Page 6 of Once Upon a Boyband
I could easily think of something for Percy to go and do, but usually it’smewho’s leaving at this point and Percy is the one who makes sure Adam has all the paperwork and records he needs on his way out. We’ve all done this enough times to know that’s how things usually go, so to get rid of Percy would be an obviousmove,and I am not, in any sense, anobvious movekind of person.
Adam clears his throat. “All right, well, I guess that’s it, then. And they’ll have the updated immunization records for me up front?”
“They should,” Percy answers for me, shooting me a conspiratorial look. “Actually, let me head that way now, and I’ll make sure they’ve got it all printed for you.”
“Great. Thanks, Percy,” Adam says. He holds my gaze for one more beat, but he doesn’t say anything else even though he looks like he wants to.
Say something, Laney! Just say something!
I try out a couple of sentences in my brain. How do you feel about the evolution of disco and funk music in the seventies? Did you know Elton John had a cocker spaniel named Arthur? But before I can make any of the words actually come out of my mouth, Adam turns and pulls his wagon full of puppies toward the door.
“I’ll see you next time, then,” he says.
I nod, wishing, not for the first time, that I had the courage to say something witty and bold. Something like,Ormaybe I could see you sooner?But then the moment passes, and Adam is in the waiting area, following after Percy.
I groan and head the opposite direction into the back room. Patients are already stacking up, so I don’t exactly have time to dwell on what Icouldhave said, but it’s hard not to feel irritated with myself.
Comfortable in my own skin? Sure. But these are the moments I wish I could be a little more extroverted. Once, when I was in college, my roommate made a passing comment about my tendency to always play it safe. She didn’t say it like it was a bad thing, just that it was the opposite of her. She always said the flirty thing, and I never said the flirty thing. She always chose bold, and I always chose…safe.
Am I truly incapable of taking life by the figurative horns andmakingsomething happen?
I grab my iPad and pull up the notes for my next appointment.
“Pleasetell me you gave him your number and the two of you are getting together this weekend,” Percy says as he pushes into the backroom.
I stare down at the digital chart in my hands and refuse to make eye contact.
“Laney,” Percy says.
I don’t need to look up to know he’s scowling at me, likely with his hands perched on his hips.
“What?” I say. “I’m kind of busy here. I’ve got another patient to see.”
Percy glances at the chart. “Your next patient is still on the scale out front. He isn’t ready for you yet, and you know it.”
I sigh and look up. “Fine. No. I didn’t give Adam mynumber. But he didn’t ask for it, so I don’t know why you’re acting like it’s my fault.”
“Laney! He was waiting for me to leave! He was clearly into you. Did you give himanyindication you wanted him to ask you out?”
I think of the witty words I didn’t say and frown. “I’ve never been particularly good at that kind of thing.”
“But you had the perfect opportunity! And you two were seriously vibing!”
I sigh. I’m plenty irritated with myself. I don’t need Percy to make me feel stupid on top of my own self-recrimination. “Why do you care so much anyway? He’s just a random guy.”
“He is not just a random guy. He’s a guy I know you like. And for the first time, he seemed like he might like you back.” Percy reaches forward and takes the chart out of my hands, forcing me to look at him. “Laney, you haven’t dated anyone inmonths. I’m bored on your behalf, and that man is probably the most eligible bachelor in all of Lawson Cove. Can you blame me for wanting you to shoot your shot?”
“What are we shooting?” Dad says as he comes up behind us. “Am I invited?”
“We’re just talking about Laney’s dating life,” Percy says.
Honestly. Does the man havenorespect for my privacy?
“Dating? I suppose shooting could be fun on a date. Has someone invited you to go hunting?” Dad asks. “Bear or deer? I hear bear permits were hard to get this year.”
“Nobody invited me to go hunting, Dad. Shooting your shot…it’s just an expression. Like, taking a chance. Going for it.”
“Ah. Not literal shooting, then. I think I’m following. Is there anyone in particular you’re thinking about dating?” He lifts his eyebrows suggestively, and I suddenly wonder if heknows something, if he’s somehow observed my slight preoccupation with Adam. But that would be ridiculous. My father is a brilliant veterinarian and kind to his very core. But he lives almost entirely inside his own head. He’s not observant about things like this.
