Page 32 of Perfect Date
“Not fair,” Kimberly says under her breath.
Once I’m in my op, I sign into the computer, pull up the programs I know I’ll need to put various information into throughout the appointment.
Looking around and deeming myself ready, I head to the front to grab my patient from the lobby. Before opening the door to call their name, Tracie hands me paperwork with the patient’s medical history. I glance over it to see if there’s anything I need to be aware of, being sure to check out the relevant questions completed on the form focusing first on the reason for the visit. The patient put, “I was suddenly convinced I should switch dental offices immediately.”
Curious, I flip the form over to see the patient’s name so I can address him properly when I open the door to call him back, and freeze.
Justin.
Justin Gray.
As if in slow motion, I open the door to the lobby, and look around while calling out, “Justin?”
I’m certain this is just a coincidence. It has to be, right?
Out of the corner of my eye I see a figure stand and as I turn to him, I see that this is not a coincidence at all.
It’s Justin. It’s really Justin. My Justin. No, not my Justin. Just the Justin I know. The one that I’m incredibly attracted to and look forward to seeing each week even though I try to tell myself I don’t care. That he’s just an artifact in a bar.
It’s a lie.
I’m lying.
I care.
I totally, totally, care.
Oh. My. Gosh.
It’s him.
Several thoughts and feelings rush over me. I’m suddenly on the most remarkable roller coaster in the entire world– or at least the drop in my stomach suggests that’s what’s going on. But no, I’m standing right here, in the doorway, staring. Like. An. Idiot. My face has to be displaying everything I’m thinking, the primary emotions being shock and surprise.
“You,” is the brilliant thing that finally escapes from my mouth. Out of the corner of my eye, I can see Kimberly looking at me curiously. She’s waiting for me to get out of the way so she can greet her own patient.
Justin only smiles at me, lifts that clever eyebrow of his, and makes me wonder what it is he’s thinking. His smile is off the charts. No doubt he religiously goes to the dentist, flosses, brushes regularly, and basically doesn’t even need to be here right now.
So, why is he?
Guess I’ll be finding out.
“Hi,” he says looking quite pleased with himself and I honestly don’t know how he manages it, but his smile gets even larger. On anyone else such a wide smile would look freaky.
“Uh, hi,” I manage to say and continue to stare at him like a complete inept moron.
Truth is, I’m pretty delighted to see him myself. Suddenly, I shiver fiercely – or feel like I do - and tell myself to shake off the surprise – and the delight – and treat him professionally.
I hear Kimberly’s choked laugh behind me and I’m sure she wishes she could grab popcorn, soda, and a front row seat to this show.
Increasingly aware that if I don’t get control of myself that I will add great fuel to this town’s gossip mill for days, I clear my throat and manage to say, “Hi, I’m Charlie. I’ll be your dental hygienist today. It’s, uh, nice to meet you.”
“You too,” he smirks.
“If you want to follow me…”
“Of course,” he says and gestures for me to go ahead.
“Oh, Justin?” Tracie from the front desk says and we both turn to look.
