Page 49 of Someday You Learn

She winces. “I mean, I can try to remember, but it’s a habit, Parker.”

“When you go to unplug it, just remember that it’s going to make my eye twitch if I see it, and then you justdon’tdo it.” I flash her a placating smile.

Sheshakes her head, picking up the freshly brewed cup and holding it out to me before sliding another mug underneath the drip. “Sorry. It’s one of my quirks.”

“No, it’s weird and unnecessary,” I reply, taking the cup from her.

“Not as weird as ironing your socks,” she fires back with an amused smile on her lips.

I clutch my coffee like a lifeline and head to my room. “I need to finish getting ready.”

“Do you need help with your ironing? I can take care of your underwear for you so you’re fully pressed from head to toe!” she calls after me, laughing.

I don’t bother responding as I shut myself inside of my room and take a sip of my coffee, promptly burning my tongue in the process.

“Three months and twenty-five more days. You can do this, Parker.”

***

By the time I get to work, my mind is still preoccupied by the coffee fiasco.

“Seriously. What kind of person in their right mind unplugs their appliances when they’re done using them?”

“Are you talking to yourself?” Cassandra asks from the doorway of my office.

I look up from the client folders I was just reviewing before the practice opens. She’s smirking at me. “No.”

“Yes, you were. Everything okay, boss?”

“I’m not your boss.”

“Technically, you are. You’re the man with the fancy Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. I’m just a tech.”

“Would you want to go back to school and get your license?” I ask as I stand from my chair and button up my coat.

She shrugs. “I’ve thought about it.”

“You know, if you did, you could be my number two when Dr. O’Neil retires…”

“You’re assuming he’s going to leave the practice to you,” Seth interjects, appearing behind Cassandra, clearly eavesdropping on our conversation. “Let’s not forget that he hasn’t even mentioned retiring yet.”

“Beth says he’s thinking about it,” Cassandra chimes in, always up on the latest gossip.

Don’t let anyone fool you—doctor’s offices, schools, and hospitals are full of gossip, just like they portray in shows likeGrey’s Anatomy. Although, when you work with animals, some of the stories can get pretty wild.

Seth flashes me one of his trademark slimy smiles. “Then may the best man win.” He heads down the hall as Cassandra steps into my office and shuts the door.

“Sorry. I should have shut that earlier.”

I blow out a breath. “It’s okay. It’s not like he and I didn’t know that we’re the ones in the running.”

“Between you and me, if he takes over, a lot of people are planning on leaving.”

My heart skips. “Really?”

“Yeah, no one wants to work for him. We tolerate him now, but honestly, he creeps the receptionists out and I hate how fake he is with patients.”

Glad to see it’s not just me who sees through his act.

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