Page 25 of Heal Me
Kate rolled her eyes. “I know that, but what do you think I should do?”
“It all depends on what you want out of a relationship with Ric. I think that it would be a big mistake to get serious. He lives in New York. The type of vet work in New York is not really what you enjoy. And what about the Alpine Rescue Club? You’ve always lived in Colorado.”
Defiantly she uttered. “Perhaps it’s time for a change. You’re right, I’ve never really lived anywhere else”
“So you want this thing with Ric to be serious?”
“I didn’t say that. I’m not getting serious, I’m just asking if you think I should see where things go?”
“Katie, he’s going back to New York. Where do you think they’re going to go?”
Kate took offense to his hard tone. “Don’t treat me like a child, Robert. People do have long-distanced relationships that work. Plus, I’d be perfectly happy just seeing him once a month or something like that. I don’t have time for a committed relationship, but something casual like that would be perfect.”
Robert sighed as he looked around his messy office. “I’m sorry. I’m not trying to put a damper on your fun, but he’s the first guy since Phil and you were upset about sleeping with him when you went out the other night.”
Kate nodded. “I know and I’m still somewhat nervous, but I also had so much fun with Ric and I need some fun, Robert. I’m tired of being sad and angry. I think I’m finally ready to start living again and Ric seems like the right guy to do that with.”
“Well, he is rich, so he has that going for him,” Robert said.
Kate frowned. “He’s rich? I know that he has a business in New York, but I didn’t know that he’s rich.”
Robert shook his head. “I’m always telling you that you need to pay more attention to gossip. He’s one of Tyler Jeffries’ partners. Their company is the one that just bought the hospital. Ric runs their New York division and their other partner runs the L.A. office.”
“Chase McIntyre?”
“Yeah. They all grew up here,” Robert said. “They started an investment firm in New York as soon as they graduated from college and the rest is history. So, he could afford to fly you to New York for a weekend or something.”
Kate laughed. “I’m not going to be a kept woman.”
“I think that you just made up your mind about Ric,” Robert said.
“I guess I did,” she said. “And now I have to stop acting like a college girl and go be a vet. Thanks, Robbie. I really appreciate it.”
She went around the desk and hugged Robert.
“You’re welcome. Now get going. Some of us have work to do,” he quipped, shooing her out of his office.
*****
Settling on the couch that evening with Cinders, one of her four pets, Kate took a few moments to decompress before calling Ric. The black Scottish Terrier nudged her hand with a damp nose and she pet his silky head. He’d been Phil’s dog and had been as lost without him as she’d been. Since then, Cinders had been her constant companion whenever she was home and had been a great source of comfort to her.
Taking a deep breath, Kate dialed Ric’s number.
“Hi, Doc. How was the rest of your day?”
Kate was glad that he couldn’t see her big smile. “It was busy, as usual, but I was able to get out of there at a reasonable time.”
“Glad to hear it.”
“So, I heard something about you that you didn’t tell me the other night,” she said.
“It’s not true. I swear.”
“Then you’re really not rich?”
His laugh sounded in her ear. “Okay, I take that back. Yes, I am, and I make no apologies for it. What else did you hear about me?”
“That your company is the one that bought the hospital.”
