Gerald laughed gruffly. “Truth be told, I’m way too big of a coward. It’s scary in that part of the world.”
“It would be fulfilling though, don’t you think?” River clasped his hands, looking starry-eyed. “Imagine being in the trenches, helping people who are in desperate need. Maybe one day I’ll give it a go.”
Maxwell frowned. “I would think they’d want real doctors to go on those trips.”
Turning away from the group, Lucas gave a strangled laugh.
River scowled. “Iama real doctor.”
Grimacing, Maxwell said, “Oh, yes. I just mean…” He trailed off.
“What?” River snapped. “What did you mean?”
I put my hand on the small of Maxwell’s back, subtly warning him to be tactful.
He didn’t get the message.
Maxwell shrugged. “I’m simply saying you can’t cure people of malaria or tuberculosis with herbs, incense, and positive thoughts.”
A flush rose in River’s thin face. “How many times must I tell you I went to medical school? Iearnedthe title doctor.”
Penelope looked uneasy. “Oh, I’m sure Dr. Thornton meant no disrespect.”
“Of course not,” Maxwell said, looking a bit lost.
“He implied I’m not a real doctor.” River’s usually cheerful expression was nowhere to be found. “I’m a bit tired of the constant digs about my way of practicing medicine.”
Maxwell shifted uneasily. “I just see medicine differently than you. I’m not trying to make you feel bad.”
“Is that right?” murmured River.
“Yes.”
Lucas said, “I’m sure he meant no harm. You know how Dr. Thornton is, River.”
Sighing, Maxwell nodded. “I can’t help it if I think traditional medicine is the right way to do things. But I suppose I could have put it more tactfully.”
“Definitely,” Penelope laughed gruffly. “You’re a little like a bulldozer with people’s feelings sometimes, Dr. Thornton.”
Maxwell’s face tensed, and I could feel him trying to figure out how to navigate the situation he’d gotten himself into. “The people of Rainy Dale seem to… appreciate your… kind of… medicine, River. That’s what matters.”
“Exactly,” said Penelope. “Everyone loves you, River.”
Lucas rocked back on his heels. “How about you two kiss and make up? This is supposed to be a happy day.”
“I agree.” I squeezed Maxwell’s shoulder, feeling his tense muscles beneath my fingers. “So what if you two approach medicine differently? That doesn’t mean you can’t be respectful of each other.”
River didn’t seem to be listening. He still looked angry. “Just because you were a big-shot surgeon in LA doesn’t mean you’re better than me, Maxwell.”
Maxwell wrinkled his brow. “I never said I was a big-shot.”
“Oh, come on, it’s obvious you think you’re too good for this town.”
“That isn’t true,” Maxwell said stiffly.
River narrowed his eyes. “Maybe we should all questionyourqualifications more. After all, it’s not common to go from being a surgeon to a GP. They’re two very different things.”
“I agree,” Maxwell said gruffly. “But I took the steps necessary to requalify so that I could practice general medicine. It wasn’t easy, but it was… necessary.”
