Oral Care

Chapter 24: Looking Forward to Routine

*** Evelyn's POV ***

I feel foolish for admitting that I was desperate to see him again. I was triggered into panic mode when he sweetly offered me open access to his home. I responded cruelly and could tell I upset him. What the hell is wrong with me?

I pretend to be asleep when he leaves and again when he returns a while later. I keep replaying my misstep in my head. I finally resolve to apologize.

"Rafael?" I whisper, partially rolling over and twisting to look at him. He is snoring softly. "Damn."

It will have to wait until morning. But when my alarm sounds, he is already out of bed. I hear him in the bathroom and sit up. My tooth immediately throbs like it knows what day it is. I rub my cheek groggily.

"Bathroom is all yours. I'm going to head in. Just pull the door shut behind you when you leave." He says briskly as he moves just as quickly out of the room.

I hop out of bed, holding my cheek and hurrying to catch him. I need to apologize. "Raf...ow. Fuck. Rafael, wait."

He pauses and looks at me. His brow immediately furrows when he sees me cupping my jaw. "Your tooth?"

I nod and wince as it throbs again. He seems concerned. "Get dressed and get to the office. I'll take you first thing."

"Rafael." I try again quietly, but he turns and leaves out through the garage.

I tip my head back and let out a sigh. I really hope that I didn't screw things up for good with him. And I am not just thinking that because he is about to put sharp instruments in my mouth. I like him and not just a little. I shouldn't have been so hasty in my response. I need to get better at opening up rather than hiding behind this persona of the unattached heartbreaker.

At the office, the receptionist greets me warmly. "Dr. Baumann mentioned that you might be in early. We just have some forms for you to complete and we'll get you back there. Relief is coming."

I take the clipboard from her and hastily read through the pieces. Most pertain to the procedure and involved risks. Then I see a form that looks familiar. "Um, I think I already filled this out last time."

"We just need an emergency contact. Preferably someone local." She replies.

Well great. It is probably bad form to list the very doctor whose office you are sitting in. I sigh and decide to list Miguel. "Here you go."

"Great. Claire will be right with you." She takes the clipboard from me.

A few minutes later, Claire's bright face appears. "Come on back. Doc says you called in about some discomfort. We're going to take care of that pesky bugger."

She gets me set up in the chair and I wait nervously. Rafael walks in minutes later. He isn't smiling and he looks tired. He washes his hands and turns to me. "Good morning."

"Is it?" I ask. He cocks an eyebrow.

Claire laughs and tries to provide an excuse for my angst. "She seems nervous about the procedure."

"Hmm. Well I'm going to get you numbed before I take a look." He indicates, pulling his gloves on and rolling his chair over. He fiddles with the long needle and I close my eyes. "Hopefully we won't need to call your emergency contact."

My eyes fly open. He saw that? And is pissed? Who else did he want me to put down?

"Here's a bit of a topical numbing gel." He turns towards me with a cotton swab of red gel. I narrow my eyes at him and open my mouth. I instantly start to feel the tingly sensation as he swabs my gum. He waits a minute and then approaches with the long ass needle again. Thankfully, I never feel a thing except the judgment coming off Rafael because I listed my ex as my emergency contact.