“Henever stops complaining.”
“Russell. MMA fighter. Routine examine.”
“Andshe’snew.”
“Um…” gentle taps hit the side of my cup in thought, “hint?”
“Blonde.”
“Oh!” The joyful squeak prompts Rhonnie to roll her eyes. “Dougherty. Women’s handball player. She suffers from severe dental trauma and needs a better plan on how to proceed forward before training begins for the next season.”
Rhonnie lets the corner of her lips fully kick upward. “You’re proud of yourself, aren’t you?”
“For being able to decipher your cranky code?” I smugly smirk. “One hundred percent.”
Warm laughter bounces back and forth between sips of coffee.
Rhonnie’s been with me since before I finally decided to open my own practice that specializes in caring for athletes. Six years ago, when I worked under Farrell – who talked down to me every chance he got – she was doing medical billing and coding and being treated like garbage for changing career fields later in life. She randomly brought me a pick me up brew after I was forced to skip lunch for the third time that week and I brought her one the next morning to express gratitude. The shit cycled between us until something resembling a friendship was constructed, which is when I confessed my dream of Victory Teeth.
Which is when she expressed her willingness to be a part of it.
Which is what led to me eventually taking the big leap about a year later.
And I’m glad I did.
Starting my own practice – that also houses three other dentists as well as an orthodontist – is theonly,truly “for me” thing I’ve ever done.
It’s the only time I ever put my own wants and desires and hopes first.
It’s also the only time I didn’t let fear win.
Fear has a ridiculous amount of gold medal wins in my life.
“Bull is still on vacation for another week – as we both know – but swore via his weekly check in email that he’ll be ready to jump on those mouthguards-”
“Gumshields.”
“-files the second he gets back from Bermuda. April’s first appointment is at ten, so she should be here any minute as should Becca. Judd had me reschedule all his appointments forthe day after his teen wrecked his Mercedez last night, but Sybil still came in at eight, so she’s available if anyone needs any extra hands today.”
“And Addy?”
“In the back, bathing herself in that ‘all-natural deodorant’ that does nothing for no one.”
“Rhonnie,” leaves me in another playful chastising tone that’s easy to brush off.
“Oh look,” she nonchalantly kicks her chin towards the glass door, “Toothless is here.”
Aaron Looft, the Vlasta born native, cheerfully strolls into the building, undeniable front tooth gap on full, proud display. “Morning, Doc!”
“Good morning, Mr. Looft,” I warmly greet in return. “You seem like you’re in a good mood.”
His sandy shoulders that are being covered by a white tank top innocently bounce. “Not in a bad one.”
“Give it time,” Rhonnie teases while moving her cup towards her mouth. “She hasn’t cut into your gums yet.”
After tossing her a small glare, I return my attention to him. “Do you have someone to drive you home after your procedure today?”
“Yup.” He kicks his thumb over his shoulder. “He’s parking his truck.”
