Page 11 of Wild Promises

Today, Dad finally gave me a few patients to handle on my own. I was used to seeing sick kids in the E.R. so I wasn't worried about my abilities, but I think my dad was worried I'd get bored and want to return to my old job.

The first patient was a little boy named Joey Wilde. My heart skipped a beat at his name. Which one of the Wildes had a child? I talked to Kylie occasionally but couldn't remember her ever mentioning a nephew.

Was it Xander's? He had the reputation of a ladies' man. It wouldn't surprise me if he had a kid. But we weren't that far estranged that he wouldn't have told me if he did.

When I opened the door to the exam room, Oliver and a little boy were sitting in the two black-cushioned chairs we provided.

Oliver's face softened when he saw me. "I heard you were back."

"I am." Then I crouched to Joey's level on the chair. "How are you, little man?"

He jumped to stand on the chair. "I'm not little."

"Sit down," Oliver prodded.

Joey jumped to the floor instead.

"Wow. You have a lot of energy. I'm guessing we're not here for a sick appointment."

Oliver gave Joey a look. "It's his annual exam."

"Perfect. Then we'll have plenty of time to get to know each other."

Joey frowned. "Why do we need to do that?"

"I want to get to know you so that the next time you come, it'll be like we're old friends."

Joey considered me for a few seconds, then nodded.

"So how are you doing? Are you sleeping? Eating enough? Getting exercise?"

I sat on the rolling stool and turned my attention to the laptop where I'd record his answers.

Joey was all too happy to recite his daily routine, ticking them off on his fingers. It was adorable and not something I ever had time for in the ER.

"Sounds like you're sleeping enough, eating a variety of different foods, and you're very active."

Joey nodded seriously.

I stood and patted the thin paper resting on the exam table. "You want to hop up?"

Oliver lifted him onto the table.

"Do you have any questions for me?" I asked Oliver.

Oliver pursed his lips. "I don't think so."

"Do I have to get a shot?" Joey's shoulders raised.

"Not today. As long as you've had a flu shot, you're good to go."

Oliver nodded.

"Perfect. Now what should I look at first, your ears or your mouth?"

"Sometimes Dad says I have a frog in my throat."

I nodded seriously. "I'd better take a look at that."

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