“I don’t.” I shrug.
“You do. That’s when you even say hello. You normally don’t greet at all.” She holds up a hand. “Second, work on your smile. I’ve never seen you smile. Not even once.”
I scowl. “I can smile.”
I go through the motions, and Sally cracks up laughing all over again.
“Stop that!” I growl through clenched teeth. “I’m trying here.”
“Try harder. Practice in the mirror if you have to.” She taps her fingers on her desk, her eyes lifted in thought. “People appreciate small talk. Ask how someone’s day is going. Comment on the weather. Make eye contact but don’t stare them down like you’re about to challenge them to a fight.”
She knows me well.
I sigh because this is a lot more complicated than I thought it would be.
“Also,” Sally says, her expression becoming more serious. “It has to be authentic. If it’s not genuine, people are going to pick up on it, and they won’t like it. You need to actually mean it, Grim. Or just leave well alone. There’s nothing wrong with you. I agree, you could work on a few basics, but don’t try to change who you are.”
I grunt in response, because what else can I say? She’s right. I’ve been going through the motions, trying to force myself to be someone I’m not. And it’s showing.
Before I can respond, the door to Room Two opens. Emma walks out with Eldra, their conversation flowing naturally.
“…and then he climbed all the way to the top of the tree before I could stop him,” Eldra says with a laugh. “He jumped down in one leap and broke both his legs.”
“No!” Emma gasps.
“Oh, yes! My grandson is fearless. Gets it from his father. Thank goodness for our advanced healing.”
“You’d better believe it,” Emma says with a smile. She hands Eldra a small card. “This is your vaccination record. Keep it safe. You’re all set for another year.”
“Thank you, dear.” Eldra tucks the card into her purse.
Emma’s eyes shift to me, and I see her tense. I’m sure she thinks I’m nuts.
Time to try again. Sally said it has to be authentic, which was good advice.
“Thanks, Emma,” I say, being sure not to growl or attempt another smile.
Emma’s eyes narrow. She cocks her head to the side, studying me like I’m some kind of fascinating specimen.
Then, without a word, she turns and goes back into the treatment room. The door closes behind her with a soft click.
Sally barely contains her laugh. “Well, that went well.”
I shake my head.
“It’ll take time,” Sally says, still grinning. “You need to keep at it.”
Time is something I don’t have.
Eldra is looking between us with curiosity. “What’s this all about?”
“Grim is trying to be nicer,” Sally explains cheerfully. “He’s more of the silent type, usually.”
“Oh, I happen to like a male of few words and a whole lot of action,” Eldra says with a wink in my direction.
I’ll be damned if my cheeks don’t burn. I hope I haven’t gone bright red.
Sally laughs.
