I miss Olivia’s laughter, her toys singing those annoying songs, and I sometimes even miss hearing Vivian complain. Now that the divorce has been finalized for almost a year and visitation rights were set by the court, I only get Olivia on major holidays and a month during the summer. It was a fight to even get to see her that much. Fighting for more rights got me nowhere fast, and I can only play with the cards I’m dealt.
Olivia spent all of July with me, and though she’s only been gone for a few weeks, I already miss her like crazy. My parents watched her while I was at work, and since they live close to my clinic, I stopped in as much as I could during my lunch breaks.
After looking over some paperwork and tidying up the house, I take a shower, then go to bed. Though I enjoy my work, my daily routine is monotonous—work, eat, sleep, repeat.
Monday morning comes early. I’m up by six and make coffee while I go over my daily schedule. I fill my travel mug to the brim, then head to the clinic. Once I’m in my office, I catch up on my emails and enjoy the quiet while I sip the hot liquid.
Thirty minutes before the doors open, Beverly and Trina arrive. Right behind them is Elle, who looks exhausted.
“Please tell me someone made coffee,” she groans. She just started her second year of vet school and is juggling a lot between working here and driving back and forth to campus. On top of that, she’s mentioned how she studies nonstop while she’s there Tuesday through Thursday. Honestly, I don’t know how she does it all, and it’s impressive as hell. When I was in vet school, I only worked the summers and spent the rest of the time with Vivian or studying. Elle’s a hard worker, but then again, so is every Bishop I’ve ever met. A strong work ethic is in their blood, and even though I wasn’t looking for an intern at the time, I knew she’d be a good fit for the position.
“Good mornin’,” she sing-songs when I walk to the front to grab a chart.
Keeping a straight face, I mumble, “Mornin’.”
When I move past her, I’ll bet a hundred bucks she rolls her eyes. The thought almost has me smirking. She smells good, like fresh soap and flowers. As always, I remind myself it’s necessary to create a barrier between us and keep her at arm’s length. Mixing business with my personal life would be a mistake, and I refuse to allow any more drama into my life. My ex has caused enough to last me a decade.
I was convinced I’d never find another woman attractive until Elizabeth Bishop stumbled into my clinic. The feeling was foreign, like nothing I’d ever experienced, so I’ve kept my distance.
Elle follows me back to my office. I try to ignore her as I sit at my desk. Reaching over, I grab a file folder, but she’s staring. I finally look up and meet her green eyes. That familiar feeling returns as it does each time my gaze meets hers.
“Can I help you?” I finally ask.
She sucks in a deep breath and exhales slowly. “I wanted to talk to you about the horse over at the Martins’.”
I sit down and flip through the shot records for a few animals over at the Circle B Ranch. It’s almost time to schedule their yearly vaccinations.
“Are you listening, Dr. Wallen?” she finally asks. “I can come back later if you’re too busy.”
Licking my lips, I keep my focus on the papers in my hand. “Sit.”
Elle does what I say, but I can tell she’s growing impatient with me. “The mare over at the Martins’ is due to give birth any day now,” she explains. “Mrs. Martin saw me at the gas station this morning and asked if one of us could be there just to make sure everything goes okay. It’s this horse’s first baby, so she wants to ensure there aren’t any problems. It’s one of their show horses or something. You know how they’re very…particular.”
Her last comment makes me want to laugh, but I bury it. “Have her call you when it’s time,” I suggest. “You should be able to handle it.”
“Of course I can. Mr. Bruce said I did a good job and was pleased,” she says.
“He was,” I agree curtly. She's a fast learner and has never let me down. She’s more than capable of doing whatever it is I ask.
“Did you talk to him?”
“Yes,” I say, going back to my files and not giving her the attention she’s after. I don’t tell her I stopped by the ranch afterward and checked because it’d hurt her pride. Plus, it was for my peace of mind.