Page 25 of Turning the Page with My Grumpy Boss

“Yeah, I deserve that,” he said with a wry chuckle. “But, despite my inability, I have still found meaningful connections here. I think the people of Lucas are just a different breed. They will fight through your thorns.”

She seemed to consider that for a moment. “Maybe you’re right. I just—that dog means the world to me. Even with all these new connections opening up, I would still feel lost without him, I think.”

“I get that. But we don’t know anything yet. Let the vets do what they need to do.” Daniel reached out and placed his hand on top of hers. “Until then, I’m here for whatever you need.”

Tessa said nothing but leaned against his shoulder, pressing her face into his shirt. Her tears soaked the material, but Daniel found that he didn’t mind. Another thing struck him as well. Though he hardly knew the dog, he realized that he would be shattered if Tessa were to lose him. Though he wasn’t much for praying, he sent up a prayer that Pippin would pull through.

They sat in silence for the next few moments, Daniel lightly stroking Tessa’s arm in comfort. It was funny how time seemed to stretch on when you were awaiting something. With each tick of the overhead clock, he could feel himself begin to tense. Pippin had to be alright. For Tessa’s sake.

After what seemed like an eternity, the door the vet had walked through swung open, and the elderly vet approached them. His eyes looked weary, and he rubbed at his hands as he cleared his throat for their attention.

Tessa looked up, hope glinting in her blue eyes. Desperation, almost.

“So, it seems that the pup got into some food that upset his stomach. It doesn’t seem too serious. I believe he’ll be okay.”

Daniel could practically see the relief crash down over Tess like a wave. Grateful tears glistened in her eyes as she smiled up at the vet. “Great. So, where is he?”

The vet glanced back at the door he came through, then back at Tess. “Just to be on the safe side, I would suggest an overnight stay. So we can observe him, make sure he is comfortable until the effects pass.”

Tessa seemed hesitant, and her eyes went to Daniel, seeking reassurance. He grabbed her hand in his and offered an encouraging smile.

“He’ll be okay, Big City. I’m sure they will take great care of him.”

Seeming to make up her mind, Tessa nodded, though there was still a touch of worry in her eyes. “Alright. Call me if anything changes. Anything at all. I want to know if Pippin sneezes weirdly, okay?”

The vet chuckled good-naturedly and nodded. “Of course. We’ll also call you when he begins to improve. So don’t go having a heart attack if you see our number on caller ID.”

Tessa and Daniel thanked the vet and gathered their things to depart. Before Daniel could put on his jacket, he felt a light touch on his arm. Tessa was holding onto his arm, looking up at him with gratitude and admiration.

“Thanks. For everything. You can drop me off at the boarding house if it isn’t too much trouble. I’ll wait for news there.”

Daniel thought about this and decided he didn’t much like the idea. He could picture Tessa alone in her room, tossing and turning all night while she awaited news. It didn’t sit right with him. “You know, maybe we could just head back to the shop. Maybe talk about the book. Try to get your mind off of things here.”

Tessa gave him a shy smile. “I really like that idea. Yeah, but let’s stop at Lily’s for coffee first. If we’re going to be pulling an all-nighter.”

***

Once they retrieved their coffees—thank God for 24-hour diners—Tessa and Daniel made their way to the bookshop. Daniel had seen it at night a thousand times before, but somehow, this time, things looked a bit different to him. There was a bit of magic in the way the shadows danced across the covers of the books as he closed and locked the door behind him.

He flicked on a few lights but kept the main ones off, giving the shop a dim glow. He sat on the floor in the horror section, feeling the section was a proper place for a late-night brainstorming session.

“Well, I have several notes on your book,” Tessa said with a smile as she sat down beside him. “I like the recent edits you have made. I feel like the character…speaksto me more than he did before. I understand him more than I had before.”

Daniel was a little surprised at the immense pride that welled in his chest at her glowing feedback. “Thank you. I really appreciate you being honest. I know I was a little resistant at first, but your criticism actually helped the story immensely. I think I have more story ideas if you want to hear them.”

Tessa’s eyes glittered in the dim light, and she wrapped her arms around her knees, sitting forward. “Do tell.”

“Well, I was thinking of leaning into a romantic subplot. I was thinking there would be a kind-hearted Druid who would help him along his path. Someone who shows him there’s more to life than just reclaiming his honor. There are maybe other possibilities to explore.”

“Oh?” Tessa couldn’t hide the appreciative grin. “I think I like that idea. What is this Druid’s name?”

Daniel pretended to think about it, looking skyward as he considered. “I was thinking maybe… Tess.”

He couldn’t be sure in the dimness of the shop, but it seemed like Tessa was blushing. She looked away for a moment with a small smile. “I think that’s a silly name for a Druid, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t honored. What else?”

Daniel spent the next several hours regaling her with details of his adventurous story. They laughed and discussed possible plot points until the sun was nearly peeking over the horizon. Eventually, Daniel’s eyes grew heavy with sleep. He glanced over to find that Tessa was already passed out under the Stephen King shelf.

With a smile, he brushed a curl from her face. She looked so beautiful. She always did. But there was something sweet about her sleeping expression. Her mouth was slightly open, and she was snoring softly. Endearing.

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