Chapter 55 You’re Not Serious, Are You?
Ryan looked at her in surprise.
“It’s a family invitation. Don’t worry about me.”
“You’re my boyfriend. My future husband. That makes you family.”
She tightened her hold and smiled.
He rolled his eyes. Future husband? She was getting carried away.
Richard frowned, but contained his irritation.
“They sent three invitations. Surely you don’t expect me to ask for another.”
“Only three? That’s stingy.”
“They know how many people are in our family. An invitation to Harrington’s dinner means something. They aren’t grocery coupons.”
“I know.” She pouted. “That’s why I wanted Ryan there. He could make useful connections.”
Ryan studied her. She was serious.
They were supposed to be pretending. Now she was trying to help him build a future as though she expected to share it.
That would be complicated even without Grace. And Richard certainly wasn’t going to welcome the idea.
“Another occasion,” Richard said.
“Exactly,” Ryan agreed. “I’m not much for those dinners. Everyone showing off. I’d feel out of place.”
Richard glanced at him. At least he recognized the difference between them.
Originally, he’d intended to force Ryan away from Chloe. The camping trip had complicated matters. Saving Walter was one thing; saving his daughter was another.
He still didn’t believe Ryan was suitable. Strength had been useful against wolves, but in the city, money and influence mattered more than fighting.
Still, dirty tactics would be ungrateful after what Ryan had done.
Perhaps a frank discussion and a generous payment would solve it. Ryan could leave Asheville, stop seeing Chloe, and she would eventually move on.
After dinner, Chloe walked Ryan outside.
“You do spring things on me,” he said.
“I meant it. You have ability. Knowing the right people could give you an opportunity.”
“Fighting isn’t much use over cocktails.”
She swatted his arm.
“I’m talking about medicine. You said it yourself: treat a few wealthy patients, establish a reputation, and people will come to you.”
She looked at him earnestly.
“Being known as an excellent doctor could change your life.”
He thought of Victor’s first visit to Whitmore’s clinic and the threats that had come with it.
“Not every rich patient respects his doctor. Besides, I don’t intend to practice full-time.”
His smile softened.
“But thank you for thinking of me.”
“Surely it’s better than the sales job. Better income, a real standing in the community.”
He couldn’t explain the situation without opening several other conversations.
“I may only be there a few months. We’ll see what happens afterward.” He stepped back. “I should go.”
Soon after he got home, Whitmore called.
“Are you free Saturday evening?”
“I’m hardly overworked. Yes.”
“There’s a patient I’m not confident about. Would you come and give a second opinion?”
“Of course.”
“Thank you. I’ll collect you.”
“I’ll meet you at the clinic.”
“Then I’ll see you there.”
Ryan put the call out of his mind.
Even excellent doctors encountered cases that challenged them. Whitmore was skilled, but sometimes too attached to established formulas. His prescriptions often came close to what a difficult case required without quite reaching it.
Helping him adjust them was no great burden.
After his shower, Ryan stretched out on the bed.
Then he remembered Vince Lawson.
The three days ended tomorrow, and there had been no call.
Apparently, Vince hadn’t taken the warning seriously.
Ryan would have to visit him.