Taking Chances

by Taylor, Janelle

  When she paused, Timmy asked, “What did he do?”

  “Santa told the zebras they needed a shot to make them strong enough to be painted. The zebras didn’t want a shot; they were afraid it would hurt. The lion came over and told the zebras he wasn’t afraid of a shot. He was the king of the jungle, and kings were never afraid. You know what, Timmy? The lion was scared inside, but he didn’t want the other animals to know he was. He pretended to be very brave. He held up his front leg and told Santa to give him a shot to make him even stronger than he was. Santa gave the lion a shot. The big lion laughed and pranced about; ‘The shot didn’t hurt very much,’ he said, which was true. He looked at the zebras and asked, ‘Who’s next? If you want to be strong and brave, come and let Santa give you a shot. Then, he’ll give you a pretty color as a prize.’ The zebra leader looked at his friends to see who would step forward.”

  “I bet none of them did,” Timmy asserted with confidence.

  Christopher had the syringe ready and out of the child’s sight, but suspected Timmy wouldn’t fall for her ruse.

  Kirstin looked at the physician and winked. “Let’s play a game. I’ll be the lion, Timmy, and you be the leader of the zebras. Doctor Harrison can be Santa. I’m ready for my saline shot, Santa,” she gave her clue. “I’m a lion, king of the jungle. I’ll take a saline shot to make me brave and strong.”

  Christopher prepared a syringe of sterile saline solution with a small needle. He took her arm to give her the harmless injection. “Ready, Mr. Lion?”

  Kirstin nodded and forced herself to smile and remain still. “Now, I’ll be even stronger and braver. Zebra leader, will you be next? Will you show the other zebras they shouldn’t be afraid?”

  Kirstin waited for Timmy to decide if he would play along with the game. Timmy nodded and held out his arm to the doctor. Kirstin hurried on with the story to distract him. The needle was small and Christopher was gentle. He had given Timmy the shot almost before the boy realized it. “When all the zebras had their shots, Santa revealed how he would reward them. He had told the elves to get the remaining magical black paint. The elves worked a long time painting black stripes on white zebras. When they finished, not a single drop was left in the buckets. The zebras pranced around, showing all the animals their beautiful patterns; every one was different and special. Santa told them not to forget to bathe in the river because the magic paint wouldn’t come off in the water. From that day on, zebras have worn black stripes on their white coats. Now, how about if we reward Timmy with some cookies and milk?” she tempted.

  The boy cocked his arm to look at the spot where Christopher had given him the injection. He grinned and stuck out his chest in pride. “Now I’ll be brave and strong, won’t I, Doc Harrison?”

  “Yes, you will, son.” He watched Kirstin lead Timmy away to fetch a treat while he spoke with the child’s mother.

  When Kirstin and Timmy joined them, his mother couldn’t believe the smile on her son’s face and his bubbly chatter. He gave Kirstin a timid and appreciative smile.

  She knelt and hugged him. “This is the bravest little boy I’ve ever met,” she told the mother. “He’ll grow up to be big and strong and brave just like the king of the jungle. Right, Timmy?”

  “Right, Kirstin,” he agreed, then placed his small arms around her neck to hug her. “Will you be here next time, Kirstin?”

  “It’s Mrs. Lowrey, Timmy,” the mother corrected.

  “She said I could call her Kirstin, Mom,” the child explained. “We’re friends. Will you be here next time?”

  “Doctor Harrison almost has me healed. I have to go home and get back to work. I’ll be leaving in two weeks,” she told the disappointed child, unaware of the matching look on Christopher’s face.

  “Will you come back soon?” he pressed.

  Kirstin glanced at Christopher and smiled. “If Doctor Harrison invites me to visit him again, I will.”

  “Can she, Doc Harrison?” The boy’s eyes pleaded with him.

  Christopher grinned and nodded. “She can visit anytime she likes.”

  Timmy’s mother took his hand and left. Christopher and Kirstin stood in the office doorway and watched their departure, returning Timmy’s waves until the car was out of sight.

  Christopher eyed Kirstin. “Will you never cease to amaze me, woman?”

  “I hope not, Christopher Harrison; I surely hope not. You see, all liberated, career-minded women aren’t cold-hearted.”

  He didn’t want to think or talk about the obstacle between them. “Don’t forget we have the barbecue tomorrow, then camping Sunday.”

  “I won’t. I have a wonderful escort and tour guide lined up for those events so they’re certain to be fun and interesting.”

  “I hope so.”

  Kirstin thought his tone and expression were odd. Worried about gossip, Doc? Afraid that by dating her she would get the wrong idea that his feelings were deeper than they were? If so, she’d relieve his tension. “You’d better enjoy yourself because your guinea pig will be gone soon.”

  “Don’t remind me; superior ones are hard to find and replace.”

  “Thank you, kind sir. Here comes your next patient up the road so I’ll get out of your hair. See you later. Thanks for the diversion.”

  “You’re welcome, and thanks for the help.” As he watched her return to the house, his mind replied, Just so you don’t get out of my life.

  Kirstin sat down to watch television while she rested her ankle and waited for him to finish. Her gaze widened as she noticed Carla’s statue was gone. She fiddled with the medical alert bracelet he had given to her as she tried to determine his motive.

  When he came in for lunch, she didn’t mention the curious matter. She did ask, “Who does your billing for you?”

  “I do it myself. It isn’t much work. I have it set up on my computer; I make the entries at the end of the day. Most patients pay with checks after their visits.”

  “What if someone doesn’t pay while they’re here?”

  “I send a statement at the end of the month. My program kicks them and envelopes out in a hurry. I stamp ‘em and mail ‘em. It’s simple, quick.”

  “What about insurance claims?”

  “I do them as time allows.”

  “And if a patient or company still doesn’t pay?”

  “If there’s a good reason and the amount isn’t much, I let it slide.” That’s happened only a few times. Why? You applying for a bookkeeper’s job?”

  “No, I just wondered how your business ran because you’re busier than I realized. You’re doctor, nurse, receptionist, secretary, janitor, office manager, and bill collector. That’s a lot of hats to wear. All those jobs in addition to being a rancher and head of household keeps your schedule crammed full. Some retirement, Christopher. Now I can see why you wanted me to hang around and give you a rest.”

  “If you weren’t laid up with injuries, I’d be coaxing you to wear some of those hats for me while you’re here.”

  “Ah ha! So that’s how you planned for me to repay my debt to you.”

  “Oh, no, my captive patient; you’re more than repaying it. I didn’t realize I was so overworked until you pointed it out. If I let you do much you’d be too tired and busy and grouchy to … entertain me.”

  Kirstin laughed. “You lecherous sneak, I think I’ve been tricked.”

  “Will you call foul?”

  “No way, because I’m also taking advantage of you and the situation.”

  A horn beeped and halted their playful banter. “Damn. I shouldn’t have scheduled so many patients in one day. I did it before you arrived. I bunch them” up to get my doctoring done in spurts. I’d better go.”

  After he left, Kirstin cuddled on the sofa. Could she be satisfied, she mused, as his assistant? No, those other jobs couldn’t replace fascinating research. Some people loved those positions, but her interests and skills didn’t lie in those directions. No doubt Christopher would be delighted to tu
rn all except doctoring and ranching over to her, and would probably try to do so if they— Stop it, Kirstin, or you’ll irritate yourself.

  It was three o’clock when Christopher returned after seeing his last patient.

  Kirstin was dressed in jeans. “I’m ready to go riding,” she told him.

  “Sorry, Kirstin, but Jerry called and has another offer on that stock I mentioned yesterday. Frank and I have to go check them over and see if I can make a deal with him. Frank has a keen eye for good horseflesh and breeding bulls. I don’t know what I’d do without him. Ranching is like a science of its own. Mix the wrong chemicals and you have a mess. I know he’s getting anxious for his own place. I surely would hate to find a replacement if that happens. I try to make it worth his while to stay on with me, but when a man wants something badly, he goes after it. He’s picking me up in fifteen minutes so I have time to grab a quick shower and change. You can fetch my clothes for me: jeans and a blue shirt, and my best boots. They’re in the closet.”

  Kirstin followed him to the bedroom. While he bathed, she took out the requested items. She saw Carla’s gift lying on its side on a shelf. So, he hadn’t tossed it in the trash, only removed it from-her sight. She decided that he probably didn’t know what to do with the expensive statue.

  Christopher entered the bedroom and yanked on his briefs and jeans. As he sat down to pull on his boots, he asked, “Toss me an undershirt, would you? Top drawer on the left.”

  Kirstin gaped at the sight that greeted her eyes: condoms, lots of them! “Heavens, Christopher, this is a year’s supply.”

  “Oh, sorry. I forgot they were in there. I bought them yesterday. I was hoping we’d need at least half that many. I can go back for more.”

  She flung the shirt at him. “Stop teasing. Where did you buy them? Who saw you? Do they know I’m here? Oh, my heavens, this is so humiliating.”

  “Hold your horses, woman. I drove all the way to Texico to buy them. I visited several stores where nobody knows me. Our reputations are safe. I wouldn’t do anything to hurt or embarrass you, Kirstin. Honest.”

  She calmed down. “But so many?”

  “We have been rather active in that area and I hope we continue to be.”

  She grinned. “You’re right, Doc; we’ll use all of them, eventually.”

  “Were you on the pill before … David died?”

  “Yes. Why?”

  “Would you be interested in going back on it, if your doctor says it’s all right, safe in your condition? Sex is better without condoms, much better.”

  “When I see the new gynecologist, I’ll get prepared for our weekends together. Of course I’ll have to keep them hidden from my children and grandkids when they visit.”

  “That would be a tough explanation to make. When I get back, if—” Frank’s horn interrupted a moment. “If it isn’t too late, we’ll go riding.”

  Christopher hurried out the door and jumped into Frank’s truck. She returned to his room to clean up the mess he’d made in his rush. She didn’t mind picking up after him, as it was a rare task.

  When the phone rang later, Kirstin got off the sofa to answer it. Expecting the caller to be Christopher, she gave a cheerful, “Hello.”

  “Oh, hi, Carla. Is my dad there?”

  Kirstin recovered her wits fast and replied in a polite tone. “No, he isn’t, Peggy. He’s in town on an errand, buying stock, and this is Kirstin.”

  “Oops. Sorry, Mrs. Lowrey, I just assumed you were Carla Thompson. I didn’t realize you’d still be there.”

  You little brat, you recognized my voice. “I know you don’t want to embarrass yourself in the future, so I’ll tell you that your father no longer sees Carla and hasn’t in quite a while.”

  “Really? That’s surprising. What happened between them?”

  Want to play games, eh? “Why would he tell me that?”

  “For the- same reason he told you they weren’t dating anymore.”

  “If he mentioned the reason, it would have been in confidence. He should be back soon. I’ll tell him you called.”

  “I’m surprised you’re still there.”

  “I hurt my ankle and wrist and couldn’t drive. I’ll be leaving soon.”

  “Another accident? I hope you won’t sue my father.”

  “Of course not. It was my fault and no damage was done.”

  “Only enough so you can’t drive, right?”

  Kirstin stayed pleasant and alert. “There’s no permanent injury.”

  “That’s good. My father told me you’re in medical research?”

  “In San Diego with Medico of America. I’m relocating from Georgia.”

  “There aren’t any research facilities near the ranch, are there?”

  “None, that I know of. Nothing close by, I’m sure.”

  “Did you and-Dad check?”

  Worried, are you? “No, but we’ve never heard of any.”

  “I had a friend who wanted to become a med tech, but it didn’t pay enough so she switched to nursing.”

  “She must have checked with small companies or medical schools. Big and important ones pay well, especially after you work your way up the ladder. I’m at the top.”

  “So, you earn a nice living. That’s good.”

  I’m not after your father’s money.

  Peggy barraged Kirstin with questions pertaining to her marital status, then asked her age. When she responded with the figure, the younger woman paused before commenting snidely. “My father usually dates women under thirty-five, mostly in their twenties. I suppose it’s nice to find someone near his age as a friend.”

  “We have a lot in common.”

  “How close are you two?”

  Uh-oh, here it comes. “I beg your pardon?”

  “I was wondering how close you are. With so much in common, I assume you’re very close.”

  End this conversation fast! “We’ve become good friends. I have to go.”

  “How good?”

  She’s going to be trouble, but be nice. “I know you love your father and are concerned about him, but don’t you think our relationship is private?”

  “Are you sleeping with him?”

  My heavens, you’re rude! “Excuse me?”

  “Are you sleeping with my father?”

  “If I were, Peggy, I wouldn’t discuss that with you or my children. I have to go now; Frank is taking me riding. I’ll tell Christopher you called.”

  “One caution, Mrs. Lowrey, if you hurt my father, I’ll claw out your eyes.”

  Kirstin was shocked, but she held her poise and rebuke. “You needn’t worry, Peggy, we’re adults. I hate to rush, but Frank is waiting. Goodbye, Peggy. It was interesting to chat with you. I hope we can meet one day.”

  You dislike any woman who gets close to your father. How does one win over a selfish and hateful brat? If you got your manners and personality from Laura, no wonder Christopher dumped her!

  Christopher returned too late for their horseback ride. He was all smiles about the deal he made on the stock. Kirstin wasn’t; it meant he was ‘ digging himself in deeper and deeper here. There was no way, she concluded, he would ever sell out and move.

  At they neared the end of their dinner, Kirstin asked, “Does Peggy know Carla? Have they met in person?”

  “That’s an odd subject. Where did it come from?”

  Kirstin put aside her empty plate and met his inquisitive gaze. “Does she know her? Did they like each other? Did you tell her about the break-up?”

  “Is there a point to this line of questioning?”

  “Yes, your daughter called today and we had an interesting chat.”

  Christopher came to full alert, stopped eating, and asked, “About what?”

  She repeated the conversation. He gaped at her. “Well, what’s true and what isn’t?”

  Christopher dropped his fork into his plate. “That little devil. Just wait until I get my hands on her. She knows I can’t stand Carla and dumpe
d her. Peggy didn’t like her, either. They did meet during one of her trips here. She was delighted when I told her Carla was history. Daughter or not, how dare she have the gall and bad manners to talk to a patient and guest of mine like that! She was pulling your leg, Kirstin, I don’t rob the cradle, never have. And to think she threatened you! When I see her next, I’ll take a belt to her fanny for the first time!”

  Kirstin mellowed a little as she didn’t want to cause problems between father and daughter like she was experiencing with Steve, or have Peggy hate her for being a snitch. “She’s just possessive and worried about you because she loves you so much and doesn’t want to see you get hurt. That’s natural for a daughter. Don’t be overly hard on her.”

  “There’s no excuse for what she said to you. It won’t happen again. I’m going to my office to call her and straighten her out right now.”

  She called out to him to delay his exit. “Calm down first or you might say something you’ll regret. Once you create a breach, it’s hard to build a span. I know from my trouble with Steve. Besides, if I ever get the chance to meet her, I don’t want her to hate me. Be gentle during your scolding, okay?”

  “That’s good advice, and I’ll take it. I’ll be back soon.”

  Christopher leaned back in his desk chair and gave the situation some thought before dialing his daughter’s number. Phil answered, and the two men chatted a few minutes before Peggy was put on the line. “Kirstin said you phoned this afternoon.” He waited a minute. When he continued, he kept his tone and mood unreadable. “She said you two had quite a talk.”

  “We were … getting acquainted. I hope she didn’t mind.”

  “Why should she?”

  “I was my usual nosy self and asked lots of questions.”

  “That sounds like you. I raised my daughter to be kind and polite, so what happened? When did you become a snoop, squirt?” He chuckled to put her off guard.

  “I … How is she feeling?”

  “Why, did she say she was having more problems?”

  “No, but she’s still a patient of yours. Right?”

  “That’s right, and I hope you don’t say or do anything to upset her. She’s diabetic and doesn’t need any extra stress.”