Page 33 of Rescuing Ryder

“Dr. Winters and Kassie won’t be in for a few days. Kassie suffered a small mishap and plans on working from home. Doc’s staying with her to take Em to school and care for Tori,” he explained.

“I hope it’s nothing serious,” Ryder responded as he sat across from him. “I hoped to speak with Dr. Winters today.”

“Can I help you with anything?” Dr. Hill asked as he closed his laptop.

“How do I request a different physician?” Ryder asked nervously.

Dr. Hill placed his hands on his desk, giving Ryder his full attention. “Which doctor do you want to replace?”

“Dr. Winters said I get a say in my care. He mentioned you joined his team recently and I want to switch from Dr. Meyers to you,” he rushed out.

Dr. Hill slightly raised his eyebrows in surprise. “May I ask why? Dr. Meyers comes highly recommended. It’s unusual for anyone to request switching from her.”

“Can you take me on? We hold differences of opinion and I don’t think our personalities mesh,” he lied.

Dr. Hill nodded. “I see. I’ll clear it with Dr. Winters this afternoon. He may call you to verify your request,” he informed Ryder as he picked up his pen.

“Thanks. When can I set up appointments? Do I stop attending the group sessions if I’m switching?”

“No. Let’s keep you on your current schedule. Dr. Winters can make any adjustments as needed.”

“Great. I’ll wait to hear from Doc.” He shook Dr. Hill’s hand before leaving his office.

Ryder walked by the suspiciously closed door of Claire’s office. He considered stopping to explain, but he didn’t feel ready. Knowing her, she’d act like a dog with a bone and demand answers and call him on his shit, neither of which he was ready to give.

Taking out his phone, he called Tex.

“It’s about damn time I heard from you. How’s it going on the mountain? Melody and I thought we might fly up in a few weeks for a visit.”

“Yeah, yeah. Rub it in. I’ll admit it’s different here,” Ryder stated gruffly. “Can we talk about something else? How’s the wife and kiddo?”

Dead silence greeted him. He pulled the phone from his ear and checked to see if he lost his friend. “Tex?”

“Yeah. I’m here. Do you know how long it’s been since I heard you string more than ten words together or take an interest in something?” Tex asked.

He stopped and took in the view around him. Did the place change him without him noticing? Ryder’s hand went to his chest in the realization, his view of his days changed. Before, he woke up dreading the day and counting the clock down. In his weakest moments, he unlocked his gun locker and stared at his weapon.

Now, he woke up to whatever disaster Claire attempted to fix alone. He watched for the young soldier, Scott, because he reminded Ryder of the young kid from his unit. The teens greeted him with a smile and sweet Zuri always brought him a bottle of water when she saw him enter the hospital. Maybe his life changed more than he thought.

“I’m sorry, Tex. I’ve acted like a self-centered ass. Claire’s kept me busy with one project or another. I never even noticed how much things changed.” He sighed.

“I take it you’re making progress there?” Tex asked cautiously.

“I’m here. Let’s not read too much into it. I said I’d try it,” Ryder apprised him as he rubbed his hand through his scruff.

“Fair enough. I’m glad you called,” Tex sighed. “Kassie and Chase seem to know what they’re doing.”

“Yeah. They’re good people. I spend most of my time with Claire. She doesn’t hound me nonstop. In fact, I’ve helped repair a house she bought. Tex, you won’t believe it. The thing appears as if someone dumped an entire bottle of stomach medicine over the top of it. They trimmed it in bright yellow and dark purple as if it wasn't bad enough.” He laughed—a full whole-hearted belly laugh. When did he start to laugh again?

“It sounds like you’re enjoying your time there,” Tex chuckled.

“For my life, I can’t understand how she can read directions on how to build something, and it appears like a third grader built it. Then she claimed the fireplace didn’t work and she forgot to turn on the gas. Oh, man. She’s intelligent and beautiful but can’t use a screwdriver if her life depended on it,” he gushed.

“She came with very high recommendations. Dr. Winters says she’s a miracle worker with some of his harder patients,” Tex informed him.

“I bet she is. She’s tenacious and never gives up. The kids love her and I think a few veterans feel smitten.”

“What about you?’

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