A part of my brain is screaming for attention, waiting for the other shoe to drop and trying to warn me. But the rest of my internal voice is sticking its fingers in its ears and shouting la-la-la-everything-is-awesome.
I have coffee now. And money. And sex. And Jake. Everything I ever wanted. Just on the down low. Life is ironic. I lean in to the barista. "Hey, how do you know so much about what's going on, anyway?"
She holds up her phone at me. "I set alerts. Anything important happens in this town, gossip-wise, and I'm good."
Huh. I thank her and head back to the car.
When I pull into work, I have to park next to the Walgreens again so I can leave lots of room for all the customers.
Then I head inside. The place is a mad house, and I wave to Mia on my way through the lobby as I make my way back to the office.
When I get back there, Gwen is looking over a stack of patient charts. She sees me and gives me a smile and a wave before shaking her head. "Angie, we're going to need another doc if this keeps up."
She's right. Holy shit, this has all happened fast. And it's because of Jake. Take that Animal Universe Incorporated.
"So, how is he, anyway?" Jess asks.
"Who?"
"Jake?"
I feel my cheeks get hot thinking about last night. "I don't know what you're talking about."
I turn to leave, but then catch a glimpse of Jess's over excited expression. "What?"
"Oh my God, you totally slept with him!"
"No, I didn't," I lie. I'm an awful liar.
"You did! Is he amazing?"
I feel another rush of heat to my cheeks. "Another yes."
Damn it. It's not fair. But I can't work with someone like Gwen as closely and as long as I have and lie to her. Other people, but not her.
In my defense, she's like a level four horoscope writer or something. I know that there's nothing I can say that's going to change her mind so I give her a savage look and put a finger over my mouth. "Before you ask, no, we are not back together, okay? And please don't say anything."
Gwen zips her lips and throws away the key. She may be way too good at reading people, but she's also loyal, trustworthy, and a good friend.
I exhale. Now that that’s out of the way, it's time to get started. I can't help but wonder what's going to happen when Jake leaves again. Will my clients all stampede back to Animal Universe?
Gwen hands me a chart and heads to the lobby to call the brand-new client with the Jack Russel Terrier puppy.
Once inside the exam room, the owner waves hello and the puppy yaps at my feet while wagging its tail. I scoop it up. "So you're Crusher, eh?" I raise an eyebrow at her.
"Oh, don't be fooled," the woman says, "Crusher's a handful."
Crusher's adorable, with brown fur and black spots on his face and a sweet disposition. "He seems sweet enough to me."
"That's because you're not brand-new shoes."
I laugh. "Guilty as charged."
After a thorough exam, Crusher's given a clean bill of health and owner and puppy look happy on their way out. I consult with Mia who confirms the day's non-stop schedule is packed with new clients. I finish the day with a skip in my step.
Chapter 27
Angie
I’m half a glass into my delicious Beaky Tiki Punch and munching on a chip when Fi and Kaylee show up together and take a seat.
It’s not quite sunset and tonight is a big night with the Pirate Festival Sand Sculpture competition being judged, then we’re all headed to work on our parade floats.
Fi and Kaylee give me a strange look after they sit down and catch me chewing.
I swallow quickly and wash it down, but I regret nothing. “What? Like you guys never start eating?”
“You’re early,” Kaylee says, cocking her head to the side.
“And you’re happy,” Fi says accusatorily. “What’s going on, Angie?”
Uh-oh. It’s been a few days since I’ve seen them. I’d better think of something fast. But my mind comes up blank. And I kind of slept with Jake is something I’m still dealing with and not quite ready to talk about. But is it something I can really hide?
Kaylee studies my face for a minute and I’m sure I’m completely busted. In fact, I’m ready to blurt out and confess to the whole thing when she gives me a smile. “Your vet clinic must be doing a lot better. I haven’t seen you this happy in months, Angie!”
“It is,” I confirm. And the best part is that it’s totally true. Incredibly so. There are enough new clients coming in that my accountant has told me that I could potentially consider expanding to another location next year if it keeps up. Take that, Animal Universe.
Oddly enough, it’s all thanks to Jake. I feel like I dodged a real bullet financially, though. And they’re right about me being happy. I can’t help it. I decide to change the subject. “I’m sure that your Hammerhead shark is going to win, Kaylee.” Her sand sculpture is absolutely gorgeous. Nobody else stands a chance as usual.
“Our Hammerhead,” she counters, pouring herself some punch and then grabbing a chip, “you guys helped. I just checked on it and fixed up a couple things. We’re ready to rock.”
I wait for Fi to fill her cup and then I hold mine up. “To us.”
“To us.”
As we finish off the pitcher and appetizers, an employee comes along and lights all of the tiki torches. A wind is whipping up from the shore, and the night is just getting started.
A few minutes later Fi, Kaylee and I are marching through the sand to the volunteer area where the contest judging is finishing up.
“Angie, Fi, and Kaylee reporting for duty,” I say with a hammy
