Page 62 of Offside Attraction

"You ready?"

Claire nodded, picked up the bag, and followed her through the sliding glass doors onto the street. There was a Moxie's a block and a half away that, based on Rhonda's web search, had just opened for the day. They walked mostly in silence and found they were among the first customers to arrive.

Rhonda was grateful to sneak in before the lunch rush. She requested a table for two and suggested they sit in a corner booth. That way, as the restaurant started to fill up, it would still feel private.

They sat, and the hostess handed them menus.

"Sorry. I didn't even ask if you like Moxie's." Rhonda slid a menu toward Claire.

"It used to be one of my favorites, but I haven't been here in a long time." Claire ran her finger over the edge of the plastic-covered menu.

Rhonda flipped hers over. "I know they have a lunch deal, but you can get whatever you want. This is on the company card."

"What do you like here?" Claire asked.

"Honestly, I love a big salad. Put some grilled chicken or salmon on there. Keeps me full, but doesn't make me feel like I need a nap at two o'clock."

Claire laughed at that. Rhonda was quiet a moment, giving her time to peruse. When Claire slid her menu to the edge of the table, Rhonda mirrored her and looked up.

"So I know it hasn't been very long, but have you experienced any of the side effects?"

Claire shook her head. "No. I haven't felt sick or had any dizziness or headaches. Well, I guess I should say no more than usual when I'm trying to get sober."

Rhonda worked to keep her face impassive, ensuring there was no flicker of judgment between them. Just like when she'd seen her in the pharmacy, her heartstrings tugged. It wasn't just a patient sitting in front of her. It was Jordan's sister.

Their server appeared and dropped off water. Rhonda opened her paper straw and plunked it in her glass. She’d use it until it got mushy, then abandon it and drink straight from the lip. She was all for saving the planet, but there had to be a better way. "Well, that's really good to hear. Does Jordan know that it's working well for you?"

Claire grimaced. "No. I haven't talked with him yet. I kind of . . ." She glanced down. "Well, I don't want to get his hopes up. He knows I've picked it up, though." She fingered the paper bag. "He offered to pay for it."

Rhonda's eyes widened, her thoughts spinning. Even with the rebates, a full month prescription was nearly four hundred dollars. She’d talked with Cantra about creating a needs-based payment strategy but hadn't been successful yet.

They had generous rebates, yes, but she hated that patients had to pay that much. She also understood how much went into building a new drug—the testing, the research, all of it was astronomical. She was grateful for innovation, and it also broke her heart a little that it couldn't be accessible to everyone.

Their server stopped by, and Rhonda put a hand on the table. "If I order a pot of tea, will you share it with me?"

Claire nodded.

“Any allergies I need to be aware of?” The server asked.

“Peanuts,” they both said in unison.

“And all legumes, including Fenugreek.” Claire added.

They laughed, and Rhonda ordered the tea and a chopped salad, adding the grilled chicken. Claire ordered the chicken sandwich with a side salad and a bowl of tomato soup. Their server took the menus and retreated back to his station.

"So how do you know Jordan?" Claire asked.

Rhonda winced internally. Which version of the story did she want to tell? Well, Claire, I found myself at your brother's hotel room and ended up sleeping with him without even asking for his name. Or, I ended up in his urgent care with my face blown up to the size of a watermelon because of a fenugreek allergy while on a date with another man.

"Do you know him from hockey?" Claire asked.

"Yes." That was the simplest explanation. Rhonda smiled. "I'm really good friends with some guys on another hockey team here in Calgary. They play Pucks Deep."

Just then, their server reappeared, incredibly attentive since he had no other tables to work with at the moment. He set down their pot of tea and two mugs. The pot was beautiful, clear glass with loose leaf swirling in steaming hot water, a filter built into the top.

He filled both their mugs, and Rhonda thanked him.

Claire waited until he was a few paces away to lean in. "Which team?"

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