Page 9 of Draco Family Duet

The doctor settled back onto the stool and wheeled over to the computer where he pulled my father’s chart. “Since he has been here, his vitals have been normal. His EKG came back fine. No signs of any heart problems. His bloodwork isnormal.”

“I’m hearing normal, normal, normal, but there’s nothing normal about collapsing out of nowhere.” I crossed my arms over my chest, and tapped myfoot.

Slightly behind the doctor, after making himself as unobtrusive as possible, Blaise was now motioning for my attention. I frowned and he nodded. When I turned away again, he started pointing to my eyebrow. I closed my eyes briefly and sighed. I swear I never even knew I was doing it. The brow was my natural response to situations like this. Feeling calmer, I waited for the doctor to say somethinguseful.

“I’m reasonably confident this was a panic attack.” He stared at thescreen.

My shoulders finally relaxed. There it was: a diagnosis. “Do you think this is something we could treat with medication?” I leaned toward him slightly, encouraging him to take the next logicalstep.

“We could. Does this kind of thing happen often?” He pulled his glasses from his face and began to clean thelenses.

“The anxiety is nearly constant since…” I swallowed hard. “Since my motherdied.”

“That’ll do it.” The physician nodded. “I’ll prescribe something to take daily. It should help prevent future attacks, just help level him out, like a glass of winealmost.”

I rubbed my forehead and stared at the floor. “I could use some wine myself.” Then I looked up and realized Blaise and the doctor wore pitying expressions on their face which only made me feel worse. “I’m fine.” I peeked over at my father, who seemed to be napping. “We’refine.”

“Good. Things will be even better once you don’t have to worry over your father’s health. Get this script filled right away. He can take one tonight, then start with one twice a day starting tomorrow. A nurse will be in with discharge papers in a few minutes.” He stood, held out a hand for me to shake, and then nodded and shook hands with Blaise beforeleaving.

When the door closed, Blaise clapped his hands together. “See? He’ll be better than ever. We’ll stop at apharmacy.”

“Thank you.” I sighed and my entire body felt like it exhaled. Apparently, I was far tenser than I could admit to myself. Of course, the idea of suddenly losing my father and having no one left in the world was a terrifying prospect. While we waited on the nurse, I leaned back in the chair and closed my eyes. Today had been exhausting, every little teeny, tiny bit of it. “At least we can still get back to the expo,” Imumbled.

“That’s not happening. Your father needs to rest. You don’t want to inspire another attack.” I could hear his footsteps comingcloser.

First, I opened one eye and then the other, and then my eyes narrowed as I stared at him. “You needn’t think paying one bill gives you the right to be the boss of me.” Slowly, I sat up straighter in the chair. He actually laughed at me. His blue eyes lit up and a smile lit up his face. What the hell did I have to do to push this jackassaway?

“I don’t think I’m the boss of you, but I’m used to being a boss, so I’m sure I come off that way. If I offended you or stepped on your toes, I’m sorry. I can tell you love to run things.” Blaisechuckled.

I stood up from my seat and placed my hands on my hips. “What did you say tome?”

“An apology?” Blaisefrowned.

Shaking my head, I took a step closer. “No, the otherpart.”

His head tilted. “There was anotherpart?”

My brow shot up. This time I knew it. And damn, but he had earned it. “Think.”

“The running things part?” He chuckled. “Keep proving my point,principessa.”

I stomped my foot. “I’m not a princess, Blaise. I’m nodiva.”

“Calm down,piccolina,” he urged as he moved closer and held mybiceps.

“There’s nothing little about me,” Igrumbled.

“You know Italian?” Hebeamed.

“I know several languages. I’m an interpreter.” My shoulders sank. “There’s not a lot of money in it, but I love words. I love romance languages. Those are myspecialty.”

“Clearly.” Blaise chuckled. “You are a surprise,Maggie.”

“Okay, since you seem so fond of the unexpected: we’re going to the expo. We have to.” I glanced at my father. “He can lay low. I’ll…run thebooth.”

The door opened behind Blaise as he shook his head. “If it’s about money, I’ll pay you to take the night off. Both of you.” He gestured to my father, who emitted a faintsnore.

“Honey, I’d take him up on it. After all, the doctor wrote in the discharge papers that he’s to lie low for a couple of days.” She held out the clipboard for me to signoff.

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