Page 72 of Ice Darling
“Do it,” I declare.
Cordelia swishes around so fast that her dark hair spins out. “Don’t push it, Renthrow,” she grumbles. “He said I’m fine.”
The doctor looks at me as if for permission to skip the test.
Cordelia scoffs, clearly displeased with being left out of a conversation that involves her.
“Whatever she wants, Doc,” I say.
I’ll let her win this round. All I wanted was for her to get checked, and if she insists that she’s fine and the professional sees no need for further testing, then I’ll defer to his experience.
A nurse comes in to tend to her hand, and thankfully, Cordelia doesn’t put up a fuss. However, as the medic puts the antiseptic directly on her cut, I notice her pulling her fingers into fists and bracing herself.
Worried, I consider offering some kind of support. But I can’t figure out what to do. Cordelia has never been my biggest fan, and she’s definitely not looking to me for comfort right now.
My daughter pats my chest at that moment. I set her down and watch as she ambles straight over to the wincing patient. Tiny fingers slip over Cordelia’s uninjured hand as Gordie gives her a sweet smile.
I can’t tell if Cordelia appreciates that or not because she’s not looking at me; however, she doesn’t pull her hand away from Gordie’s.
When the nurse is finished, she bandages Cordelia’s hand and directs her to pay the bill and pick up the prescription the doctor wrote for her.
“I’ll get it,” I say, accepting the invoice in her stead.
“It’s my bill, Renthrow,” Cordelia argues.
I hold the paper out of reach. “I was the one who insisted you come to the hospital.”
“But—”
“Gordie, keep an eye on Cordelia until I come back. Take her to see the garden out back.”
“Yes, sir!”
I go to pay the bill and nod at all the secretaries who smile in welcome when they see me.
“Hi, Renthrow.” A nurse passes by and grins.
“Hey, Renthrow.” One of the secretaries leans forward, a smile dripping over her lips. “How you been?”
“Good,” I say. “How’s your mom, Sheena?”
“She’s good. Keeps telling me every day that I should get married and settle down.”
“Sounds about the same as my mom,” I agree.
“Well, how about we help each other?” Sheena gives me a sultry wink. “Take each other off the market and get our moms off our backs at the same time.”
Sorry, Sheena. I’ve already made that arrangement with someone else.
I smile politely to keep from answering.
An older secretary passes by, grinning. “Enough, Sheena. That man won’t love anyone the way he loves Gordie. You don’t stand a chance.”
I shuffle my feet. They’re not wrong, but I still feel like the butt of a joke.
Sheena fights her case. “Gordie’s going to grow up and fly the nest someday.” Sheena twirls her finger, giving me a good view of the claw-like nails she’s sharpened like daggers. “I’m willing to wait until then.”
“I’m sure you’ll find someone nicer than me before that day,” I assure her, half-joking and half-wanting to steer clear of the weapons attached to her hands.
