Page 6 of Pugs & Kisses

Bryson knew when he’d made the decision to return home that he would eventually run into her. New Orleans was a big city compared to the little dot on the map where he’d grown up, but it was still small. And the veterinary community was even smaller. It was inevitable their paths would cross.

But after only three days home? Couldn’t he get a full week to settle in before having to face the one person from his past who could send his emotions into a tailspin?

Was it kismet? Fate? There had to be something more than coincidence at play.

Visiting The Sanctuary hadn’t even been part of today’s plans.

He’d only followed Doc back here after their lunch because his mentor had insisted on giving Bryson a lapel pin to wear at his speaking engagement on Saturday.

What were the chances that Evie would be at The Sanctuary when it was apparent that she hadn’t visited in a while either?

Doc kept up most of the conversation as they all worked as a team, examining the dogs, then vaccinating, then soothing.

Bryson fought his mind’s treacherous urge to journey back to those afternoons when he and Evie were here as vet students, with their mentor stepping in only occasionally to supervise.

Doc was always too wrapped up in grading coursework or handling the many fires that would arise in his role as the faculty head. It left way too much time for Bryson and Evie to get into the kind of things they definitely should not have been getting into while on the job.

He could not let his thoughts wander into that territory. Not right now. Not at all.

It was a long time ago. He was a different person.

And he could only imagine that Evie had changed over the past eight years in ways he couldn’t even fathom.

Bryson wasn’t sure he would ever find out.

Based on the reception he’d received so far, he doubted there would be any reminiscing about the good times over a cup of coffee.

“—before Milan, Bryson?”

His head jerked back at the sound of his name being called.

“What was that?” Bryson asked.

“Where was it that you spoke before Milan?” Doc asked. “Was it Amsterdam?”

“Uh, no. Austria,” Bryson said.

“That’s it! I knew it was one of those places I’ve never been but always wanted to go. You ever been to Austria, Evie?” Doc asked.

“I can barely make it north of Canal Street,” Evie answered. “My life is tied to this area of the city.” She rubbed the head of a Chihuahua mix. “It must be nice to see the world and collect a paycheck for it.”

Bryson was pretty sure that was a dig at him, but because he couldn’t be sure, he said, “I never get to see much outside of the conference hotel when I travel for these things. It’s exhausting, if I’m being honest. I plan to cut back drastically on the number of speaking engagements I accept.”

“Well, I’m glad you finally accepted the LVMA’s invitation to speak,” Doc said.

Bryson had turned down the Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association at least a dozen times over the years.

He’d always had a conflict, but he doubted he would have accepted even if he’d had space in his schedule.

He hadn’t been ready to come back to New Orleans.

This time, the timing had worked perfectly with his plans to finally return home.

“Evie, did you know Bryson was speaking at the LVMA’s quarterly meeting?

” Doc asked. “I’m assuming you’ll be there.

You don’t want to miss his talk about how 3D printing is the wave of the future in veterinary medicine.

” Doc waved a hand at Bryson. “I personally think you young folks are out of your minds with this 3D stuff, but if anyone can convince me otherwise, it’s you. ”

“I… ah… I’m not sure if I’ll make the meeting this quarter,” Evie said.

“But you always go to the meeting. It’s the only place I see you these days,” Doc said.

“I know, and I’m sorry about that, Doc. I just have a lot going on right now,” she said. She looked as uncomfortable as a person could possibly look while trying to pretend they were not uncomfortable.

The tightness in Bryson’s throat made it difficult to swallow. She’d probably had every intention of attending the quarterly meeting up until discovering that he would be the speaker.

“Ah, that’s too bad,” Doc said. “It’s sure to be a great discussion.” He snapped his fingers. “The lapel pin! That’s why I brought you here, Bryson. Why didn’t you remind me? I’ll be right back.”

“Doc—” Bryson called, but Doc had already taken off. And if his office was anything like Bryson remembered, his mentor would have to search under mountains of paperwork to find that lapel pin.

He regarded Evie, taking in the rigidity of her shoulders and the tightness in her jaw. Her discomfort was too obvious for him to deny it or to pretend it was anything but his presence causing it.

It would be better for both of them if he got out of here.

“Can you let Doc know that I had to leave?” Bryson said. “I need to go over my presentation for Saturday.”

He could give that presentation on the spot and not miss a beat, but it was the easiest excuse he could come up with.

“Sure,” she said, her attention still on the Chihuahua.

Bryson studied the crown of her head, willing her to turn.

To give him even the slightest indication that there was a possibility they could regain the friendship they once shared.

He knew better than to expect more than friendship, but now that he was back in New Orleans, now that he’d seen her again, the thought of not seeing her—of having to avoid her—was like a punch to the gut.

But she didn’t turn.

His throat had to work overtime to swallow past the painful lump that had suddenly formed.

You did it to yourself.

“It was good to see you, Ev,” Bryson said, because he couldn’t just walk away, no matter how much his brain told him he should.

She looked over at him. Her lips twitching in what, if he squinted and tilted his head to the side, could feasibly be called a smile.

“Good luck on Saturday,” she answered.

Ouch.

He guessed it was too much of a stretch for her to say it was good to see him too.

You did it to yourself.