Page 44 of Coast

“Why?”

“Why not?” I asked, shrugging.

“Gee. I don’t know. Because someone hit you in the face.”

A little chuckle escaped me at that.

“I was itching for it.”

“To get hit in the face?”

“Yeah.”

“Why? Are you a masochist?”

“Helps me think straight sometimes.”

“Hmm,” she said, lips pursing.

“What?”

“I kind of get that. I mean, like, ballet is hard on the body. My feet used to bleed some days. But when I was dancing, it was the most clear-headed I ever felt.”

“You saying I should take up ballet?” I asked, getting a snorting laugh out of her. “Think I’d rock a tutu?”

“Male dancers wear full-body leotards.”

I glanced down at myself, making her gaze do the same. Then we both shared a smile.

“Ooh,” Lainey hooted.

“Hey! That’s my girl,” she said, beaming down at the baby. “You feeling a little better, huh?”

“She’s cooler for sure,” I said.

“How’s everything going in here?” Ama asked, coming in with a small medicine bag.

“She seems a little better.”

“Let’s see,” Ama said, grabbing the thermometer and putting it under Lainey’s arm once again. “You’ve got the prettiest eyes, don’t you?” she cooed at the baby.

“Okay, mama. The medicine can be given every four to six hours. As needed. So if she doesn’t seem warm or is eating and drinking normally, you can skip a dose. You can also give her lukewarm baths. Not cold. And don’t wipe her down with alcohol. That’s an old wives’ tale.

“Oh, good. We’re down to ninety-nine already. So just keep an eye on that. She might develop some cold or flu-like symptoms. If you’re worried about when she does get sick, you can always bring her back here. I specialize in telling scared mamas that their babies are going to be just fine.”

“Thank you,” Zoe said, giving her a grateful smile. “Really.”

“Don’t mention it. You can get going whenever you’re ready,” she said as I lifted Lainey from her arms and put her back on the table to slip her onesie back on.

“Don’t you need my information? We never even checked in. You know, for billing.”

“Don’t worry about that. We can get you on the books if or when you come in again.”

“But the money—”

“That’s all been handled.”

“But—”

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