I promise. Can you get up and walk in a straight line?” Blake glanced around the busy room and grimaced. “Sorry, it might be a bit tricky here.”

Emily waited for a break in foot traffic and then walked straight, only wavering once when a man with four pint glasses swerved in front of her and she jumped out of the way.

“Great reflexes!” Blake said as Emily sat down again. “Is it okay if I feel for lumps on your head?”

“Sure,” Emily said, turning her back to Blake.

Blake peered at Emily’s head and then felt around her scalp.

“There’s a nasty bump there, but that’s pretty common. We should get some ice on it.” Blake sat back. “At this stage, I’m not seeing anything too concerning. You can take some Tylenol for your headache. Will there be anyone else with you tonight? We generally recommend people aren’t alone for the first twenty-four hours after a head injury, just in case things worsen. If your headache escalates or you get other symptoms like vomiting, vision or balance issues, or loss of consciousness, you’ll need to go straight to the ER.”