“So, after his mother comes back in today, the two of you are breaking up?”
Lina shrugged. “That’s the plan.”
“Bummer. I was kinda expecting you two to turn it into a real relationship. This makes me think a lot less of him, like maybe he was just using you and now he needs you to go away.”
“Ash.” Lina stared down her very pregnant friend. “You are being less than helpful right now. At least Corrie offered to set me up with someone new.”
Ashley laughed. “You wouldn’t want me to match you up, and you know it. But who is Corrie setting you up with?”
“I don’t know. I told her to go right ahead, but I haven’t heard back yet.”
“Interesting. You have to keep me posted, even when I’m on maternity leave.”
Lina rolled her eyes. “I’ll call you in the middle of labor to give you my post-date analysis.”
“That’s the spirit.” Ashley eased herself away from the counter and gave Lina a hug. “I’m sorry about Dillon. Maybe he’ll surprise you and make a move.”
“I’m not holding my breath. It’s probably better we just stay friends.”
Ashley cocked her head to one side. “Why are you waiting on him? Since when do you let the guy decide things? That seems so unlike you.”
“Does it?” Lina smiled, but inside she squirmed. It was true. Normally she would be the one calling the shots. But she cared enough about Dillon to wait for him to make his move. She would not force this, even if it meant it would lead to nothing.
“Okay, we’ve been in here too long, and if I don’t get back to the front desk before they unlock the doors, we’re both going to be in trouble.” Ashley grabbed a paper towel and used it to pull open the bathroom door.
Lina went to prep the room she’d be working in and looked over the schedule for the day. Her first patient was already in the lobby filling out paperwork.
The morning passed quickly, as it always did.
Brenda came in right on time for her appointment, and Lina took her back and distracted her with small talk the best she could. The other dentists were aware that Lina would be assisting and staying the whole time, as Brenda requested, and other patients had been shuffled around to accommodate it.
Dr. Kenshaw did the fillings, much to Lina’s relief. She’d told Ashley to schedule it that way. Pretty much anyone was a better fit than Kirby, but Dr. Kenshaw was the best at being soothing and careful. He and Brenda hit it off right away.
Lina squeezed Brenda’s hand when it was all over and she was returning to consciousness.
“You stayed,” Brenda said, in a slurred voice. The left side of her mouth was numb. She lifted her head and looked around, noticing Dr. Kenshaw standing at the counter behind her. She smiled sleepily. “Do you know Lina? My son loves her. He’s a little scared of her too. I’m not sure why. She’s so wonderful.”
Thankfully, with her mouth not at one-hundred percent cooperation, Dr. Kenshaw nodded indulgently, likely only catching half of what Brenda was saying.
Lina rubbed Brenda’s lower arm. “Lay back and rest for now. Would you like a popsicle?” Lina could only imagine what might come out of her own mouth if under the influence of anesthesia. She retrieved a Popsicle from the little freezer across the hall and brought it back.
Brenda’s eyes were closed. “Kip called this morning and said he asked Heather to marry him. I wonder why he didn’t ask her when they were here.” She turned and blinked her eyes open until they focused on Lina. “They’re going to … envelope. No, that’s not the right word.”
“Elope?” Lina asked.
“Yes. They don’t want a big wedding. I don’t care about a big wedding, but I’d like to be there. Wouldn’t you?”
Lina wasn’t sure how to answer. She opened the Popsicle and handed it over. “It’s nice they’re getting married,” she finally said. “Brenda, do you have a ride home?”
“Yes. Dillon is coming to get me. He didn’t tell you?”
Lina reached in the pocket of her scrubs for her phone. “Do you want me to call him? You should be good to go in a few minutes. Just no hot foods for two hours, and nothing crunchy or chewy until all the numbness goes away.”
“Yes. Please call Dillon and see if he’s on his way.”
Lina raised the chair up, watching to make sure Brenda didn’t wobble as she sat upright. Then she walked into the hall and called Dillon.
“Hey. Are you on your way here?”
