Page 5 of Hold Me Instead (Elmwood Falls #1)
“I do, though. Otherwise, I’ll spiral. Besides, we have to figure out schedule changes. We’re booked through the holidays, and we really don’t want to cancel on our clients.”
Amber hesitated. “Yeah, but it’s okay to rest, especially after last week. Take time to process what happened.”
Charlie stepped away from her cousin. “He’s okay, Amber. I can’t let the practice fall apart while he’s recovering. I couldn’t face him if that happened. Can you imagine?”
Amber angled firmly toward Charlie, that damn apple twitching in front of her face. “I want you to be okay too.”
“I’m good,” Charlie rasped. She cleared her throat and forced a smile. “Really. I want to be here, it feels right.” She looked to Amber, eager to show her determination—except the apple dangled between them. “It’s hard to take you seriously right now.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Amber said cheekily.
“Very funny,” Charlie said, smiling as Amber wrapped her in an extra tight hug. Charlie’s shoulders loosened, and as they stepped apart, she nudged her cousin. “Hey, if you hang around a little longer, you’ll probably see Logan. ”
Amber’s playful shove in return moved Charlie a foot. “You mean, Dr . Fletcher ?”
A laugh broke from Charlie as she steadied. “That’s the one.”
“I’m very tempted.”
“Oh, I know. He’s only with us a few more days, and then he’s on vacation. So you better make your move soon.”
Amber grinned. “Who says I haven’t?”
Charlie gaped. “Did you?”
“No. I didn’t. I was trying to feel him out.” Amber hummed a moment. “If he’s leaving town soon, this seems like the perfect time. You’re positive he’s not seeing anyone?”
“No one. He’s going on this trip solo too.”
“Gah, he’s getting better by the second! Oh, I see little monsters in the distance.”
Charlie followed her line of sight across the park and spotted clusters of people starting their trek down Main Street.
“I better get back to Cleo. Don’t go in there too soon, Maura’s probably standing guard at the door.” Amber grinned.
“Yeah. Thanks for the goodies.”
“Stop by after, okay?” Amber gave her a quick smack on the ass, then hopped into a light jog toward Cleo’s shop. “See ya later, sport!”
Charlie swiped at air, too slow to get her cousin back, but the family endearment lightened her mood further.
When they were kids, Charlie and Amber had played on the same recreation soccer team, coached by Amber’s dad.
Watching professional sports with Uncle Carl had resulted in the girls observing a lot, especially in the way of commentating.
When a young Amber had asked why players and coaches smacked each other on the butt, her dad had replied that it was a way to show camaraderie, almost like calling the other person “buddy” or “sport.” Little did he know his daughter would try it on her own teammates, literally calling out “Go get ?em, sport!” as she tapped a player on the ass.
Her dad had quickly shut it down, explaining that wasn’t something they could freely do.
It stopped in the game, but the two girls found it hilarious and continued it personally.
Charlie did a slow walk to the edge of their parking lot, then immediately went back to the building.
This had been plenty of time outside. As soon as she touched the cold metal handle of the employee door, a memory hit her with such force, she felt transported to when she’d worked for Daniel during high school.
It had been overcast, a chilly autumn weekend much like this one.
She’d held open the door as Daniel rushed inside, carrying a box of puppies he’d found on his doorstep that morning.
Zachary followed closely behind, wearing her favorite navy hoodie of his and holding a single pup wrapped in a towel, his focus intent as though he was counting each breath.
She could still hear the newborn squeaks, remembered watching in awe as Daniel handled the situation smoothly, without skimping on the care of any patients scheduled that day.
He was her hero, guiding her and the rest of his staff through the care the animals needed.
Charlie had known since she was a kid that being a veterinarian was her dream, but that moment had solidified it as a calling, holding the helpless little pups and nursing them back to health.
And, she recalled, the look on Zachary’s face had displayed what she felt.
He was early in his vet schooling, but the two had been stationed side by side whenever they worked together, until each and every pup had found a family .
It was possible because of Daniel, because of his love and care for any animal under his watch, and it fostered a strong team around him who ensured the same. One that kept the practice running even when their fearless leader fell ill.
She opened the door and walked inside, laughter carrying through the small hospital as more staff gathered to prepare for trick-or-treaters. It was true—this didn’t fall on her alone. But she’d be damned to let anything falter while Daniel was gone.