I put the walls back up and play angry, indifferent bitch. “Ugh. They don’t pay me enough to deal with you. Actually, no one pays me.”
He tilts his head. “Still no customers?”
“They’re called patients,” I remind him. “But yeah, no one has stopped by yet. Either people are too healthy in this town, or they’d rather head to Seattle to see a doctor.”
“Probably the latter. Why don’t you try to get to know your fellow townies? Meet me here at nine.”
Unlike him, I’m not good with people. You know what I need? A yang to my anti-social yin.
Ding, ding, ding.
This is exactly what he’s offering you, isn’t it?
I narrow my gaze. “What happens at nine?”
“Trust me,” he says.
I laugh. I literally laugh. He might be the last person I’ll trust in my entire life.
“That doesn’t sound scary and cryptic at all,” I say sarcastically.
He winks at me and leans closer. “Sometimes doing what scares you the most makes you feel alive.”
He’s so close. I can smell his woodsy-vanilla-coffee scent.
He’s so close, my breath hitches.
Chapter Twelve
Nathalie
After breakfast, I go to the clinic. Nothing happens between seven-thirty and nine. Nothing. The practice is so quiet, it might as well be a relic of a place. I don’t think this practice will last long—if it lasts at all. But I can’t just give up on it. Grampa expects me to do the right thing for it.
What if it’s saying goodbye?
At nine, I make my way toward the coffee shop. Fisher is waiting for me, looking as hot as usual, minus the canvas apron he wears while at the coffee shop. Does he wear it at night while being a bartender? I should come downstairs tonight, drink some tequila, and…nope. Never drink tequila when he’s close.
On second thought, new rule. Never go to the bar.
“I was starting to think you weren’t going to show up,” he says.
“Why?”
“I’m not your favorite person.”
“I wouldn’t put it that way.”
He smirks, wiggling his eyebrows. “Really?”
“Right there. That’s why I don’t like you. You’re an arrogant asshole. I’m not impressed by all your ridiculous moves.”
He bends closer. “Your body says something completely different”—He winks at me—“That’ll be our little secret, Doc.”
“You’re infuriating.” I huff.
“Is that a way to call me charming? I’ll take it. Now, let’s start our tour.” He grabs my hand, and we walk toward the end of the retail strip.
Our first stop is the lavender shop. As we enter the place, a waft of floral aromas welcomes us. I instantly fall in love with the little store. There are dried arrangements of flowers, plush animals with different scents, and even weighted blankets to help with anxiety.
“Welcome to Lavender Moon. How can I help you?”
I stop my wandering eyes and move my attention toward the woman behind the counter. She’s a couple of inches shorter than my five-six with dark curly hair and dark soulful eyes.
“Nydia. Let me introduce you to our new hermit resident and doctor, Nathalie Brennan.”
She smiles and makes her way toward me. Okay, so the woman is a hugger.
Help, she’s hugging me.
“I’m so glad to see you again.” She releases me and heads toward one of the shelves.
“Again?”
“You probably don’t remember me.” She pauses, tapping her chin while staring at the shelf. “We met when you were younger and visited with your parents. I’ve been meaning to welcome you to Luna Harbor, but it’s been busy. We’re getting ready to leave, and I’m training a couple of new employees. How’s the town treating you?”
“I haven’t seen much of it.”
“She’s a hermit,” Fisher repeats.
She picks up a bottle and shakes it. “Found it.”
Fisher stares at her. “What is it?”
“I’m thinking cedar, lavender, and chamomile.”
He bobs his head. “Probably.”
“Here.” She offers it to me. “It’ll help you sleep at night.”
The way she smiles reminds me of someone from my childhood. “Wait, did you use to live on a farm?”
She nods. “That’s me.”
“I remember the farm, and I remember you. There’s a girl with beautiful curly hair and her twin brother. I can’t think of their names.”
She waves her hand. “You came like three times, maybe four while we were here. It’s impossible to remember. I do because your grandfather often talked about you.”
Fisher gets closer and puts an arm around me. “You should go down memory lane another day. Let’s focus on the now. She’s trying to find patients. Know of anyone?”
“I haven’t heard of anyone sick, but if they come to ask for a remedy, I’ll send them your way—as I usually do when they think my oils are magical and cure everything. They’re not.”
Fish kisses her cheek. “Spread the word, won’t you? Our next stop is the tattoo parlor.”
“Count on it. In a couple of hours, everyone will know there’s a new doctor in town—and if you’re as good as your grandfather, they’re going to love you.”
“Thank you for everything.” I lift the small bottle.
“Don’t mention it. Just spray it around the room before going to sleep.”
Do you know what’ll help me sleep? Fisher not playing late at night. He needs a hobby, and I don’t mean playing music.
Chapter Thirteen
Nathalie
The tattoo parlor is owned by Manelik’s grandfather. On our way, Fisher tells me that Myka, Manelik’s twin, and San are the ones who work there.
I itch to call my friends, who are all big fans, but I don’t. Amber will discover that this is close to a disaster. Christina will try to use them for publicity. Tracy will leave Mark for Manelik. She swears he’s the love of her life, even when she's never met him.
We don’t stay long because Sanford isn’t there and Myka is busy with a high-profile customer. I’m starting to feel like there’s a lot of secrets around this town. Since I don’t have any patients, I should start figuring out the mysteries behind Luna Harbor. I could tell the story to Christina. She’ll write a screenplay and sell it to Hollywood. She’ll finally be famous.
Unless it’s just stupid gossip, and then, she’ll hate me for ruining her life.
Well, it might not be movie-worthy, but it has to be juicy enough to keep me entertained. Though, why is Luna Harbor so dilapidated and empty? And why is the famous band living here?
Will that help me understand why I don’t have any patients? What if it’s as simple as everyone left, just like my father. Luna Harbor isn’t a place for sophisticated people like my parents. If Dad could, he’d change his birth certificate to read born in New York to unknown parents.