Chapter 28
THEO
When I read Mallory’s text, I immediately thought of some inappropriate comment about how she would be coming if she just stopped by. I’d ensure it. Before I could respond, she sent another text.
Yoga. Join me.
Join her?
“What’s the look about?” Verna asked.
My last patient of the day had just walked out the door. Jeff was still in with one, but then we’d be closing up. Verna was finalizing paperwork and making the last of the next day appointment reminder calls.
I looked up from my phone.
“Know anything about yoga?”
Her eyes widened. “That was not what I was expecting you to say.”
I frowned, leaned on the high counter to meet her gaze. “Oh? What were you imagining?”
She thought about it. “Your IRA is maturing.”
“My IRA is maturing?” I repeated. “You do know I’m a billionaire, right?”
I wasn’t tossing that out there to be obnoxious, but Verna knew everything, which meant she knew I didn’t need a retirement plan.
“Doesn’t matter. That’s what would come out of your mouth. That or… the folic acid in kale is too valuable to avoid because of the bitter taste.”
“Kale?” I blinked at her. “Am I really that boring? That dull?”
“You said you’re a billionaire.”
“So? I’m not going to sit around and fan myself with hundred dollar bills all day.”
“I appreciate that you and your brothers are all valuable members of society. That you want to help in emergencies is gallant.”
“Gallant. What am I, King Arthur?”
She pursed her lips at my sass.
“Why did you quit the hospital in Denver?”
She eyed me. I eyed her right back.
“I realized I was turning into something I didn’t like.”
“Turning, or already were?” she asked. Her voice was softer now, as if the change in our conversation was hitting a more personal vibe.
“What are you getting at?”
“Your cases may have been unique, but your life was monotonous. Boring.”
“Thanks, Verna,” I replied, suddenly grouchy. Not because she wasn’t being nice, but because she was truthful. I couldn’t remember when I wasn’t boring.
She gave me a sad smile, which I didn’t like in the least. “You moved to live life. So do it.”
“That why Jeff made me do that fire training on Saturday?”
Her mouth turned up. “I knew you’d become friends with Mac.”
“This isn’t kindergarten and meeting a kid on the playground.”
“For you it is. You’re in the kindergarten of your life. Go have some fun. Go do yoga.”
“Why did we have this entire conversation? I started with yoga.”
She shrugged. “You asked me if I know anything about yoga.”
“Right. So, do you?”
“All I know is it’s going to be fun for anyone watching you try it out.”
“Why’s that?”
“It’s harder than it looks, for one. And the ladies are going to enjoy ogling your butt in downward dog.”
I frowned because I had no idea what downward dog was. I pushed off the counter and walked off, her laughter following behind me. “Me and my IRA are out of here,” I called. “Have a good night.”