It felt natural to be here with her, and I found myself disappointed when the food was gone from both our plates,save little crumbs of bread and shredded lettuce from our sandwiches.
She twisted her lips to the side. “We should get going. Do you mind dropping me off at the doctor before you go back to The Tower?”
My eyebrows drew together. “Everything okay?”
“Yeah, just a check-in with my OB. No biggie.”
“Oh... do you—is it okay if I come?”
A surprised smile touched her lips. “You want to come to the doctor’s office?”
I reached across the table, holding her hand in mine. “I want to go with you to your appointment. You’re strong, I know that, but you shouldn’t have to do this alone.”
Her eyes seemed a little misty before she blinked it back. “Are you sure you have time?”
I held up a finger and dialed Maya. After a few rings, she picked up, and I said, “Maya, clear the next couple hours. Thanks.”
Jada’s lips parted. “That was so hot.”
Chuckling, I said, “Wait until you see how I fill out a form. Block letters only.”
“Damn.” She laughed, standing up from the table. I got both our trays and brought them to the trash can before walking with her to the car where Gen was waiting. The golden fall sunlight hit her blond hair and bounced off her mirrored glasses.
“Ready?” she asked.
“Sure are,” I replied.
We got in the car, and Jada gave her the address to a medical center not too far away. Even though I wanted to go with her, I felt my chest tightening as I looked up at the sign. I’d never been the support person for a pregnant woman before—how would I know if I was doing it right?
Before walking into the building with her, I made a mental note to ask Fletcher.
As I studied the place while Jada checked in, I started to become more worried. The building was clearly run-down. The magazines on the table were all torn and nowhere near recent editions.
Looking over at Jada, I asked, “Dr. Martins recommended this place to you?” I tried to keep the judgement out of my voice, and it must have worked because she barely looked up from her form as she nodded.
I got out my phone and fired a text to him.
Bryce: Why did you send Jada to New Hope Clinic?
Within moments, he responded.
Dr. Martins: Dr. Blake is the best doctor for low-income, uninsured patients. The facility leaves a little to be desired, but I trust them.
My jaw clenched. It was a good answer, but not great. As I looked around, I couldn’t help the anger that rose up in my chest. Mothers deserved better than this sad building, no matter their income status.
Bryce: The best for low-income patients, or the best, period?
I wouldn’t ask Jada to get a new doctor if she didn’t want to, but I had to know that she was receiving the very best care.
Dr. Martins: We did our residency together. They’re an incredible doctor. Are you concerned?
Bryce: The building is not great.
Dr. Martins: When they have to choose between taking patients or making aesthetic updates, there’s an obvious choice.
My teeth ground together, and I opened a new text message and fired one off to Maya.
Bryce: Prep a slide deck for our next charitable efforts meeting. New Hope Clinic needs a new building. At the very least a renovation.
