Page 30 of Perfect Harmony

“Yeah it is, and you’re fucking good atit. It’s why you’re the youngest sheriff ever in the Falls. But that isn’twhat I’m talking about. I’m talking about the fact that Kira isn’t the only onebattling the demons your parents’ deaths caused. You are too. The onlydifference is – Kira’s getting help for her demons while you let yours ruleyour life. You’re afraid to admit to Gracie that you love her because you thinkthat she’ll die just like your parents did.”

The heat was rising up his neck. Gideonwanted to tell Preacher to shut up already, but he couldn’t seem to spit theretort out.

“You’re fucked up, buddy,” Preacher said. “Thereisn’t anything wrong with that – hell, we’re all fucked up in some way – but you’remissing out on the best fucking thing that ever happened to you because you’re toochickenshit to get some therapy or admit to Grace what you’re afraid of.”

“Who the fuck are you?” Gideon finallysaid. “And what have you done with my best friend?”

Preacher laughed before reaching out andtapping his beer bottle against Gideon’s. “I’m the son of a bitch who willalways have your back but isn’t afraid to call out your cowardly ass. You’rewelcome.”

Chapter Six

“Okay, you’re all finished, Wanda.” Graceunhooked the paper bib from around Wanda’s neck and hit the lever to move the dentalchair into a sitting position.

Wanda wiped her mouth with the heel of herhand. “Thank you, Grace.”

“You’re welcome. So, Dr. Grant said your teethare looking as beautiful as always, which means you’re good to go until yournext cleaning. The girls up front will book your next appointment for you.”

“Before I go,” Wanda smiled in a way thatmade Grace nervous, “I have a favour to ask.”

“What’s that?” Grace peeled off her glovesand tossed them in the garbage can.

“You know I’m doing a charity fundraiserfor cancer, right?”

“I do. It’s a silent auction and dinner.”

“That’s right.” Wanda smoothed out the wrinklesin her pants. “I need some volunteers. I had a few cancel on me and if I don’tfill their spots, the fundraiser will be a bust.”

“Oh, um…” Grace couldn’t think of a singleexcuse for why she couldn’t do it.

Wanda grinned at her and checked herwatch. “Here, I’ll give you another thirty seconds to try and come up with a lameass excuse for why you’re going to leave your favourite patient in the lurch. Afterthat, you’re mine.”

“You know I can’t think under this type of pressure,”Grace said.

“Twenty seconds,” Wanda said.

“Um… I’m already volunteering at, uh… shit.”

“Fifteen seconds,” Wanda said.

“I’m going on a cruise to Alaska for fivemonths!”

“A real excuse, not a lie, Gracie-Lou.Five seconds…”

“I never learned to read!” Gracie said.

Wanda burst into laughter before tapping herwatch. “Aaaand, time. First meeting is tonight at my place. Seven pm. Seeyou there, sweetheart.”

“You’re no longer my favourite patient,Wanda.”

Wanda blew her a kiss and walked down thehallway. “Don’t be late, sweetie.”

“Should I bring anything?” Gracie holleredafter her.

“Just your lovely self.”

Gracie slumped in her chair as Keisha, oneof their receptionists, stuck her head into the room, “What was that about?”

“Nothing, just a little forcedvolunteering,” Gracie said.

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