Page 126 of The Blessings of Christmas
“You’re trying to learn to be poor?”
“How it feels.” This sounded so lame. “You sleep over your business? I didn’t know that urgent care center had a second floor.”
“No. “ He pointed a finger at the ceiling. “My place is upstairs,”
“Oh, I guess that’s handy.” But she blushed thinking of the fabulous renovations Jackson Hart had done for her. Daddy had picked up that tab.
“Do you mind answering a question?” Who was she to be drilling him?
“Not at all.” Getting up, he went around his desk and sat down. So he was putting distance between them, was he?
“Who pays for all this?” She swept a hand toward the door. “The medicines, the foods, your time.”
“Donations take care of most of the food and medications, not that we don’t always need more. I donate my time and so do most of the staff.”
She’d always thought doctors made a lot of money. This sure didn’t look like it. “Hmm. So you went all the way through medical school to sit here.”
“That’s exactly how my family feels.” Okay, now he was snapping at her. “I’m a big disappointment.”
“What does your dad do?” Since the questions were flowing she figured she’d throw some in.
“Runs a...family business.” He snorted. “Basically, he moves numbers around. Some of those numbers my grandfather put into a trust fund for me. But I won’t have access to it until I’m thirty-five. My father’s happy with that. He wouldn’t want to see it squandered on something like this.” His face had turned a ruddy red.
Her chest squeezed tight when she thought of all the folks who came to this clinic He was their lifeline. “Squandered?”
“My father’s words.” His jaw shifted. Obviously he didn’t get along with his father and that was a shame. “I'm doing worthwhile work. For me, that’s what counts.”
“Wow. I’m sorry. Your daddy should just see what you do here.” What was she trying to say?
“Would your parents like to see you here?”
“Probably not.” Glancing down at her apron, she flicked off some scrambled egg.
“Uh huh.” His look told her that he totally understood. Or maybe she was reading too much into it. “And since we’re asking questions. Why are you here? Is this some kind of experiment?”
“Boy, you can be really charming.” No way would she admit that at first she’d been stalking him. Victoria lifted her chin. “Maybe I want to do something worthwhile too.”
“You do look cute in that hairnet.”
Her hand flew to her head, “Why are you giving me a hard time?” She peeked out the door.
“Because I can’t figure you out.” He waited. “How’s that article coming?”
Darn. She hadn’t written a thing. “I’ll let you know when it runs.” If ever. Shoving the chair back, Victoria shot up so fast, coffee slopped onto her new sweater.
Moving quickly, Dr. D. grabbed a tissue and then stood there holding it.
“I'll take care of that.” Neither of them would be comfortable with him blotting her sweater. “Believe it or not I'm enjoying spending time here. And it has nothing to do with you.” That last part sounded defensive.
Yes, let this cracked linoleum open and swallow me.
“Who said it did?”
She had to get out of here. Too angry to go back to smiling and serving meals, she went out to the kitchen and grabbed her jacket and tote.
Just then, Phyllis came in carrying one of those big metal pans.
“Guess I should get on the road. I'm taking those wishes with me, okay?”
