Page 23 of Hesi-Dating
There'd also been an influx of people in costumes coming in thinking the building was the convention center. Must be some sort of cosplay convention.
Aquaman and Green Lantern walked in the front door and leaned across the counter. Okay, these guys were repeats. I'd already set them straight on the location of the convention center an hour or two ago.
Aquaman in his long-hair wig and skintight gold and green suit grinned. "Where's the best place around here to grab a meal?"
Seriously?I knew the next question, but hoped I'd be wrong.
I forced a smile. "There are a few good places up the street if you turn right as you go out the building. Can't go wrong with anything on this block or the next."
"Want to join us? When do you get off?" Green Lantern in his loose green body suit and oversized ring leaned across the desk.
I knew it.
My purse vibrated, which either meant I had an incoming call or text. I held up my hand to silence them.
A text from Seth. I hadn't heard anything from him in three weeks. I thought about him at lot more than I should've, but I'd been good. I didn't make contact.
SETH
Didn't you say your sister was an emergency vet?
Yes.
Where does she work? Is she working now? My dog can't use one of his legs.
Pacific Beach at the emergency hospital. Her name is Amber Hardin. She's there now.
Heading there.
I'll call and let her know.
I owe you one.
Aquaman was trying to read my texts.
"Actually," I replied. "I have a family emergency. Someone is on his way to the hospital and I'm going to meet them there." I waved at them dismissively while I phoned my manager. He was going to hate this, but I was done for today. If I got fired, then so be it. I hated this job.
* * *
Traffic had been in my favor. Sixteen minutes of travel time later, I walked into the emergency veterinary hospital lobby. Seth wasn't there yet. The young receptionist who had to barely be twenty-one waved at me. On occasion I'd meet Amber for lunch, either bringing something in or going out with her. So they knew me.
"Can you tell Amber that a friend of mine is bringing in his hurt dog?"
"Sure. You you can head into room 2 when your friend gets here.” She hopped up and rushed to the back.
Seth came in carrying what looked like an extra furry, hundred-pound hound. Seth's hat was off and hair disheveled. The fall of the longer hair over his brow was a sexy look for him. Him in his khaki sheriff shirt and dark cargo pants… Daaaamn, the man wore a uniform well.
He rushed to the front desk. "He…he can't walk." He saw me. Relief relaxed his face. "Why're you…"
"Wanted to be here. I was told we can go into the exam room over here. Follow me."
He hugged the huge hound to him and followed. Inside he put him on the floor. The dog immediately stood. So, not paralyzed. But he wasn't using his right front leg.
Seth got on the floor and rubbed the dog's leg up and down. "I can't figure out what's hurting so bad."
"Hey…" I put my hand on his shoulder. "Why don't you sit? Amber will be in soon. She'll figure it out. It's okay."
"He's never had a problem. He's a tank." He ran a hand through his hair as he stood. "I haven't had him that long, but he's never complained."
