Page 39 of The Billionaire I Left Behind

“Thanks,” I say, voice warmer now as I stand up to grab one of the bags. “You two are the best.”

“We know,” Pearl responds with a smile, always the one to keep things light. Claire adds, “You’ve been working hard. No need to thank us.”

Pearl glances at the papers scattered on the table. “What’s all this?”

“Oh,” I hesitate, suddenly feeling vulnerable. “It’s... just some sketches. Plans, really.”

Claire steps closer, eyes scanning the designs. “These look serious. What exactly are you planning?”

I exchange a glance with Stella, who smirks knowingly, then clear my throat. “It’s for an animal clinic. I mean Ocean Bay needs one. It could also help neighboring towns especially since the clinic will be free. So, I’m pressing myself to get my plan moving to reality.”

There’s a beat of silence. Then Claire blinks. “Wait … a clinic? You’re opening a free clinic?”

Pearl’s face lights up. “Emma, that’s amazing! Why didn’t you tell us?”

I shrug, suddenly overwhelmed by their enthusiasm. “I’m not sure how soon I’ll be able to make it happen. Funding’s still an issue, and I’m still working out the logistics. But it’s something I’ve been dreaming about for years.”

Pearl claps her hands together. “Well, now that we know, we’re definitely going to help!”

Claire nods firmly. “Absolutely. I mean I believe you’ll do really well. Have you considered just converting this shelter to an actual veterinarian supported clinic?”

I laugh softly, shaking my head. “I appreciate your offers, but I’m still working on the basics. I need funding, a location, equipment… there’s a long way to go. I believe the town needs both – this one for lost and abandoned animals as well as a veterinary clinic … one that people can bring their own pets to for care. Of course I will also provide services for these animals too.”

Pearl waves a hand. “We’ll find a way. You’re not doing this alone.”

Claire folds her arms. “And if you need extra hands, I’d be happy to help on the side. I’ve got experience working with animals. I can run some part-time shifts if needed.”

I stare at them, something warm and unexpected unfurling in my chest. This is real. This is happening. They see it. They believe in it.

Stella smirks, nudging my arm. “I told you the town would back you.” I swallow hard, nodding. “Yeah… you did.”

***

The shelter still smells like wet fur, but now it’s joined by the faintest hint of coffee from the volunteer station in the corner. Cages rattle as restless dogs shift inside them, and somewhere near the exam room, a cat yowls in protest. I barely notice anymore, too focused on massaging a small lump on a kitten’s back. Mrs. Gray who is adopting tiny Mittens watches with worried eyes.

“She’s okay,” I assure her, feeling the tension ease under my fingertips. “It’s just a little muscle strain. Nothing serious. Keep an eye on her, but she’ll be good as new in a few days.”

Mrs. Gray sighs in relief, clutching Mittens close to her chest. “You’re a miracle, dear. Ocean Bay’s lucky to have you back.”

The words send a tight knot curling in my chest. Am I back? Or am I just…passing through, trying to hold myself together?

I push the thought away and stand, dusting off my jeans. Across the room Stella’s wrangling a wiggling part-golden retriever pup, laughing as he nearly bowls her over in excitement. Claire, flips through charts at the front desk, muttering about vaccination schedules.

The shelter is a mess of noise, motion, and barely controlled chaos … exactly the way I like it. And for the first time in weeks, I feel like I belong somewhere again.

Stella catches my eye and waves me over. “Time to put those big ideas into action.” She slaps a flyer onto the table between us, a rough sketch of our fundraiser announcement. “We’re making this official, Ocean Bay’s first bake sale and pet-clinic fundraiser is happening in four weeks.”

I can’t help but grin. “Seriously?”

“Yup,” she pops the ‘p.’ “Claire’s pulling in vet contacts to see if we can get some supply donations, and Pearl’s bridge club has already signed up to bake.”

Claire glances up from her clipboard, nodding. “I’ll ask around. We might get some leftover supplies from my last clinic. It won’t be much, but every bit helps.”

Beside me, Pearl beams, a massive grey cat purring in her arms. “Anything for our local animal healer.”

Warmth spreads through me. I never thought I’d feel this kind of support again, not after so long running, scraping by, carrying my father’s debts on my back. But standing here, listening totheir easy confidence in me, I start to believe that maybe, just maybe, this could work.

I reach for a pen, making a few notes on the flyer. “I’ll work on getting more information out. We need posters, social media posts, and…”

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