Page 2 of Fight for You

I sigh, my thoughts shifting to the fallout of the recent divorce again. “It’s hard to imagine trusting someone again. Maybe it’s best if I stick to my book boyfriends. All of the good without any of the bad.”

We pass the ice cream shop and I hesitate before deciding I didn’t need any. After all, I still have at least two quarts in my freezer at home I’ll devour.

“So, I’ll be honest… and don’t kill me.” She side eyes me. “I’m exhausted. Can we reschedule our girls night for tomorrow maybe?” She starts to yawn but stops herself. “This job is exhausting. Why did I ever agree to this?”

“I completely understand. Go home and get rest.” I unloop my arm and shove her playfully. “I can’t have you passing out onmy couch ten minutes into the movie again. And yes, I’m going to keep bringing it up. The snores…”

“I do NOT snore.” Her hands clutch her chest. “Don’t be spreading lies to the town, bestie. You know the ladies around here take words and twist them…”

My lips curve. “Get going already. You’re losing precious sleep time.”

Once Candace is out of my sight, I turn back to the ice cream shop and say screw it. Who is going to care if I drown my sorrows in a couple pints of ice cream tonight? No witnesses.

2

Leo

“Hey, Doc! Thanks again for taking care of Daisy last week. She’s good as new!”

The golden retriever barks at me and wags her tail, her owner not allowing her to stop and sniff me. “Always happy to help. Take care, you two.”

As I stroll down the sidewalk, fellow business owners greet me by name. Over the years, I have built a long list of satisfied clients who trust me with the care and well-being of their beloved pets. My capable calloused hands handle creatures of all sizes, from dogs and cats to rabbits and hamsters, without any challenge being too great.

Animals have always been a passion of mine, but the work isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Beloved pets who live a long, fulfilling life brings about dark days when brought to me. Those days are mentally taxing. Each animal I treat is like a pet of my own. Yet, I still love every minute of my job.

“Hey, big brother!” chimes a lively voice from behind. “Ready for dinner?”

I turn to see my younger sister, Nina, her curly auburn hair bouncing as she catches up to me.

“Of course.” I drape my arm around her shoulders. “I’ve been looking forward to it.”

As we walk toward our favorite local diner, there is a weight of responsibility on my shoulders. My love for the town, its inhabitants, and most of all, family, shines through in every aspect of my life. While I had the choice to open a vet clinic anywhere, doing so here in Lawson Ridge seemed right.

The town has seen better days when it comes to commerce. Tourists and out of towners have become rare which means many businesses packed up and moved on, but the community still needs the necessary things. I could have made more money in another city, that’s for sure, but it isn’t about money for me. My town and my sister need me. The animals need me. If not - the closest vet clinic is almost half an hour drive away, and in emergency situations that will never work.

“Busy today?” she asks, as we make our way to the diner. She is all about small talk. My sister is one that hates awkward silence. It has gotten worse since the divorce. A couple of months ago, Nina showed up at my house with packed bags and nowhere to go. After four years of being married, he basically told her that he deserved better. Fucking asshole. So many nights were spent at my place, watching her laying on the couch, eating ice cream and blubbering at sappy romantic comedies. She needed time, I understood, but any man who wouldn’t fight for their relationship wasn’t the right man for her. Now, she is getting back on her feet, has her own place, and things are getting back to normal.

“After you,” I say, holding the door open. “Mom would kick my ass if I didn’t hold the door open for a lady.” Funnily enough, I wasn’t kidding. She has always been very persistent on how to treat women.

We settle into our normal booth. “How was your day?”

“Busy, but good,” Nina responds. “You know how much I love teaching those little monsters.”

“Monsters?” With a smirk on my lips, I raise an eyebrow. “Don’t you mean angels?”

“Angels one minute, monsters the next.”

“Speaking of monsters,” Miles chimes in from the next booth, “how about a game of pool after dinner? I feel like it’s been ages since we’ve played.”

I relax against the cushioned seat, contemplating the offer. “You’re on, but don’t be surprised when I beat you again.” My competitive spirit flares at the challenge, eliciting a grin from Miles.

To be honest, I have been looking for something to keep my mind busy. The last fourteen days have been difficult. I’ve been attempting to psych myself up to confront my ex-girlfriend, but I still haven’t managed to do it. With her back in town and considering Lawson Ridge’s small size, it’s bound to occur. Merely the thought of seeing her again makes my stomach turn.

Her return stirs up the past and I thought I might have finally put it to rest. Guess not. I never truly let go, but finding closure can be positive for both of us. Despite being upset, my love for her still surpasses the anger. She was the one I loved more than anything, the center of my world. And then she just left.

“Is everything okay?” Nina attempts to regain my focus on the conversation.

“Yeah, I’m fine.” I mess with my fingers, looking down, trying not to let my mood ruin their night. They are trying so hard to keep my spirits up. Kudos to them for their effort.

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