Page 79 of Guarded Deputy
“Your mother didn’t tell me you two were dating.”
“I’m sure you will both talk about it soon.” I just know that everyone is town will hear about this.
I try to keep polite conversation with Mrs. Williams, and I’m grateful when they call her name.
“She’s nosy, huh?” Nate whispers.
“Yup. Get ready for people to talk even more about us.” I shake my head, keeping my voice down.
After another few minutes, Dr. Grant calls me in. I stand carefully and wobbly toward an exam room with Nate holding most of my weight.
Dr. Grant smiles and takes a look at my leg. “I heard you got stung by a jellyfish.”
“Yeah.”
He starts observing the sting and plucking the visible tentacles. Then, he gives me an ointment to apply to the affected area after I soak it in hot water at home to ease the pain.
“Can you tell my friend here that he could’ve helped by peeing on me and it isn’t a weird petition?” I tell Dr. Grant.
“Actually, that’s a myth. Urine would make it worse.”
My face falls as he says this and Nate smirks.
“You see. Don’t take medical advice from TV shows.” He crosses his arms.
“I can’t even right now.” I hide my face with my hands.
“Make sure to stop by the pharmacy and buy the ointment you need. Apply the cream twice a day.” Dr. Grant instructs before I thank him and leave.
Nate carries me back to his truck, tucking me into the seat before pulling out of the parking lot.
“Aren’t you glad I didn’t pee on you?” Nate asks once we’re on the road.
“Shush.” I lean back in my seat, squeezing my eyes shut at the pain and hoping the cream Dr. Grant put on kicks in soon.
This is a nightmare. Not only did I ruin an amazing date, I likely got the rumor mill running wild with him carrying me into the doctor’s office.
“We’ll stop by the pharmacy to grab the cream and then head to your apartment,” Nate says.
He pulls into the pharmacy parking lot a few minutes later and looks at me. “I’ll go grab it. Wait here.”
“Don’t think I’ll be moving much.” I shake my head.
He smiles and steps out of the truck, walking into the pharmacy. I check my phone to see if I have any messages from my mom about people seeing me with Nate, but it seems the news hasn’t reached her yet.
Nate’s back out in a few minutes with a small bag. His steps are confident, and he aims a smile my way.
He opens the car door and gets in before driving to my apartment and parks in a guest spot.
I’ll help you soak your leg.“ He opens the car door, ready to step out.
“You don’t have to.”
“Don’t argue with me, Lizzy. I’m taking care of you.”
My shoulders slump, releasing tension, and I nod. “Thank you.”
“No need to thank me.”