“No.” I note he’s changed into a pair of dark jeans, a gray shirt, and thick books. His hair is styled, and the way he stares at me makes my chest annoyingly fluttery. “Are you?”
“I don’t have classes today.” He slips his hands into his pockets. “Look, I know you’re upset with me because I paid Drew off—and I really am trying to understand why you’re upset with me about it—but I’m also worried about you … I know you said you didn’t want to go to a doctor, but?—”
“I’m going to one,” I cut him off as I start down the hallway.
He follows me. “Oh … That’s good.” He gives a short pause. “Are you going to the one on campus?”
I slow to a stop, and he does, too.
“There’s one on campus?”
He nods, sweeping his fingers through his hair. “It’s a free clinic.”
“I didn’t know they had one. I guess I can just go to that one. Where is it?”
He chews on his bottom lip. “My family’s private doctor is the best in the city. Are you sure you don’t?—”
“Yes, I’m sure,” I answer before he can even finish. “Can you please show me where the clinic is?”
He smashes his lips together for a beat. Then he nods before starting forward again, heading toward main office.
The hallways are relatively empty, but a few people are lingering around, watching River and me.
“I thought everyone would stop staring by now,” I mumble as I hug my arms around myself.
“It’s because we’re dating,” he reminds me of our fake dating agreement.
Speaking of which … “Why did I get targeted by, well, you know?” I say quietly to avoid being overheard. “Did you find anything out from Finn?”
He hesitates then tension fills his body as he scans the hallway. “I did, but let’s talk about it after you get looked at, okay? And in a more private setting.”
He’s right. I know it, but I wish we could talk about it now.
I reluctantly tell him, “Okay.”
He falls silent for a bit, his gaze glued to the floor. “I don’t know if you still want to fake date me, but if so, maybe I should hold your hand since people are staring.” He lifts his gaze to mine.
Right. But the point of fake dating was to protect me from the society, and that clearly didn’t work.
“I know what you’re thinking,” River says under his breath. “But I promise it’s better if we still do it.” He offers me his hand, silently asking me if I trust him.
I don’t trust easily, but he saved me a few times. And while I refuse to be a damsel in distress, I’m so grateful he found me yesterday. So, I take his hand.
A relieved breath eases from his lips as he threads his fingers through mine.
We continue the walk, holding hands and attempting to ignore the amount of attention we’re drawing. In order to get to the clinic, we have to exit the main building and hike across the grass that stretches past the track and to a building located near the back of the campus, near the trees. The building isan ancient, brick-like structure that has been nicely renovated. Above the double-door entrance is a sign that reads, “Royal Academy Clinic.”
River holds the door open for me as we enter. The air smells like lemons, and the waiting area is spacious, with comfortable chairs and tables stacked with books. The receptionist’s desk is in the corner, and the woman behind it is in her thirties and has short blonde hair.
She greets me with a smile. “How can I help you?”
To be honest, I’m not sure I know how to answer. “Um … I need to get a check-up.”
She continues to smile at me warmly, and I’m so grateful for that. She asks me questions and types the answers into her computer. When we’re finished, she tells me to take a seat and the nurse will call me back in a few minutes.
River and I sit down near the corner, and I stretch my legs out, yawning.
“I still feel so tired,” I admit as I recline back in the chair.
