“Your order, miss.”
Lottie smiled and handed over her debit card.
Lottie thanked the young woman as she headed for the door. The smell of fresh espresso and dark roasted coffee drifted from the cafe as she stepped out.
The narrow cobblestone streets were quieter in the morning, the city beginning to wake beneath a bright sky. Cool air carried the smell of warm bread, butter, and pastries fresh from ovens.
Nearby restaurants carried traces of garlic, herbs, and stock simmering low in their kitchens as they prepped for the day. Yes, she truly loved being in the city. There was something about walking through Old city with its boutiques, pubs, and restaurants.
Tucking the bag under her arm she took a deep breath, letting the city's scents and sounds wash over her.
The hustle and bustle of early morning traffic, the occasional distant honk of a car horn, the faint chatter of pedestrians—all of it felt familiar and comforting. She loved the cobblestone streets and quaint architecture. There was history in every corner, and the mix of modern life with the charm of older buildings made the area feel timeless.
She walked past a boutique window, catching a glimpse of a delicate dress. The vibrant colors stood out against the otherwise muted tones of the city streets. The old pubs lining the street added to the atmosphere, giving off an inviting warmth, especially on chilly mornings like this one.
Beneath it all sat the damp smell of old stone and river water rising from the Old Port, mixing with the crisp morning air.
As Lottie passed by a small bakery, the aroma of cinnamon, sugar, and maple lingered from freshly baked bread and pastries made her stomach rumble. She couldn't resist stopping for a moment to peek inside. It was the kind of place where the owners knew their customers by name, and you could always count on them for a friendly greeting.
The thought made her smile, but her mind quickly shifted back to her day. Work was waiting and she’d wasted enough time dragging her feet.
She didn’t rush, the clinic was a few blocks down and on the next street over.
Cutting down the side street she could see the clinic’s sign swinging ever so softly in the cool morning breeze. Taking a deep breath she walked the half block determined to deal with whatever came her way.
Stepping through the doorway of the clinic, Lottie closed her eyes after seeing the waiting room packed to the brim. Taking a calming breath, she opened her eyes giving the patients a smile as she made her way towards the back. Giving the receptionist a nod, the girl met her at the door and opened it for her. “Thanks,” Lottie said as she eased into the hallway. “I brought donuts from Dough Lish.”
“Oh, yum, I love their donuts.”
“Well, I have a dozen.”
“I’ll take them to the breakroom for you. Dr. Clermont is already here.”
Of course he was early. “I’ll pull the client folders.” And that was how her day started.
“Lottie, what are you doing? We have a waiting room full of patients to see.”
Turning she smiled at Razor. “Yes, sir.”
Dropping her backpack and purse behind the counter, she clipped on her ID. Knowing the drill, she went straight to work picking up the first patient file. Opening the door, she called out the name on the folder and greeted the first of what would be many cases.
Lottie’s routine was familiar, but no less demanding. The clinic was always a whirlwind of energy… patients coming and going, the hum of quiet conversation mixed with the sound of phones ringing. She didn’t mind the chaos. In fact, she thrived on it. But the constant stream of people meant she had to stay sharp, focused, and above all, calm.
“Ms. Pricher,” Lottie called into the waiting room, her voice warm but professional. She kept her eyes on the folder in her hand as the patient approached, her mind already half-anticipating the details of the case. She had seen Ms. Pricher a few times before, a chronic case of mooning over the good-looking doctor was what the woman had.
"Hello, Ms. Pricher," Lottie greeted with a smile as the older woman entered the room. "How are you feeling today?"
Ms. Pricher settled into the chair, glancing around the room with mild discomfort before answering. "Better, I think. Though the pain’s been coming and going more frequently." She winced as she shifted, clearly not fully at ease.
Lottie nodded, already flipping through the file to pull up the necessary information. "Let’s check everything. Dr. Clermont will be in shortly to do a more thorough examination."
As she began the usual series of questions and vitals, Lottie’s mind wandered briefly to the donuts waiting in the breakroom. Maybe when she had a moment, she could grab one. Or two.
The door to the exam room opened, and Dr. Clermont stepped inside, his crisp white coat making him look even more authoritative. His eyebrows furrowed slightly as he adjusted his glasses and looked at Lottie.
“Everything okay with this one?” he asked, though his tone was more conversational than interrogative.
"Just getting her vitals," Lottie replied, smiling politely. “No major changes since last time, but I’ll leave the rest to you.”
