Page 9 of Getting the Grinder
“For fuck’s sake, Darling.” My shoulders sink. It’s all I can do not to laugh at this point.
“What has he eaten?” The snark is gone from Mara’s voice—now there’s just concern.
“Sweet potatoes, cheese, yogurt, maybe some green tea ... and part of that plant.”
I go into the kitchen and throw away Noodle’s shit mess, wash my hands and dry them, and walk back into the living room. Mara’s standing beside the plant, reading something on her phone.
“It’s an aloe plant.” She looks up at me.
“Yeah.”
A little crease forms between her brows. “They can be toxic to pigs.”
I exhale heavily, a knot of worry forming in my stomach. “Fuck.”
Mara goes over to Darling and runs a hand over his back, looking at me. “The vet’s phone number is on that list on the side of the fridge. Go call and ask what we should do.”
I go into the kitchen and call the number, but it goes to voicemail because it’s after hours. I leave a message and then call Caroline, our team doctor.
“How much of it did he eat?” she asks after I relay the situation.
“I don’t know.” I rub my unshaven jawline, feeling sick. “I have to fix this. He’s a family member. The girls will never forgive me if he dies on my watch.”
“With his size, I think he’ll be okay. There’s no direct treatment, but you need to monitor him. He’ll probably have more vomiting and also diarrhea. If he gets lethargic, call me immediately. My biggest concern is dehydration. Don’t give him any food. Check in with me in the morning and I’ll come look him over. I can’t give him fluids, but I can call in a vet to do it at the house if needed.”
“Okay, thanks.”
I go back to the living room and tell Mara what Caroline said. I’m expecting her to unleash her substantial fury on me, but she surprises me by staying calm.
“I don’t think we should say anything to Carter and Suki,” she says. “Suki’s been looking forward to this trip, and they’ll want to come home.”
I exhale heavily, looking at Darling. “This is my fault. I can’t even think about him not being okay.”
“Let’s not go there. Your doctor said she thinks he’ll be okay.”
“Yeah.” I look at the pig, wishing he could tell me how he’s feeling. “Pull through this and I’ll feed you Goldfish while we watch Babe as many times as you want.”
Mara clears her throat, giving me a look that says You’re a fucking weirdo. “I think we should spread towels and blankets on the floor.”
I meet her gaze, our verbal sparring forgotten. “You’re staying to help?”
“Suki’s my best friend. And I love Darling. Of course I am.”
I’m relieved for the help, even if it is from the woman who drives me mad every time she opens her mouth.
“I’ll buy them a new couch,” I say. “Once this is over.”
“Don’t worry about the couch. Just focus on Darling.”
Birdie comes up and sits down beside me, so close she’s brushing against my calf.
“Hey, girl.” I bend down to pet her. “You ready to eat?”
Darling gets all the way up and backs his way to the ramp, coming down to the floor. His legs are shaky and his smile is gone. I feel like such an asshole. Even though I didn’t know the plant was toxic, and I really don’t know why he never tried to eat it before, this is on me.
He walks one step before dropping a massive load of diarrhea on the floor, complete with squirting sounds. I sigh softly and walk into the kitchen without a word.
So much for movie night. There’s nothing in store for me but shit, shit, and more shit. But as long as Darling’s okay, I won’t complain.
