An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away
It was a cold Tuesday morning, too early for any sane person to be awake. And yet here she was, making coffees and trying to stifle yawns. Granny's was never exactly busy but this was ridiculous. Mary-Margaret sat in her usual place with her usual latte and her usual dreamy look, and Archie was filling out a crossword in booth three. That was it. Ruby scanned the room for something to do. The tables were clean, the ketchups married, the napkins stacked and the glasses polished. She found herself wishing something, anything would happen.
She was about to offer Mary-Margaret a refill when the sound of a tinkling bell broke the silence.
Ruby turned toward the noise and rolled her eyes. Here we go.
Doctor Whale strolled over to the counter and plonked down in a seat. He gave her what he must have assumed was a charming wink, and reached for the fruit basket.
She coughed and tried to look busy. After a few minutes she finally acknowledged his presence.
"Coffee and a danish?"
Ruby wanted to keep conversation to a minimum, especially after the incident in the emergency room. The steamer had freaked out and scalded her on the thigh. It wasn't pleasant, but more than that it was uncomfortably high up on her leg, and of course Whale had to be the one to treat her.
"No danish today. I'm watching my weight, you know?" he rubbed his obviously flat stomach, "So how's that burn? Still stinging?"
She tried to smile.
"It's all healed, thanks."
"Sure you don't want a check-up?"
"I'm sure. Are you sure about that danish?"
He picked up a green apple and bit into the crisp skin. A little juice ran down his chin, and he quickly wiped it away and grinned.
"I'm sure. Want a bite?"
He held out the apple. She tried not to snort in disgust and gave him his coffee – black, with honey of all things.
"I thought those were meant to keep doctors away."
"...I don't get it."
Typical. How ignorant was this guy anyway?
"You know: 'an apple a day keeps the doctor away'?"
His smile didn't falter.
"Nope. I love apples."
"That's not the point-"
"Just take a bite," he held his hand out further, "Go on. It's a good apple."
Mary-Margaret was watching from her table, looking concerned. Ruby shrugged. If it got him to shut up, whatever. She leant forward and sank her teeth into the green flesh. Whale's eyes widened a little, as if he hadn't been expecting her to do it. She chewed slowly and swallowed, then closed her eyes for a moment. When she opened them again, he was still staring, frozen in place.
"Mmm," she licked her lips, "I've had better."