Page 9 of Dear Pink

“A perfect match for you.”

I grimace.

“I’m not saying you should marry Big Boobs, but you might want to make a date to touch some boobs. Please tell me it hasn’t been a year.”

It has, but I don’t tell her. I’m saved by the chimes when my favorite vet tech, Andre, arrives.

“Sorry I’m late, Dr. Russo. My car battery died, and I had to catch the bus.” Lolly runs over, nearly knocking him back through the door. “Lolly, my love.” He ruffles her ears.

“I thought I was your love,” Gloria says, swiveling in her chair.

“You’ll always be my first love, Glory, but I can’t compete with the many men who love you.”

“I’m a likable woman.” She holds Peaches and pecks her on the nose. “Right Peaches?”

“Why don’t you ride your bike to work?” I ask. “It’s under five miles.”

Gloria groans. “Leave him alone, Gabe. People are allowed to drive cars.”

“I don’t trust those bike lanes, Doc,” Andre says. “People text while driving and drift over. It scares me.”

“Take the trolley then. We’re on the route.”

Gloria groans again. “The trolley breaks if the wind blows.”

“I give up.” I decide to change the subject before Gloria starts in on me and my bike obsession. “Andre, can you get a room ready for Rocky?”

“Rocky again? He had a wellness check last week.”

Gloria chuckles. “I bet Ms. Augustine brings a guest with her to today’s appointment.”

“A guest?” I ask.

“You’re clueless, Gabe. Every day for the past six months, eligible women pack this office.”

“Huh? What do you mean?”

“Yesterday, three women in tight yoga pants came in with pet emergencies.”

“So?”

“Blue yoga pants with the French braid brought in a pug who might have eaten an M&M. Pink yoga pants with blond extensions found a lost puppy. Then, white yoga pants with the glitter headband conveniently arrived, claiming the lost puppy. I mean, really, white yoga pants? Who wears white to the gym? And the three were definitely working together. They would have been happy to share you for God’s sake.”

Maybe Iamclueless? I remember the elevator woman with pretty eyes, and I couldn’t even carry on a proper conversation without coming off as an asshole.

“I wonder what color her yoga pants will be?” Andre laughs as he walks away.

Before I can defend myself, the bells chime for the third time and Mrs. Augustine walks in with a long-legged young woman in camouflage yoga pants and a matching sweater wrap, holding Rocky in her arms.

I ignore the poignant stare Gloria gives me. “What brings Rocky in again, Mrs. Augustine?”

“I know we saw you last week, but we’re very worried.” She knits her brows at Madeleine, but the girl stares back blankly. “Oh, my manners. Dr. Russo, this is my goddaughter, Madeleine.” She nudges the woman in her skinny ribs and motions to pass Rocky to me.

I take the small terrier in my arms. The dog cocks his head as if to say, “This wasn’t my idea.”

Batting her fake lashes at me and flashing her white veneers, Madeleine says in a soft voice, “I think he ate one of my chocolate Luna bars. I’m so worried.”

Gloria grunts behind me and types furiously, her fingers make a loud tapping noise. Maybe Gloria’s telling the truth. There has been an increase in the number of chocolate mishaps. “Did you catch Rocky eating the Luna bar?”

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