Chapter Six
CHAPTER SIX
Two days later, Allie watched as Richard and Tank worked as a team. The large black and tan German Shepherd opened doors, took out medications, and followed commands. She made notes on their chart as they approached her.
“It appears I’m losing a patient and another dog today. Congratulations, Richard. You passed with flying colors,” she announced.
Richard patted Tank and grinned. “Thank you for working with us, Allie. If it weren’t for you, I might’ve given up.” The man choked up.
“Tank convinced you, not me,” she argued. “I’ll grab your file and bring it to Dr. Winters to sign off. I included my contact information. Don’t hesitate to call if you encounter any issues or have questions upon returning home.”
Allie turned toward the training building to retrieve Richard’s information. When she heard car doors closing, she hurried to finish, expecting her next patient.
“You’re all set,” she handed the paperwork to him and smiled as the pair turned to leave. Her breath hitched when she saw Bryan walking toward her, his left hand covered in gauze.
“Hi, Allie. Whiskey mentioned he planned to visit today. Did I miss him?”
Her heart fell as disappointment filled her. He came in search of his friend. “No. He hasn’t arrived yet.”
Bryan smiled at her, “Good. I hoped to check on you.”
“Why?” she asked.
“Because I worried about you,” he admitted. “I overheard Doc say you spent the night at the hospital.”
“Oh. I’m all right. The police visited me yesterday and I filed a report.”
Bryan rubbed the back of his neck. “Whiskey and Samantha asked me to dinner this evening. I wanted to see if you might join me.”
“I’m working late this evening. The puppies need training,” she offered her lame excuse.
He nodded, clearly disappointed. “Maybe another time.”
She forced a smile to her face. “Yeah.”
“I figured I might find you here,” Whiskey called as he approached. “Samantha’s feeding Ari, giving us about an hour.” Noticing Allie, he grinned and glanced toward Bryan. “Hey, Allie. I brought Hope in for her vaccinations. Jake’s taking care of it. How’s your fur baby doing?”
“He’s doing great,” she responded. “Jake said his wound’s healing nicely and it earned him a couple of days R&R.”
“Will he mind if we steal you for a couple of hours for dinner?” Whiskey asked.
“I’m afraid I’ll have to make it another time. I started working with the puppies,” she explained.
Whiskey nodded. “I’ll hold you to it, lass. I owe you for helping me correct Hope’s behavior.”
Bryan turned toward her. “I’m happy everything worked out.”
He followed Whiskey to his truck and hopped in, not bothering to glance her way again.
“I didn’t know you developed an interest in service dogs,” Whiskey teased him. Bryan gave him the middle finger as his friend drove them off the mountain toward his and Samantha’s home. “José will bring your car down in a bit.”
“I wanted to speak with you without Samantha present. My brother proposed a new arrangement within the company,” he informed Whiskey as Hope stuck her head between the seats.
“I stay out of Samantha’s business. She built it herself and doesn’t need my permission,” Whiskey replied.
“Ben suggested we expand the company. He’ll run the New York office, and I’ll operate the new office here on the West Coast. I know you’re cool with me and Samantha working long distance. I didn’t know how you might feel about seeing me daily. It’ll allow us to expand all her natural products and teas. I don’t want to step on any toes.”
Whiskey swiped the stubble along his jaw and slightly shook his head. “I don’t know. Seeing your ugly mug around here daily might be hard to take,” he said as he fought the grin spreading across his face.
“I’m serious, Whiskey,” he insisted.
“I know. Samantha and I made peace with my past. No offense, but you don’t pose any threats to our marriage. I’ll not be the reason you don’t settle here. You and Samantha run a business together, and I accepted it long ago. I hope you’ll consider both of us friends.” They pulled into the driveway, and Whiskey turned off his vehicle and turned toward him. “I kin you think I’ll feel awkward about you and my wife. I owe you a debt. Samantha told me what you said to make her change her mind. I fully intended to let her go if it made her happy.”
“Thank you, Whiskey. I plan to bring it up tonight at dinner. Do you work with Allie often?” he asked.
Whiskey gave a slight chuckle as he exited the vehicle. “Yes. She’s a talented trainer. Kassie snapped her up right after the first litter of puppies arrived.”
Bryan followed him inside. He smiled at seeing Samantha, the woman he thought he loved, holding the newborn. She beamed at him, radiating happiness and he knew he made the right decision for all of them. It didn’t mean it hurt any less, or Bryan didn’t experience the pang of jealousy gnawing at him when he witnessed the love between the couple. One day, he hoped to find someone who made him this happy. After ending things with Samantha, he stopped dating. Bryan missed the companionship and, at the end of the day, someone who loved him.