Chase stood beside me, even though someone had brought him a chair as well. His jaw was locked, and his arms were crossed tightly across his chest. He seemed tightly wound, as if he was expecting something else dangerous to come out of the shadows.
A few steps beside me, Jordan hovered. His hands were jammed in his pockets as he rocked on his feet. His eyes darted to me every few seconds, as if checking to make sure I was still breathing.
“You guys can sit. I just need a few minutes,” I said, but they glared at me.
“We’ll wait until you get checked out,” Chase said.
I frowned. Chase had wanted to call 911, but I insisted he didn’t. We compromised by calling Doc Moser, who’dchecked on Jordan just weeks ago. I didn’t want to be more of a distraction than I already was.
Through the speaker system, I heard Slim say, “Well, folks. That wasn’t exactly the kind of excitement we planned… but heck, it’s still early. Might as well dance it off!”
Mayor Sterling squawked out from somewhere nearby, “Drunks and skunks! Lock ‘em up!”
Laughter rippled through the barn. The band struck up a fast, upbeat tune, and I heard Slim encourage people to hit the dance floor. From the sound of it, people were.
I breathed a sigh of relief. People weren’t leaving. The night wasn’t ruined.
I closed my eyes, taking in some deep calming breaths.
“Mind if I take a look?”
I opened my eyes to see a pretty woman I didn’t recognize standing in front of me, a large bag slung over her shoulder.
“I’m Dr. Beth Monroe. I’m still pretty new to town, so I haven’t met many people, but I work at the clinic. Dr. Mosier knew I was here and called me.”
I tried to smile. “Wish we were meeting under different circumstances.”
She nodded sympathetically. “Same. I thought coming to the barn dance might help me meet more people. I was bidding on a good ole Tennessee whiskey basket when the shouting started when Doc called. Good thing I always keep a medical bag in my car.”
I huffed a small laugh, but it made my head hurt more.
“Let’s see what’s going on,” she said as she pulled a pair of gloves from her bag and knelt beside me.
She examined the swelling on my cheek first. Despite her gentleness, I winced when she pressed near mytemple.
“Sorry,” she murmured. “Did you lose consciousness at any point?”
I shook my head, then immediately regretted it. “No. Saw some stars and had a little blurred vision, but that seems to have cleared.”
“That tracks. Can I see your hand?”
I held it out to her, and she carefully flexed them, watching me for reactions.
“Well, here’s my diagnosis. You have a split lip. That will heal on its own. I don’t believe your fingers are broken, but if you want to come into the clinic, we can x-ray them.”
I shook my head. The throbbing increased slightly, but already it was settling down faster.
“I could have guessed that. Here’s the thing. You might also have a slight concussion. Needless to say, lots of rest. No driving. Limit screen time and do not lift anything or do anything physical for the next forty-eight hours, at least. Apply ice packs to your cheek and your hand. If you notice any signs of nausea, worsening headache, or confusion, call me immediately. I don’t care what time it is. Understood?” She pressed a card into my hand.
“Don’t worry, Doc,” Chase chimed in beside me, the first words he’d said since we sat down. “I’ll be making sure the only thing she lifts is the blanket she’ll be under while she spends time in bed.”
“Chase,” I said, wanting to argue, but the look he shot me had me clamping my mouth.
“No arguments, Anna. Not on this. You heard the doctor. You’re lucky nothing worse happened. I can’t believe that son of a bitch put his hands on you.”
I could see he was getting spun up again, so I rested my hand on his arm.
“I’m okay. And I’ll take it easy. Promise.”
