Page 3 of Despite It All
“Good morning.” I give him a smile. Matt’s kind of cute. He works the whole preppy blonde vibe without it giving too much frat boy.
“We’ve got a full day ahead of us, you ready? One of your favorites is coming in today,” he says in a way that I know it’s actually one of my least favorites coming in.
“Oh no, who is it?” I click on the schedule and search our appointments for the day. “Ahh, no, not Lex,” I groan as I see my least favorite dog coming for a wellness check as the first appointment for the day.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I love all animals, obviously, but this dog is a little demon incarnate and his owners aren’t much better. The little shit bites someone every appointment, like draws blood kind of bite, and the owners blame us because we “scare him,” but yet, they come back here every time.
“Well, it’s me and you on the appointment rotation this morning, so I’ll help you.” Matt starts to prep everything for the visit.
“Okay, but heads up, you’re holding his head. I got bit last time. It’s your turn,” I say and dig out the muzzle that will literally do nothing for that little shit.
He takes the muzzle from me and smiles. “I think I can handle it.”
We all work well together here, but Matt and I usually make a good team. We’ve got our routines and know what works best in different situations. He’s definitely the co-worker I’m closest to, and if I entertained the thought of dating, Matt seems like a safe option—but the key word here beingif.
My sisters have been pushing me to start dating again. They say I’m secretly holding out for the idea we will somehow magically find Jett, but I’m not. Okay, so maybe I was at first, but now I’ve let that silly little dream die. I don’t have the time or energy to start dating. My one and only focus is Stevie and taking care of her.
After eight appointments of not getting bit by any animals—or any owners—I chalk today up as a good day and head for the back door after clocking out. I wave in the window of the doctor’s office as I pass by, and both doctors wave back. Most of the other techs have left already since we’ve technically been closed for half an hour.
Mornings are especially hard with children as it is, but I couldn’t imagine how bad it would be if I had to get Stevie up any earlier than I already do. Our hospital opens at 7:30 a.m. officially, but typically, techs get here by seven to get all of our kenneled and hospitalized pets taken care of before the morning starts in full swing.
I tried to make those early mornings work, but it was hard. Dr. Danes took pity on me when she noticed me drinking at least four cups of coffee a day. We worked out a deal where I come in at 8:30 a.m. and instead of an hour lunch, I take a half-hour and then stay at least thirty minutes late helping close up the clinic.
On busier days, some techs will stay and help. Like today for instance, we have a full kennel board, so Matt graciously offered to stay and help me.
I catch Matt locking up the side door on my way out. “Hey, thank you for helping finish up tonight. I really appreciate it.”
“No worries, it’s my kennel shift this weekend anyway so it’s good to see who I’ll be dealing with. Looks like hyper Harper is here. I’ll have to remember to grab a tennis ball when I come back in the morning to throw around to tire her out some.”
I chuckle. “Just like a labradoodle to be full of energy.”
“And the main reason I’ll never have one. Me and my calm Saint Bernard are good.”
“Hmm, better steer clear of kids too, then. Stevie and Harper would be fast friends.”
Matt opens the back door. “A kid like Stevie, I can handle. That girl is precious.”
I smile at him. My daughter is pretty precious.
“So, I know Stevie’s party is tomorrow, but do you have any plans tonight?” Matt asks sheepishly as he runs a hand through his short hair.
Panic claws at my chest. Is he asking for a date, or is he just asking in general? Do I want him to ask for a date? I don’t know, but fortunately, my sisters are my saving grace as usual.
“Yeah, I’ve got a girls’ dinner at Bluebirds tonight. I’m going to pick up Stevie, then heading straight there.” I check my watch. “And I’m already late. Sorry, I’ve got to go. See you tomorrow at the party?”
Matt seems to deflate a little but nods. “Yeah, see you tomorrow. Have a good night.”
“You too,” I tell him, then climb in my car.
After picking up Stevie, we pull into Bluebirds only five minutes late. Stevie practically bounces through the restaurant looking for her aunts, but all bets are off when she sees who else is joining us.
“Anna!” Stevie squeals and races to the back table.
“Hey there, Evie Girl. How’s my favorite little artist?” Anna pulls Stevie into her lap, hugging her tight. Anna is one of Waverley’s best friends who is also the art teacher at the school. And considering Stevie is obsessed with all things arts and crafts, they became quick friends.
“Good, I got a new box of crayons today. It was supposed to be for my birthday tomorrow, but Mamaw let me have it early because I was being so good,” Stevie says, smiling ear to ear.
“Of course you were. You’re an angel.” Anna squeezes her again then plops her in the chair next to her. “I saved this seat just for you.”
