33. Gemma
Chapter Thirty-Three
GEMMA
“It’s sprained?” I asked the friendly doctor.
The doctor, who insisted I call him Quinn, nodded. “Yep. That’s why the swelling’s so bad. You’ll be fine, but this kind of sprain actually takes as long to heal as a bone break.”
“You’re kidding,” I sputtered, glancing down at the offending elbow.
Quinn chuckled. “The elbow’s a busy joint. Fortunately, it’s not weight bearing. You’ll need to keep it stable in a sling for a few weeks. I’ll give you some exercises to do. You’re the new yoga teacher in town, right?”
He spun on his stool, opening a cabinet door beside the counter. He stood to reach something higher on the shelf, bringing down a sling packaged in plastic. “Let’s see if this one fits.”
“I’m the yoga teacher,” I offered with a smile when he faced me again. “I had to cancel my classes today because this was bothering me too much. I guess I’ll be teaching in a sling for a little while.”
“That’ll be perfectly fine. You can do yoga with one arm and two legs,” he replied with a wry smile.
“Dr. Haynes—” I began
He shook his head and tapped his hand on his name badge, which said Quinn Haynes, M.D.
“Call me Quinn. This is a small town and I run the only family practice here. I am your doctor, but it feels strange to stand on ceremony when I’m also going to see you in the grocery store and maybe even out for a drink sometime.”
I smiled, emotion welling inside. I was starting to feel like I belonged here, like I might be someone he saw and knew in the grocery store. I didn’t want to burst into happy tears in my new doctor’s office, so I took a breath.
“Quinn, I really need my elbow to get better. I can deal with the yoga limitations, but I also take care of four horses.”
“Ah, you’re the person who rented Claire’s old place. I heard she’s thinking of selling.”
“Really?” I was completely derailed by this topic and barely noticed as Quinn expertly fit the sling on my elbow.
“That’s the word. My wife’s mother knows everything and is close with her. They stay in touch via text, email, and phone. It’s a great piece of property. If you like the horses, maybe you should call her.”
Our conversation was cut off by a nurse popping in to let Quinn know they had a new patient, a little boy who apparently had a fish hook in his hand.
Quinn glanced my way after adjusting the sling. “Off to the next patient. I think you’re all set. The main thing is to be careful and not overdo it with this arm. Check in with my receptionist and make sure to schedule a follow-up appointment in a few weeks. Otherwise, it was great to meet you. Perhaps, I’ll find some time to get to your yoga class soon.”
He rushed off, and I did as instructed and scheduled my next appointment. On the way out, I met Quinn’s wife, Lacey, although I didn’t know who she was at first. She stopped me in the parking lot.
“Hey,” she said enthusiastically. “You’re the yoga teacher, right?”
“I am.” I paused, unsure what to say to the woman approaching me.
“I’m Lacey Haynes.” She paused, glancing to my arm in its sling. “Are you okay?”
“Mostly. I sprained my elbow. If I have it right, you’re Quinn’s wife,” I said hesitantly.
“You got it.” Lacey had a warm, tomboyish quality to her with chestnut hair and pretty green eyes. “I’m coming to your class with my sister next week. I’ve been meaning to come sooner, but you know how life is.”
“I do. Life often gets in the way,” I replied. “It’s nice to meet you. By the way, I’m Gemma Marlon.”
“So nice to meet you. I’m sorry about your elbow.”
I rolled my eyes. “It’s a minor sprain, but hopefully it will heal quickly.”
“You’re in good hands with Quinn. Will you still teach classes?”
“Oh, yes. I don’t need my elbow to teach class,” I said with a soft laugh.
“By the way, Diego should be back soon,” Lacey added.
She must’ve seen the confusion on my face and clarified. “You’re seeing him, right?”
Uncertain how to respond, I nodded if only because I wanted her to continue.
“I run an expedition program, and we sent a group over to Katmai. The weather kept everybody behind, but I heard this morning that he was flying back.” There was a vibrating sound, and Lacey slipped her phone out of her pocket. Glancing at the screen, she added, “I need to take this. Great to meet you and I’ll see you soon.” She hurried off with a wave.
I climbed into my car, my mind caught on another loop of Diego. I’d been trying not to think too much about him. Trying being the operative word. I was utterly failing.
I wished I didn’t miss him. It seemed ridiculous to miss him. He’d only been gone for a few days now. I felt like I’d screwed up our last conversation, and I didn’t know how to fix it. Diego was the first man who made me wish I didn’t have the stain on my past. Because what man would want to be with a woman whose first kisses were with her coach?
I knew, I knew , that thinking that way about it didn’t make sense. It wasn’t my fault. And yet, I had internalized the idea that it was. That’s what happened when you tried to get help and absolutely nothing happened.