Page 53 of Vanishing Legacy
“Yeah. And Dr. Cash. I really like them both. I mean, Penny can be annoying sometimes. Like when her words get stuck and she screams about stuff. But then I think about how hard she works at something I do all the time without even thinking.”
Alana sat on the doctor’s rolling stool and scooted herself in front of the exam table. “Like what?”
“You know…talking is so normal for me. But it’s not for her. Like sports aren’t easy for me. I get mad when I can’t make a basket in P.E. Imagine if you want to talk but can’t.”
“You’re right. That would be hard.” She patted his knee. “We each have our challenges in life and special skills. I think it’s cool how good you are at helping Penny relax when she’s getting upset.”
“I tell her just to wait until the words come and she stops. Then the words come.” He raised both hands in a shrug, like what he’d said was the most obvious thing in the whole world.
Her son had become so intuitive and selfless. “You’re probably helping her more than you realize.”
“How?”
“Being such a great friend for starters. Penny needs that.”
“I also like Dr. Cash. He’s nice to me. And fun. I think it would be cool to be a doctor like him when I grow up.” Rocco tore a small piece of the sanitary paper and rolled it into a ball between his fingers. “And…and I wish he could be my dad.”
Dr. Cohen burst into the room with her usual contagious energy. Alana wanted to have that conversation with Rocco, but she was so not prepared.
“Hey, Rocco! I’m so glad to see you!” The pediatric endocrinologist gave Rocco a high five. Alana began to vacate the stool, but she patted her shoulder. “No, no. You sit there. It’s more fun to roll around.”
“It’s okay,” Alana said, standing. “I’d rather stand.”
“Suit yourself. How’s Mom doing lately?”
She nodded. “Good. It’s been a quiet week for once.”
“Not too quiet, though. I saw something about you in the paper, didn’t I?” Dr. Cohen sat on the stool and used the toes of her hot pink Crocs to pull herself to the exam table.
“It’s possible.” She changed the subject. “How’d the test results go?”
Dr. Cohen eyed the medical chart. “Blood work is looking good. Real good. Way to go, champ.” She gave Rocco a fist bump.
They spent the next ten minutes answering questions about Rocco’s diet and blood sugar levels while Dr. Cohen performed the routine check-up. Alana let Rocco answer most of the questions, only stepping in as needed.
Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age nine, Rocco would live with the disease the rest of his life. It was important he took ownership of his health as much as possible.
Besides, her mind kept drifting back to Cash. She’d tried to keep a professional distance from him over the last few days. They hadn’t talked about their kiss at the gym, but it simmered just below the surface.
When Dr. Cohen finished her exam, she gave them the all-clear and reminded Rocco to be mindful of his symptoms. They checked out at the front desk and waited for the receptionist to print Rocco’s insulin prescription. Alana turned and looked through the plate-glass windows. Who was standing beside her Jeep?
“Hang on, Rocco. Stay there.” She walked across the lobby, trying to see a face. Before she reached the window, whoever it was got into their car and left.
Paranoid much? She couldn’t believe how fast her heart was beating. She took the prescription and confirmed Rocco’s next appointment in three months. Just in case, she checked the underside of the Jeep before allowing Rocco to climb in.
“What are you doing?”
“Just checking things out. Go ahead and get in. Belt up while I take one last look at the tires.”
She circled the Jeep, running her hands around the wheel wells and under the bumper. Everything seemed good. No weird packages or slashes in her tires. It could be paranoia, but better safe than sorry.
They headed for Cash’s house with Rocco chatting in the back seat. He told her all about the improvements he’d made recently on the robot and his plans to enter it into a robotics competition in the fall. She loved the idea and shared his excitement, but she couldn’t forget his words about Cash earlier.
It was the same conversation she’d had with Noelle last night when she’d confessed to their impulsive kiss at the gym.
“I don’t know what got into me,” she’d said. “And now I’m both excited and confused.”
Noelle had had a hard time keeping the smirk off her face. “Other than the fact he’s our client, I don’t see why you’re so resistant to him. Cash is a good man and a good father.”