The Game You Play (Rixon Raiders 2)

“It’s okay.”

Awkward silence stretched out before us despite the little flutters in my chest.

“So, hmm, yeah this is the ‘zoo’. We also have a surgical room, a recovery room, and a couple of isolation pens for the worst cases.”

“It hurts my heart knowing people can be so cruel to something so cute.”

“We see it all here. It’s definitely not for the faint of heart, but it only makes it all the more rewarding when a dog who has only ever known neglect and abuse finds a loving home. You want to see the rest of the place?”

Nodding eagerly, I said, “I’d love to.”

I ended up staying most of the afternoon. George was happy to talk shop and I was more than willing to listen. It couldn’t have gone better... until he reminded me there were no volunteer openings, and the bottom fell out of my happy bubble.

“Of course, I understand,” I said, wringing my hands in front of me.

“I think you’d really fit in here.” A gentle blush creeped into his cheeks again and there was no mistaking he was flirting. “But my hands are tied. Hopefully you got a real feel for what it’s like though?”

“I did, thank you.”

“Well, it was nice to meet you, Felicity. If you have any questions or need any help with your application, just give me a shout.” He fumbled in his pocket. “Here’s my card.”

“Thanks.” I plucked it from him and held it close to my chest as if he’d just offered me the universe. “I should probably let you get back to it. Wouldn’t want to keep them waiting.” My head flicked over his shoulder.

“Yeah, I have big shoes to fill today since Joseph is on vacation.”

“I’m sure you’ll do a great job.”

“I’ll try.”

Neither of us made any effort to move but it was starting to feel awkward, so I gave him a small wave and walked away. It had been such a bittersweet experience; confirming my unexplored desire to work with animals but tempered by a sting of regret. Frustration because I hadn’t been braver to go after what I wanted last year or whenever my mom and dad brought up college.

And knowing it might have been too late.

Jason

I was on the way out when Hailee’s voice stopped me in my tracks. “Maybe you should call George and see if he can...” The conversation became muffled but I caught the odd word.

Flick.

Ask.

Risk.

“George?” I doubled back and breezed into the kitchen.

“Good morning to you too,” my step-sister grumbled as she poured herself a glass of juice.

“So who’s George?” I leaned against the door jamb casually.

“No one.”

“You make it too easy sometimes, you know that, right?”

“And you make it so easy to hate you.” A smirk spread across her face. “Don’t you have to be at school bright and early for practice?”

“They’ll wait for me.”

“So arrogant.”