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“Um.”
“Because if you aren’t…” Is this really happening? “I would love to take you to coffee.” His voice is tentative; cautious. Like he knows this is as insane as I think it is. We’ve only spoken about my sick cat, and based off ofthathe wants to go out on a date?
“I… would need to think about it.” But it’s a no.
WILL
He would’ve paid ten times the price. More. He would’ve emptied his bank account for her. Because what good is it to have all this money if you can’t use it toat leasthelp the people you love? Or their cats?
26
THE DOCTOR WILL SEE YOU NOW
The receptionist at the animal hospital shoots me a look when I pay the remaining balance—such a small fee in comparison to what I was initially quoted.
When I ask how they were able to manage to lower the price of the final bill considering how much imaging was done and the kind of procedure they had to do on Ginger, she winks and whispers, “Well, I’m not supposed to say, but just know you have a secret admirer.” She smiles and hands me my receipt as I frown.
Dr. Sloane did this? He covered the cost? Did the work pro bono?
Shit, should I have said yes to the date?
“Is… Is the doctor still here? I’d like to talk to him, if possible.” At least to thank him.
I place Ginger’s carrier on the counter. While my legs and ass are toned from living in a walk-up, I don’t have the upper body strength to lug a twenty-six pound cat everywhere without a break.
“Did the vet tech not give you clear enough instructions for your cat’s post-visit, dear?” she asks, her voice soft. “Because, if so, I can ask her to come back and?—”
“No, no,” I quickly stop her. “She was fantastic. I was just wondering whether the vet was still here, so… so I can thank him?” This is so awkward, but I should at least say thanks. If the initial estimate was a minimum of eight grand, and I only had to pay for less than four-hundred…
She smiles and gives me anI get it nowlook. “Oh, I see. He should be. He was pulling a double tonight. Covering for a friend. He’s such aniceman.” She gets up from her seat, the fondness in her voice genuine. “Let me get him for you.”
I thank the woman and wait, but set Ginger down on a chair.
After just a few minutes, Dr. Sloane comes out with the receptionist in tow.
“Bridget.” His grin is wide and genuine. His five o’clock shadow is very much present and the bags under his eyes make it obvious he’s been here far longer than he should be. Even so, his eyes seem to light up when he sees me, his whole demeanor perking up.
“Hi, Dr. Sloane. I just wanted to thank you for everything you did for Ginger. For going the extra mile, too.”
I look to the side, checking the other patients in the waiting room or the receptionist aren’t listening in on our conversation. I don’t think cutting every patient a discount is something he can do all the time, so I don’t say it outright. No need to start a riot.
“Honestly, it was no problem. It’s clear you really love Ginger, so I was happy to help.” He looks at her carrier, a fond smile on his face. “And even though she may have given us a little attitude for a moment there, she’s super charming.”
I laugh softly. “Yeah,charming. I don’t know about that, but she’s sure got some personality.”
He smiles and sighs. “So… Have you—” He swallows and clears his throat. “Have you given my proposal any consideration?”
“Your proposal?”
Shit.
His tired smile is hopeful, enthusiastic. Almost as handsome and perfect as Will’s. “The coffee date? I’d love to take you out. It could honestly be a five-minute water one, even. I think I can prove to you I’m not a creep in four, and then we can enjoy the remaining minute planning our next date.” His grin is sexy, his confidence unshakable, and maybe I’d find it all charming if I weren’t so down bad for my best friend, a man who appears to be very okay with our friends-with-benefits situation. With it never evolving into anything more.
And maybe I’ve reached my limit. Maybe I need to follow Will’s advice and stop settling for the silver lining. Because here’s this perfect man—attractive, smart, funny, likes animals—and I’m turning him down because I have feelings for a guy who didn’t care enough to stay the morning after this whole thing happened? Who just disappeared and hasn’t called since, despite knowing how traumatic this whole experience was? Sure, it’s only six am, and he’s probably sleeping or something. But waking up without him after everything that happened, given how close we are, was unacceptable.
It’s clear he’s never going to care for me in the same way I care for him. And it’s also clear I need to start moving on. So why not start with this vet?
And it’s for that reason, and for that reason alone, that I say “How about dinner?”
