Page 6 of Fix Me Up

Her gorgeous eyes widen expectantly.

“Okay. Take your time. Just know that this is a safe place and a judgment-free zone.”

I blow out a breath. “The thing is, I was wondering if you might like to go out with me.”

Dr. Allen says nothing for several seconds, making no sound. Only blinks at me.

“Go out with you? On a date?”

I nod and fidget with my ballcap. “Yes, ma’am.”

“Again?”

The word hangs in the air like a clang of a bell. We both know what she means. We both have cringe-worthy memories from the night of the New Year’s Eve.

“Um, yes,” I reply. Boy howdy, I’m winning at speech today.

Dr. Allen sits up straighter, surveying me. “Let me see if I understand correctly. You waited for hours, with your young child, in a waiting room full of sick people, because you wanted to ask me out on a date?”

I’m not sure where she’s going with this, but I’m hoping she’s so blown away she says yes.

“I sure did,” I chuckle, elation and relief within my grasp.

“Do you have any idea what is going around out there?” Dr. Allen asks, pointing a finger over her shoulder, indicating, I suppose, everywhere outside this office.

“Well, uh, no, ma’am. I do not.”

She nods lets out a short sigh. “Somehow, this year’s flu strain has shown up early, and I’ve treated seven cases this week alone. One case of pneumonia. Five sinus infections.”

“Sorry to hear that,” I say.

“In fact, I’d say we’re having an unusual summer when it comes to bacteria laying people out, but then this would be my first summer in Fate, so who knows. To know that for sure, I’d have to finish sorting through the files Dr. Smyth left me, but I’m still in the weeds cleaning up his mess, to be perfectly frank.”

I believe it.

Dr. Allen opens the small laptop she always carries and taps the keys. “I see that Graham had a double ear infection just last month. He hasn’t had enough time to build up his immunity to be around sick people. Let alone a room full of them. Tell me where your head is right now, Mr. Mosley?”

Gee, I hadn’t thought of it that way. Here I was, thinking she would admire my dogged nature and moxie. And possibly be moved by this adorable kid in my arms—not that I would use Graham as a prop but if the opportunity strikes? Heck, why not?

However, I never thought that plan would backfire this badly.

Where is my head at? If she knew the thoughts I have about her late at night when I fall in bed, exhausted after a day of parenting, working at my regular job, and tending my small vegetable farm, she would be appalled.

“You see…” I start, then falter.

“I’m flattered, Mr. Mosley, but I’m going to have to say no.”

I let out a grunt of agreement even though I’m heartbroken. I tip up my ballcap and scratch my forehead. I should have planned this better.

Maybe I should have asked my mom to watch Graham. Maybe I should have brought flowers.

My eyes scan the room for signs of what Dr. Allen likes. The African violet, a few green plants, and a little statue of that dancing tree with a face from a movie I didn’t see. Dang, I should have led with some small talk about violets. I know all kinds of shit about plants.

“I’d better let you get back at it,” I say, gingerly standing while keeping one hand on the back of Graham’s head to keep him from jostling around.

“Are you sure everything’s okay with Graham?” Dr. Allen asks, her voice softening.

“Yep. I’ll be going. To get my head examined. Thanks for your time, Doc.”

---