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I react as she wants, and a sound erupts out of me that confirms to her that she hit her mark. Of course, she’s smart enough to pick the kid who was rumored to be a contender to replace me but ended up staying with his team because the Kingsmen traded for Brady Banks instead.
For the first time, she looks at me. “Oh wait, you two play the same position, right?”
“Yeah.”
“I guess that happens. People start to follow the younger guys.”
“Bull’s-eye,” I whisper, and she giggles.
“I do love Damon Siska,” Mrs. Miller says. “When you played against him this year, Benny, he was all over the field. That safety of yours, Miles what’s-his-name, couldn’t stop him.”
“I watched that game too,” Mr. Patel interrupts. “You should tell that Miles fella he needs to be faster.”
Gillian laughs, and when my eyes cut to hers, she sucks her plump pink lips in to stop herself. She mouths, “Sorry,” but her facial expression says she’s anything but.
“I’ll be sure to tell him. We all love Monday morning quarterbacks. They’re a wealth of knowledge.”
“Glad I could help.” Mr. Patel lifts his magazine, and I shake my head.
“Benny, you really should pay it back and help Coach Marks with the football team this year.” Mrs. Miller starts a new conversation when I just want to be called back and get this appointment over with.
“Who’s the dental hygienist now?” I ask, changing the topic.
“Dr. Whitaker’s daughter, Missy. She just graduated from hygiene school.” Gillian smiles. “Actually, isn’t it her first day, Mrs. Miller?”
Mrs. Miller’s forehead crinkles. “I think you’re right, Gillian. He put up that big sign last week to say they had more openings for patients.”
Holly, Dr. Whittaker’s hygienist ever since I was a kid, comes out the door from the back. “Gillian, I’m ready for you.”
Gillian pats my knee and stands. “I always have Holly. She just knows my teeth so well. You know, because I’ve lived here my entire life. Enjoy the liver tonight.” She says it all without her sweet smile faltering.
A girl who looks as if she just stepped out of high school accidentally bumps into Holly. Holly jolts forward, and Gillian grabs her arms to hold her steady.
“Oh sorry. I’m so clumsy.” The girl looks at the chart in her hands. “Benjamin… Noughton? OMG. I’m going to clean Ben Noughton’s teeth?”
I stand, and her mouth hangs open.
“It appears that way.” Every instinct inside me says to run and run fast.
“I can’t wait to tell my friends. Do you mind if we take a picture? Oh… I have to post this, like, now.”
Gillian places her hand on Missy’s arm. “Missy, Ben likes his teeth pearly white. You know all the photos he takes, he doesn’t want any yellow stains, so make sure you really get in there and remove all the plaque and buildup.” She glances over her shoulder at me. “Welcome home, Noughton.” Then she disappears through the door, following Holly.
“Ready?” Missy asks with a huge grin.
Mr. Patel lowers the corner of his magazine. “Better you than me,” he whispers.
Burger and fries. Burger and fries.
Chapter Six
Gillian
Clayton has Drew over tonight, so I decide to go to the library to study for the bar exam. It’s only held twice a year in Nebraska, and I really want to pass it so I can finally start my law career.
I walk in, and Mr. Torres smiles up from his computer at the reception desk.
“Gillian. Burning the midnight oil again?” He lowers his reading glasses and rubs his eyes.
