“Make sure none of them have actual appointments with me. I can’t afford to waste more time on this.”
“Got it.”
Just then, Nathan felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned to see a woman of around his age. She had blond hair that was pulled back in a neat bun, not a strand out of place. Her eyes were a soft brown, and she was dressed in a pencil skirt and steel-gray blouse that looked out of place in Islingburn. She carried a small bag and a cell phone.
“Are you one of my patients?” The question was completely unnecessary. He would have remembered this woman if he’d seen her before.
“No, but I’m here to help.”
Nathan tilted his head to one side. “What do you mean? Are you a doctor?”
“I’m not.” She held out a hand. “I’m Zoe Devine, and I work in PR.”
Immediately, Nathan shook his head. “I just told anyone who doesn’t need medical attention to leave, and I’m pretty sure that means you.”
“I understand,” Zoe said. “But, respectfully, you need me.” She gestured at the packed waiting room. “I know something about your situation. You became famous overnight, right? And now, people are breaking down your door trying to find out who you are and what you do? Well, I can help you manage all this.”
“Respectfully,” Nathan echoed. “I don’t needyourhelp.” The last thing he wanted was some kind of flashy PR campaign that would only bring more people to the already overrun clinic.
“Come on, Doc,” Maya said. She was still sitting at her desk, her elbows leaning on the surface. “Wedoneed help. Just hear her out.”
“Please go,” Nathan said firmly. Zoe hesitated, rocking forward then back on her heels, then turned to the packed waiting room.
“Hi, everyone.” She flashed a white-toothed smile that looked both practiced and charming. “I know some of you are here because you want to meet the ‘Hottest Doctor Alive.’” She winked. “I totally get that. But unfortunately, if you actuallytake Doctor Hale’s appointment slots, you might stop him from doing his work. I have an offer for you, though. If you don’t have a medical issue, you can ask Doctor Hale one question, any question you want — and then, for now, you’ll have to leave. But don’t worry, because this won’t be the last you see of him.” She smiled. “Now, who has a question?”
There was a pause, and Nathan was sure no one was going to take Zoe up on her offer. After all, no one had left when he’d asked them to just a few minutes ago. But then, an older woman near the back of the room stood up.
“Where did you get the puppets you used in the video?” she asked. “I want to get some for my grandson.”
Zoe nodded at Nathan, who cleared his throat. “I got them at Zips and Things in Downtown Islingburn. Ask for Laurie; she can help.”
“Thanks.” The woman left. Then the man who’d been filming himself stood up.
“I have an Instagram account in which I interview people in viral videos,” he said. “Can I do an interview with you?”
“I don’t have—” Nathan began, but Zoe held up a hand.
“Thank you for your question,” she said with the same bright smile. “At the moment, Doctor Hale isn’t taking interviews as he works on building his brand. But please leave your name and handle with our receptionist, and when we start taking on partnerships, we’ll reach out to you first.”
Seeming appeased, the man handed a card to Maya and left.
A few more people stood to ask questions, including theVermont Sunreporter, then Olivia got to her feet.
“Hi, Doctor Hale,” she said, clasping her hands behind her back. “My question is, will you go out with me?”
“Olivia, I can’t,” Nathan said. “You’re one of my patients, so it wouldn’t be appropriate.”
“Oh.” Looking deflated, Olivia left, too.
Within five more minutes, the waiting room was cleared of all but Nathan’s usual patients. Smiling, Zoe turned back to him.
“See, Doctor Hale? You need me.”
“I hated that,” Nathan said. “I shouldn’t have to answer personal questions just so that I can do my job.”
“But it worked,” Maya pointed out. “Come on, Doc.”
Nathan took off his glasses and polished the lenses against the hem of his shirt. It gave him a moment to think. He really didn’t want this — any of this — but maybe Maya was right. Maybe someone who really knew how to handle people could help him get things back to normal.
