Page 56 of That Time I Kissed The Groomsman Grump
“I believe you.” I lean toward him again, knowing what I’m about to say is risky. But the best things usually are, and I’ve already put plenty on the line with Brady, so why stop now? “Maybe you could move.” I shrug, trying to keep my tone casual, even though this subject is so not casual. “You know. To be closer to your sister. Like I’m moving to be nearer to Beau.” Brady draws in a breath but doesn’t respond. “I’m sure there’s a vet school out there,” I continue. “And plenty of opportunities to work as a vet technician in the meantime.”
His face slides into shadow. Worse than any cloud. “I can’t.”
“You’re right. I get it,” I choke out. My throat flames hot. “It was too big an ask. You love Abieville. This is your home. Forget I said anything.”
“That’s not the issue. Well. At least not all of it,” he says. “Yes, I always thought this place was my future. And Idolove this town. I love the people. My family. But that’s not what’s keeping me here.”
My eyes widen. “So… why can’t you just try California, then? As an experiment. See how it goes.”
He rakes a hand through his hair. “I have to stay here because Doc Swanson’s expecting me to take over for him. That’s been the plan since he hired me. There were other candidates, and I talked him into choosing me. He took a chance on someone who hadn’t even gone to vet school. He’s been training me. The man trusts me. He calls meson. I couldn’t walk away from him—from this practice—even if I wanted to.”
My nose begins to sting. “Are you saying you’dwantto walk away if you could, though?”
“I’m saying it doesn’t matter.” A shadow whispers across Brady’s face. “Doc Swanson’s given me a lot, and I won’t let him down.”
As if Brady’s words magically summoned the man, a door at the side of the clinic opens. It’s right across from the kennels, and Dr. Swanson calls out, “Anybody home?” Before we can respond, he starts talking to the dogs. He addresses them one at a time, asking how they’re holding up. He acts like they’re talking back to him. Maybe they do talk back in their own way. Then he apologizes to the dogs for leaving in such a rush yesterday, adding that he knows he left them in good hands.
Brady’s eyes slide to mine. He tilts his head as if to saySee?
I nod.Yes, I do.
It’s clear Dr. Swanson loves being a veterinarian. But if Brady doesn’t feel the same anymore, he shouldn’t be tethered to this job. Not while he’s still got options. I want to tell him he’s not being fair to himself—or to the clinic—by forcing himself to stay, but I can’t do that here. Not now.
Brady stands and sticks out his hand to help me up. His touch raises goosebumps on my arm. “I’m guessing you need to go soon,” he says. “So you can shower and change before your makeup thing.” He nods toward the street out front. “Take my truck. I’ll call Three or Ford or Beau or someone to pick me up and take me to the barber shop. Or Doc can drop me off. Either way.”
“You have options,” I say. “That’s important, Brady. Options. Don’t forget that.” It’s a pointed statement, but he doesn’t even blink.
“My keys are in the locker.” He looks down at me. “You can keep the sweatshirt.”
I wrap my arms around my middle, like I’m hugging Brady instead of his hoodie. “So I’ll see you later, then.” This isn’t a question. It’s a certainty. Kasey’s bachelorette party and Beau’s bachelor party are both happening at The Beachfront Inn tonight. Clearly our current conversation is over, but hopefully Brady and I can talk more later. I’ll makesurewe have a chance.
“Yeah.” His arms drop to his sides. “I guess you will.”
Collecting my bag from the office, I head toward the back to get Brady’s keys. On the way, I cross paths with Dr. Swanson, who’s on his way up. “Natalie!” He reaches for my hands and gives them a squeeze. “Brady told me you’re the one who rearranged all of our appointments.”
“Happy to help,” I say. “And I’m even happier to hear Mrs. Swanson is on the mend.”
“She is. And we can’t thank you enough.” His face lights up when he smiles. I can see why Brady feels like he can’t say no to the man. “You’re a very good friend,” he says.
So I’ve been told.
“Welcome back, Doc,” Brady says, coming up behind me. His closeness sends a shiver up my spine. I can still feel the warmth of his body when I woke up in his lap. “You want to take a look at the new schedule?” he asks. “Make sure there isn’t anything we need to change?”
Dr. Swanson nods. “I probably should. Thanks again, Natalie,” he says as he moves past me.
“You’re so welcome,” I call out as the two men head back to the office.
To say my heart isn’t in a hair and makeup trial right now would be an understatement. Still, I’ve got maid of honor responsibilities, and no matter how confused Brady’s got me, I can’t let Kasey down.
Passing the kennels, I wave to all three dogs. Then I go to Brady’s locker. I find his flip-flops inside along with his board shorts. The day at the beach seems like it was a light-year ago, not just yesterday. I fish around in the pockets, but I can’t find his keys. There’s a spiral notebook propped against the top shelf of the locker. Maybe the keys are behind that.
As I move the notebook to check, a bookmark slips loose. If this notebook is for a class, or if Brady keeps records of the animals, I don’t want to be the one to lose his place. So I ruffle the pages to see if I can find where the bookmark might belong.
What I see is a scrawl of words, like the sentences were dashed down quickly. My heart skips a beat. Is this some kind of private journal? If so, what are all the quotation marks for? And the rapid paragraphing? These don’t look like notes you’d take for a class, or records you’d keep on animals. No, Brady’s writing dialogue.
What on earth am I holding?
ChapterTwenty-Three
