Page 5 of Silver Sanctuary
“Excuse me?” Lacy bit out. So much for her not remembering. “My financial situation is none of your business.”
“Well, you’re here taking up community resources. I would think if you can afford to put her in a sport, you can afford to take her to a private practice.”
“Well, it’s a good thing what you think doesn’t matter. Please stop touching my daughter and go get the doctor.”
Embrie’s eyes lowered, and stayed glued to the floor until the door opened again and a handsome man walked into the room, Jamie trailing directly behind.
Don’t make a scene. Don’t make a scene. Just get the paperwork done and get Embrie home.
“Hi, Ms. Graves. I’m Dr. Jake Rahni.” He reached a hand out and Lacy shook it. “And you must be Embrie. I heard you’re about to be a soccer star.”
Embrie smiled, and the boot in Lacy’s stomach settled. “I’m going to try.”
“We have two forms for her today, I’m sorry if that’s a problem Dr. Rahni. She needs the sports physical, but the school also asked me for an updated physical for her file.”
“Dr. Jake, or just Jake, is great with me. And it’s no problem, just a little redundant, but better safe than sorry. Nurse Jamie, can you take the forms from Ms. Graves and fill them outas we go?”
“Of course, I’d be happy to, Dr. Rahni.” Jamie took the papers out of Lacy’s hands and returned to the corner of the room. Every cell in her body was telling her to beat the hell out of the woman for being such a bitch in front of Embrie, but that wouldn’t be setting the sort of example she wanted, and that was more important. Or, at least, that’s what she kept telling herself as Jamie stared a hole through the side of Lacy’s head.
“All right, Embrie, hop up on the table for me.” Dr. Jake smiled at Lacy as she helped Embrie onto the exam table.
“Have you played before?” he asked, dragging his stethoscope out from around his neck.
“No. This is the first time we’ve had money saved so I can.”
Lacy’s face flushed, but Jake just kept chatting with Embrie like she hadn’t just revealed something embarrassing.
“Oh, that’s great. Sports are a great way to get some energy out. I’m sure your mom is looking forward to that.”
Lacy nodded. But in all honesty, she just wanted to give Embrie every chance she was never afforded as a kid.
“I really like reading. I’m good at running, too. But I’d rather be reading, ‘cause then I can be learning about space, or DNA, or chemistry.”
Jake paused, before his laughter filled the room. “Well, I can absolutely guarantee that is the first time I’ve ever heard a nine-year-old say something like that. You’re quite smart, aren’t you, Embrie?”
“Yeah.” She shrugged her shoulders.
“Now, Mom, I saw you marked down on the forms that you have a family history of severe allergies?”
Lacy nodded. “I’m allergic to sesame. Peanut has triggered the allergy too, although it’s not always reactionary to that. I know there is some research that suggests severe reactions might run in families.”
Jake smiled, moving away from Embrie to wash his hands in the small sink next to where Jamie was standing. “Mm. Have you experienced an episode of anaphylaxis with the allergy before?”
“Yes. We’ve never had the means to get Embrie tested for allergies, but there isn’t ever any sesame or peanuts in our house because of that.”
“Do you carry an auto-injector with you?”
Her head dropped. “No. The cost is the main issue for our family, but I’m very careful. I only eat at home. And I’m meticulous about reading labels.”
Jake nodded. “I can imagine one episode of anaphylaxis will do that. Okay, well, if you are interested in allergy testing, I can set Embrie up with a referral, but other than that, you, kiddo, are an absolute rock star. And I’m happy to look into some resources for getting you an EpiPen at a reduced cost. I really would feel better knowing you had one with you in case anything ever happened.”
Relief flooded her. Jake was a good doctor, and she had lucked out getting Embrie in to see him. “Thank you. I’d appreciate that.”
“Good.” Jake turned on his stool. “Jamie, were you able to keep up with filling out the forms?”
“I have them right here, ready for your signature.”
“Awesome. Embrie, are you a sticker gal or a lollipop kid?”
