Chapter 24
Hunter is sitting in the waiting room of the vet’s office when I sprint through the automatic doors. Gordie is cradled in his arms and his knee bounces nervously as he waits for the doctor.
Although I have questions like, When did this start? Did he eat anything bad? Where’s the doctor? The last thing Hunter needs is me asking him a million questions. I push aside my own anxiety and put on a brave face, hoping I can fool my best friend.
The moment he sees me, I can see his chest rise and fall, his shoulders relaxing the slightest bit. I take a seat next to him and reach out to stroke Gordie’s back. Gordie wags his tail before hopping down and attempting to pee on the floor.
“Gordie, no!” Hunter’s voice holds more concern than anger and he crouches down on the ground to give Gordie some love before scooping him back up. I’m pretty sure no pee even came out. Poor baby.
“What can I do?”
Hunter leans his head against the wall, staring at the ceiling as he shakes his head. “Nothing. I’m pretty sure it’s a UTI, but it still scares the hell out of me.”
His somber attitude tugs at something in my heart.
Hunter’s energy usually matches my own, upbeat and positive, not much different than the puppy he’s holding in his arms. He’s not into auras and moon circles, but that doesn’t stop him from supporting me.
This defeated side of him is not something I’m used to, but I will do my best to keep him positive.
“I know this is scary, but you’re doing everything you can for Gordie.
Try and focus on things you can control.
You noticed something wrong. You immediately went into action.
You brought him to the emergency vet. And then you asked for support.
There’s nothing else we can do right now because you’ve done everything. ”
Hunter turns to look at me and it’s small but I see the ghost of a smile tugging at his lips. “This is exactly why I texted you. I knew you’d be way better in this type of situation than me. Plus, I could use a distraction. Tell me about your day. You went to see Niko and Sophia, right?”
These damn hockey boys and their gossiping. I didn’t even have a chance to talk to Hunter about the whole thing because it all happened so fast. I still can’t believe Connor initiated this gossip circle. Unreal.
Thinking of my day with Sophia eases some of the anxiety I’m feeling over the Gordie situation.
“It was so great. We had the best time together. She’s a really special little girl. I’m gonna help Niko plan her birthday party. Which reminds me, I told Niko I’d text him some ideas I found today.”
I pull out my phone and type out a text to Niko.
I found this traveling petting zoo that brings animals to you. Your house has more than enough space and I thought it would be perfect for Sophia’s party. Let me know what you think. *Attaches link*
After I hit send, I look up to see Hunter smiling at me.
“What?”
“Nothing. You just look happy.” He starts rubbing Gordie’s back and turns his attention to the other side of the room when the door opens and a woman in scrubs appears holding a clipboard.
“Gordie?” the woman asks as she searches the waiting room. Aside from us, there’s only one other woman waiting in here and she’s holding a small black kitten in her arms.
Hunter stands with Gordie and takes two steps toward the door but then pauses. He turns back my way with an earnest look on his face. “Thank you for coming, Sadie. You don’t have to wait if you have things to do.” He nods to my phone.
“I’ll be here when you two get out.”
Relief washes over Hunter’s face before he follows the woman back into an exam room. The door closes behind them just as my phone vibrates in my hand. Seeing his name on my phone instantly brightens my mood.
Niko
The petting zoo is perfect! Sophia is going to love that. How’s Gordie doing?
I sit back in the uncomfortable plastic chair and pull my feet up underneath me. I have a feeling I’ll be here for a while so I do my best to get comfortable before typing out my reply.
Hunter just took him back to see the doc. He thinks it’s a UTI but Hunter is still worried.
Niko
I’m sure he’ll be okay.
Gordie or Hunter?
Niko
Haha. Both.
Picturing Niko sitting on his couch texting with me brings a smile to my face. I’m about to text him back when another message comes through, but it’s not from Niko. It’s a text from my old boss in Denver.
Mark
Hey Sadie. I hope all is well for you. I wanted to reach out because I’m finally following through on that dream project we put together last year. I’m in the process of securing the most perfect space in the mountains for a yoga retreat. And I want you here with me running it.
Holy shit. He’s really doing it. Last year, we sat down and mapped out a plan to open a yoga retreat one day.
But with the yoga studio closing unexpectedly, I didn’t think it would ever happen.
I’m happy for him but I’m also finally happy here in Green Bay.
I have an amazing job with my best friend’s hockey team, albeit it may be short-term.
But I also just agreed to help Niko out and watch Sophia. Talk about terrible timing.
I take a few minutes to think about how I’m going to respond and then type out a text.
Hi Mark! That’s so amazing! Unfortunately, I recently took a job here in Green Bay with the Bobcats NHL team. As of now it is through the end of the season. I’m not entirely sure what my plans are after. When are you thinking of opening?
He immediately replies, and my pulse quickens. I’m not sure if it’s excitement or anxiety.
Mark
Congratulations on the job! I was hoping for a mid-summer grand opening. Hockey season is usually done mid-June right?
The idea of running a yoga retreat has always been the dream. And now here it is, mine for the taking, but I’m not as excited as I should be. I like it here in Green Bay. My people are here. The Bobcats are here. Niko and Sophia are here. I really need to think about this.
I’m going to need some time to think about it if that’s okay?
Mark
Of course. We have some time. I’ll give you a text in a week or two. We can plan a time to chat in more detail about it.
I breathe a sigh of relief. I’m glad I don’t need to give him an answer right now, because, quite honestly, I don’t know that I’d tell him yes. But there’s so many unknowns about my job with the Bobcats. I may not have a job in a few months.
My mind runs through the pros and cons of taking the job when my phone buzzes again in my hands. My anxiety spikes again anticipating another text from Mark, but I immediately feel better when I see Niko’s name on my screen.
Niko
Want me to text and keep you company while you wait?
His text makes me smile and it’s another reminder of what I’d be leaving behind if I took the job in Denver. A distraction is exactly what I need right now so I type out a reply.
I’d love that.