“Your father would’ve loved it.”
“Not you?”
“I’m amused now, but I wouldn’t have been back then.”
She changed the subject to my growing role at the clinic.
“I love that Carol didn’t hesitate to ask me to sit in on the meeting with Dad and Doug. I’ll miss her when she retires and have to hire a new doctor before she does, but that won’t be a problem.”
Carol supported the direction I wanted to take the clinic; specializing in holistic medicine and having a hormone specialist on staff for women of all ages.
“I’m glad. Carol’s always been forward-thinking, and I’m sure she’ll help you find the right fit.”
Assuming ownership of the clinic as an NP wouldn’t make since to most people, since Texas law prohibited NPs from prescribing medications without a supervising doctor.
Something I hoped to change, but that was a future problem. For now, I’d hire a doctor who’d be a good fit for my vision.
Before long, we were both yawning.
“I should go,” Mom said, standing up. “Need help putting out the fire?”
It had burned down to embers. “Nah, I got it.”
She hugged me. “I’ll head in to say goodbye.”
At the patio door, she turned. “Remember what I said.”
“I will.” She’d given me a lot to think about.
Chapter 16
Matt
Iwoke up early Wednesday to work out before meeting Madi at Jack’s. When I offered to give her a ride, arguing we could save gas, she declined. I didn’t bother mentioning how much easier my job would be if she’d let me drive, like we do for most of our personal protection clients.
Driving gave Madi a sense of normalcy and independence she wasn’t willing to give up, and she had enough stress on her plate without me adding to it.
“You’re welcome to ride with me,” she’d countered.
“I can’t.” All my gear was in my truck.
I parked behind her at Grannie’s, and followed her in.
“Morning, Beth,” Madi called out from the middle of the cafe.
“Morning. The usual?”
“Yes, please.”
“Matt?” Beth asked.
“A large black, thanks.” I turned so I could see the door, grateful the large glass windows lining the sidewalk-facing wall gave me an early view of anyone walking in.
The cafe had an old-style saloon feel blended with modern equipment. All the photos on the walls were black and white or sepia tinted, old-fashioned colored glass bottles decorated the shelves, and cowboy hats hung on hooks below them. The modern lights shone down on dark wood tables and leather chairs.
Grannie’s was the perfect blend of old and new, and the locals and tourists alike loved it.
“Here you go,” Beth said, handing us our cups.
