An image of Fayth and I holding hands with a carrier strapped to her chest, walking along some unknown boardwalk, invades my mind when silence ensues around the room. I hope Roman hears me because my pursuing Fayth in the shadows will only be temporary. When the rubber meets the road, Roman must loose his hold so I can secure my place in Fayth’s life without resistance from her or him.
“I’m so sorry.I don’t have that amount, and I know Ginger needs this operation,” my patient’s owner cries.
Ginger has been getting pregnant so often that her last litter nearly killed her, making it necessary for her to be spayed. Her owner hasn’t been able to keep the neighborhood dogs from sniffing around Ginger to prevent her from getting pregnant. Therefore, I recommended the operation so the poor dog can get her groove on without the consequences. With Ginger being a miniature poodle, I’m worried her body will give out if she gets pregnant again. Sighing, I do something that I hope doesn’t comes back to bite me in the butt.
“Okay. Okay. I’ll do the operation, and we’ll work out possible payment options later.”
Throwing her arms around me, Ms. Stinger cries into my chest, causing me to feel awkward as my hands rest at my sides. It’s the end of the day, and I’m ready to curl up on my couch and unwind with smooth jazz playing in the background. My heart longs for cuddles with Quintyn but our interactions have been scarce. Knowing that Roman has been trying to occupy his time these days makes me wonder if things between Quintyn and I will ever fall into place.
“I’ll have my scheduler get Ginger on my schedule and then contact you with the information. In the meantime, please do your best to keep Ginger away from those doggies that find her irresistible.” Patting Ms. Stinger’s back twice, I step out of her embrace, adding several inches of space between us.
“You are a gem, Dr. Miles. Thank you so much for your kindness.” Ms. Stinger quickly exits the front door, leaving me to stare at her retreating back.
“One of these days, you’re gonna stop being so damn nice. That biddy is driving a Jaguar, so how the hell doesn’t she have the money for that dog she’s pimping for additional income?” Julian asks, causing me to jump because I didn’t know he was in the vicinity.
Julian Leonard is the other vet on staff, and his level of kindness would have him paying to be added to Santa’s nice list at the end of the year. Julian is about his business and doesn’t believe in giving out handouts. He’s a great vet, so I can’t blame him, but I’m a sucker for tears and seeing someone having a rough time.
“Don’t let the car fool you. That woman is robbing Peggy to pay Jane every week because she can’t afford the lavish lifestyle she wants people to believe she’s living.”
Unfortunately, Ms. Stinger has been a client of mine for a few years, and I have been privy to her financial situation on more than one occasion. Knowing her situation, I can’t turn my backon Ginger even though I think Ms. Stinger is purposely allowing her to get pregnant. Somehow, Ms. Stinger thinks creating hybrid dogs that some people call teddy bears is cute. On the other hand, I feel like Ginger is suffering and refuse to allow it to continue.
“If you say so. I brought your phone because it’s been ringing off the hook,” Julian informs me, causing me to walk over and take my phone from him as it rings the second it’s in my hand.
A smile crosses my lips at seeing the name flashing on the screen and the cheesy name I update his contact with.
“Remind me to ask you about who Mr. Lays Pipe is,” Julian states before walking off. I answer the call before my voicemail picks up.
“It’s approaching 6:00 p.m. Are you on your way home, Lay?”
“What happens if Rome drives by and sees your car in the driveway?”
“I’ll tell him you needed some bulbs changed and called me so you wouldn’t bother him. Now, hush.” Quintyn kisses my forehead before closing his eyes.
The wild part about Quintyn’s statement is the present time, making it a difficult sell for Rome to believe. Desperation had me asking Quintyn to come over once he got off work, and I’ve only dreamed about lying in his arms right now. Feeling Quintyn’s heart beating against my ear has a calmness invading my body that I didn’t realize I’d enjoy. The smooth jazz flowing around the room provides an intimate ambiance that’s hard to ignore.
“This feels nice,” I whisper, unable to keep it inside.
In my past relationships, I have never allowed myself to lie still and enjoy the cadence coming from their chest. Yet, this moment with Quintyn erases the void I’ve always felt from holding back parts of myself. Quintyn’s cologne is tickling my nose and awakening my senses as his hands soothingly stroke my back. I feel secure, protected, and loved in a way I have always desired from this man.
“You got me doing shit I’ve never done, so don’t be telling your girls that I enjoy cuddling. Most women don’t know this side of me, but I refuse to pretend I don’t want something different with you.”
My heart rate increases, and a silly smile upturns my lips upon hearing Quintyn’s words. Knowing I’m not alone in my feelings makes what we’re doing priceless.
“It’ll be another one of our secrets.”
Quintyn’s low chuckle vibrates against my ear, causing me to laugh lightly because I have a feeling Xscape won’t be the only people singing about secret relationships. The only difference is that neither Quintyn nor I are seeing other people. Nevertheless, our situation is liable to still become just as sticky.
“I have a feeling that we’re gonna have to get creative with hiding places. Being here or my crib will get tricky as we build our foundation.”
“Do you have a stock room at the restaurant?”
Boisterous laughter escapes Quintyn’s mouth after I ask the question, causing me to shift to look at him.
“What?”
It takes Quintyn a few seconds to stop laughing to answer my question, leaving me to wait as my fingers draw circles on his chest.
“Why the stock room, Lay?”