“I know, and I’m not saying you have to stop ranching.” He chuckles. “We both know you wouldn’t listen anyway.”
I huff. “Hit the nail on the head with that one, Doc.”
“Butif you keep pushing like you have been, you’re going to lose more mobility, and permanently. I don’t want to see that happen.”
“So, what are you saying?”
“Here’s what I’m recommending: Slow down. Delegate more if you can. Lean on those boys of yours.” He pauses, then smiles faintly. “In addition to that, I also want you to try something that promotes controlled movement. And before you roll your eyes at me and storm out of here like I’m crazy, I want you toreallyconsider it, because believe it or not, Idoknow what I’m talking about sometimes.”
“Well, get on with it, would ya,” I grumble, already not liking where this is going.
Then he opens his mouth and says the one word I was least expecting. “Pottery.” My lips part, but before I have a chance to argue, he continues. “I know, I know. It’s a far cry from branding irons and fence posts. But the motions are controlled, gentle, and incredibly good for fine motor strength. It’ll keep your hands working without tearing them up even more.”
“Doc, you can’t be serious. Pottery?”
“Oh, I’m very serious.” He chuckles. “It’ll feel strange at first, but it’s actually one of the best therapies for dexterity and strength. Think of it as retraining your grip instead of losing it.”
Annoyance rips through my chest. “Respectfully, Doc, coming here today was a waste of time,” I say as I plant my feet on the floor and stand. “There’s a hundred things I need to get done, and this took up an hour and a half of the day I can’t get back. As I said before, that ranch is my livelihood. I can’t just ‘slow down,’ nor do I think taking up arts and crafts is going to help me.”
Dr. Kroye’s gaze softens as he stands. “Believe it or not, Gentry. A lot of tough, stubborn ranchers, just like yourself, end up really enjoying it.”
“I’m good, but thanks.”
“Just think about it,” he presses. “I’ll include the name of a place in town that offers great beginner classes with thepaperwork Mary-Lynn gives you before you leave. They even offer evening classes. Perfect for your schedule.”
I’m already shaking my head. “That won’t be necessary.”
“I know, but I’m including it anyway,” he says as he opens the door. “Just in case you change your mind.”
What a waste of fucking time.
After I get the paperwork and decline scheduling a follow-up appointment, I leave the office, feeling more aggravated than when I got here. Checking the time again, I decide to stop by the diner for a quick bite to eat before I head back home. It’s Tuesday, which means it’s Reuben sandwich day—my favorite.
Once I get there, it’s a little busier than I would’ve liked, but I take a seat at the counter. Because she knows me, the server brings me a Diet Dr. Pepper and lets me know she already put in my sandwich order, so hopefully it won’t take too long.
I replay everything the doctor said to me, and the longer I think about it, the more annoyed I become.Pottery?What kind of asinine suggestion was that? I’d laugh at the idea of me doing something like that if it wasn’t so ridiculous.
“Well, well, well. Look who it is.” Sliding into the seat beside me, my son’s best friend stares at me with a wide-toothed grin that makes dimples appear on either side of his mouth. “Daddy Moore, what’re you doin’ here?”
“Remington, I’ve told you before,” I grumble. “Do not call me that.”
“Oh, hittin’ me with the full name today, huh?” He nudges me in the arm. “Kinda like the sound of that.”
I clench my jaw and fight the urge to roll my eyes.
“Hey, baby, what can I get ya?” the server asks, practically batting her eyelashes at him.
He smiles, completely oblivious to it. “A club sandwich and fries would be amazing.”
“And to drink?”
“Water’s fine.” He glances over at me as she walks off. “Where’re you comin’ from?”
“That’s not really any of your business,” I mutter. I’m not in the mood to chit-chat with anybody,especiallysomeone as talkative as Remington.
“I just left the firehouse,” he offers, also oblivious to my unwelcoming demeanor. “Hey, since you’re here, can I talk to you about somethin’? I’m meetin’ Hollis later tonight to talk about it, but fuck, I really gotta get this off my chest, like now.”
Oh, Lord.
