“That’s true!”
“What do compound medications need to include? Hint: there are ten things.”
She holds up her fingers as she correctly lists them without hesitation.
“How long are controlled drug logs kept for?”
“I wanna say…a minimum of five years?”
“Yes.”
After quizzing her for a straight hour, she hasn’t missed one. Not that I’m surprised, but by the exhaustion in her eyes, I’m definitely proud of how much she’s retained. I like to think my notecards have had some impact, but she’s determined and wants this more than anyone I’ve ever known.
“Okay, break time,” I say. “You’re doing great.”
“I hadn’t realized how much I remembered until you started quizzing me.” She smiles, standing up and stretching. The dining room has quieted down, and it’s just the two of us in the corner. “Maybe you’re my lucky charm.”
“I wouldn’t go that far,” I say. “You know this stuff. You’ve heard it for four years.”
“It still seems overwhelming.” She sits down, but now she’s inched closer on the couch. Elle turns toward me.
“You’ll have no problem getting over the eighty-five percent passing score,” I tell her with certainty.
“What did you get?” she asks.
“How about I tell you after you get your score?”
“Why?” She arches a suspicious brow. “Worried I’ll beat yours?”
“Nah. It’ll just be something to look forward to when you get your Authority to Practice letter.”
She moans, and the sound alerts my dick.
“Fine, but now I’m more determined than ever to make sure I beat yours.”
I’m shoulder-deep in a heifer, trying to turn the calf so the mama can give birth without more complications. Mr. Rhodes contacted me early this morning in a panic because she’d been losing a lot of blood and wasn’t progressing in her labor. After figuring out the calf was in an abnormal position, I had to do an emergency correction before they both died.
I find myself missing Elle’s presence because I know she’d be smack dab against me trying to help. After our study session yesterday, I realize more than ever that it was a bad idea to put myself in that position. Being close to her is one thing, but having real-life conversations fucks with my head. The more I get to know her, the more I struggle with my attraction to her. She tries to pull more out of me than I should share, and I’m tempted to spill it all every time she asks. The battle between right and wrong weighs on me any damn time I see her.
“C’mon, Betsy. You’ve got this,” Mr. Rhodes coaxes her. He’s more nervous than she is.
“I got it,” I tell him, slowly removing my arm. “The calf should be in the right position now.”
“Thank goodness!” He grins from ear to ear, petting Betsy’s head.
Soon, I see the hooves and legs. Moments later, the head appears, and after another few pushes, the calf is completely out.
“Thatta girl!” Mr. Rhodes praises while we give her space to groom her baby. She begins licking and cleaning off the calf. After a while, the baby tries to stand and walk.
Once I do a quick exam and determine it’s a girl, I pack up my supplies and head to my truck.
Since I don’t have any other appointments for the day, I go to the office to do some paperwork, then say goodbye to Beverly and Trina. They’ve already mentioned how they miss seeing Elizabeth, and it took everything not to make it obvious that I do too.
After I’m home and showered, I FaceTime Olivia before she goes to bed. She talks about her day, and I can’t wait for her to be here.
“Hey, Mom,” I answer when Olivia and I disconnect.
“Hi, sweetie. How are things goin’?”
“Just fine. How ’bout you?” I ask, cleaning my mess in the kitchen.
“Well, I wanted to tell you I ran into Mila Bishop and her daughter, Mackenzie, today.”
Uncertain where this conversation is going, I say, “Oh, and…?”
“Well, Mila asked about you and slipped in how Mackenzie is single. Then Mackenzie made it a point to ask if you were seeing anyone. I think it’s time you started dating again and—”
I stop her before she can continue. “She’s way too young,” I tell her. “She graduated last year, so she’s like twenty-three.”
“Age is just a number, darling. Especially when it comes to love.”
Love? God help me.
Though if I’m being honest with myself, Elle isn’t much older than Kenzie. I think they’re only two years apart.
“But anyway, I was thinking I could ask Mila for Mackenzie’s number, then pass it to you.”
“Please, no. I don’t have time to date right now, and even if I did, I can ask a woman out without your help. Okay? I appreciate the thought, but Olivia’s my main priority. Well, besides work.”
“I just hate seeing you lonely,” she says, sounding defeated. “You’re a good man, and you deserve a good woman.”