Page 76 of Saving Veronica
“No,” Ronnie said in shock.
“Yes.”
Ronnie’s head swiveled between her grandfather and Grady, shocked by the implications that she might be able to have it all. The partnership, instead of a lean-to an actual new barn, and money to pad her account in the case of an emergency.
“Grandpa?”
“I know I’m not a suit, but I’m going to repeat what Finn said. I think you ought to take Grady’s advice.”
“And after I sign these papers, what then?” She looked over at her grandfather, and asked, “Did you read them?”
“I did. And I even took them to my lawyer to have them checked out. He agreed with it all.”
“So, if I sign these papers now, what’s the next step?”
“After I get back to your place, I’ll head over to Finn’s and get the check written in your name. I’ll then bring it back to you. Tomorrow morning, I’ll drop these over to my lawyer and he’ll do what needs to be done with the courts to make it all legal. I’m hoping that by the time I go in for my surgery, it’ll all be done. Then the two of us, as partners, will sit down and talk to Ted Thompson about what’s going to happen at the practice while I’m out, and you’re in school.”
“How long will you be out of commission?”
“Bar any complications, eight weeks. Then we’ll have to wait for physical therapy, if it’s warranted.”
Ronnie sat there staring into space for a long time. By the time she came back to reality, she realized that the men were standing over at the truck, and she was alone with the folder of information. She pulled it toward her and read the contents from the first word to the last. When she was done, she looked up and grinned at the men as they rejoined her.
“I can’t sign these.”
“Why not?” Gerald frowned at her.
“I don’t have a pen.”
The men stared at her in shock, then laughed as Grady pulled one from his shirt pocket, and handed it to her. Afterward, she stood and hugged each of them and thanked them for looking out for her. Her last statement on the matter for the time being was to Grady.
“I can’t wait to see the expression on Ted’s face when he realizes that he has to answer to the ‘little lady’.” Because, that was the name the other vet had called her for the last four years, ever since he started working one day a week at Grady’s clinic.
Chapter 26
“Ready?” Grady asked, as they stood in the hall before the break room at the clinic. Ted Thompson was waiting for them to discuss his duties, while Grady went in for shoulder surgery the next day.
“Yes.” Ronnie nodded, and wiped a hand over her face, trying to get rid of the grin. Only two days prior, the paperwork needed to make it official that she was a partner in Applewood Pets arrived in the mail. Grady indicated for her to walk in first, and with her head held high, she did just that. The first thing she did was go to the fresh pot of coffee she’d made before Ted had arrived. It was a Sunday, so the clinic was closed, and they wouldn’t be interrupted with clients.
“I’ll take one, Little Lady,” Ted said, as he looked over at Ronnie. It took everything she had not to roll her eyes at him. Though he was only in his thirties, his mannerisms were that of a much older man, who thought a woman’s job was to be in the kitchen, or if they worked, only in a position as a secretary would do. Ronnie ignored him and sat down at the same table. She tried not to giggle when Grady fixed his own cup.
“If you want one, it’s all there.” Grady pointed to the setup and sat down next to Ronnie. They waited while the man frowned, then huffed at them as he fixed his own cup of coffee. After he sat down he glared at them.
“So, what do I owe the honor of this meeting?”
“We brought you here today to tell you what’s going to happen over the next eight weeks.” Grady began. “First, I’d like to thank you for stepping up, and willing to take more hours in the clinic. Second, I am scheduled for surgery tomorrow morning at 7 a.m. While I’m gone, while she’s still be in school, Ronnie is the one in charge. You will answer to her.”
“Why? She’s just a student. Not even a vet yet.”
“Because, she is a partner in Applewood Pets.”
“Since when?” Ted demanded, as he leaned forward in shock.
“Since Friday. That’s when the paperwork became final.”
“Oh,” Ted sat back down and looked between the two of them. “So, how is this going to work if she’s in school?”
Ronnie took that as her cue. “Starting tomorrow, I’m off for the next two weeks for Thanksgiving break. I’ll be at the hospital with Grady tomorrow. After he’s done with his surgery and is awake, I’ll be coming in here to work. As you know, we have five vet techs on staff that can help out in a pinch, but for the next two weeks. I’ll be here every day we are open. I won’t have homework. I’ll only have my own animals at home to take care of.”
