Chapter 18
Jordan
Jordan arrived at the clinic dressed in his running attire, a tank top and running shorts, his body glistening with sweat from his morning jog. As he entered the clinic, Brenda and Lisa gawked at his disheveled appearance.
Brenda, always one to tease, gave Jordan a playful look. "Looking good, Dr. J. Those morning runs are paying off. Woof!"
"Yeah, I've heard that running's great for the legs,” Lisa said, winking at him. “Yours are looking quite impressive."
Jordan chuckled, a bit embarrassed. "Are you two done? Come and help me get Shadow from my car, please."
With some good-natured banter, they managed to carry Shadow into the clinic and take him to the kennel area. After Shadow settled in the bedding, Jordan excused himself to run home and shower quickly and get dressed in his medical scrubs. His top today was covered in playful dachshunds. He then headed to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. As he ate, he thought about what Alex was doing and sent him some positive vibes for his therapy session.
Once breakfast was done, he grabbed his essentials and returned to the clinic.
After his third appointment that morning, he saw Alex walking through the clinic doors with a gloomy look. Jordan watched as he said hello to everyone. Despite his attempts to put on a fake smile whenever someone crossed his path, Jordan knew better and noticed the change in Alex's demeanor.
Jordan watched Alex check on Shadow and chat with Rebecca about the dog's progress. He shared information about their night last night, explaining how Shadow had eaten, walked, and even managed to go outside for his business.
Jordan sensed that something was amiss and decided to address it.
"Hey, Alex," Jordan began. "Do you have a minute?"
Without waiting for an answer, he gestured for Alex to follow him, leading the way to exam room three. The room offered a quiet and private space where they could have an open and honest conversation away from prying eyes and ears.
Inside exam room three, Jordan couldn't hide his concern any longer. He looked at Alex, searching his eyes for answers.
"Are you okay?" he asked gently.
Alex hesitated momentarily, avoiding eye contact, but the sadness in his expression was undeniable. "Yeah," he replied softly, his voice heavy. "Just... it was a rough session with my therapist."
Jordan moved closer and stood beside him silently. No words were spoken for several minutes as they shared the weight of Alex's emotions. Finally, Jordan broke the silence.
"You know," he said soothingly, "it's okay to have those moments when everything feels stirred up. You don't have to go through it alone. I'm here for you if you need to talk or have someone to lean on." He reached out, and they hugged for several minutes.
Alex relaxed a little. “You know, they probably all think we’re in here doing it.”
Jordan laughed, and they held each other a little longer. Alex felt a little lighter after they broke apart. “Thank you, Jordan, for seeing me.”
Jordan shifted to look into his beautiful blue eyes. Trying to lighten the mood, he said, “Do you know it took three of us to carry Shadow in here?”
Alex laughed and kissed him on the forehead tenderly while regaining his hold on him in a tight hug. Looking at his top, he grabbed Jordan’s sleeve and said, “Weiner dogs? ”
After several hours and many fake smiles, he noticed Alex seemed like his usual self. Alex was not only checking regularly on Shadow, but had become a fixture in the clinic, also helping out wherever he could with the owners and the patients, helping in the reception area to answer phones, and cleaning up messes in the daycare play area. Jordan saw him sneak away to play with the puppies in the training area before the classes started.
Just after lunch, Jordan saw Alex walking down the hall towards the reception desk. He tried to keep his voice calm as he approached him. “Linda is here. She has an appointment today for Whiskers and Muffin.”
Alex turned to face him with a playful grin already forming on his lips. “Muffin hates me, you know. That little furball always seems to have it out for me.”
Jordan nodded in agreement. “Yeah, Muffin can be a bit of a handful when I have to give her shots, nut she is a sweetheart. Whiskers, on the other hand, he’s a big ole lovable tomcat that loves any attention at all.”
As they spoke, Jordan noticed Aunt Lynn, or Linda, as everyone at the clinic knew her, entering the clinic. They watched from across the large room as she walked in with her usual grace, her kitty carriers in each hand. Almost immediately, Brenda and Lisa rushed over to greet her, their faces lighting up at the sight of her.
“Look at that,” Jordan whispered to Alex. “The staff absolutely adores her.” They watched as Brenda and Lisa hugged her and three other team members and a volunteer approached her for hugs.
Alex nodded, his eyes following Brenda and Lisa as they took the kitty carriers from Linda, and walked the carriers over to the reception desk. “She’s always been like that. She just has this way with people.”
“It’s true. Linda isn’t just loved by the staff here at the clinic. She is revered. Not because she hired all of us, though that is part of it. Linda always shows us great kindness and treats everyone with dignity and respect. It doesn’t matter if you are the CEO of a major corporation or a janitor cleaning the toilets—Linda knows your name and is so kind. We all joke that she goes from acquaintance to family and skips everything in between .
“She’s something else,” Alex said softly, his eyes still on Linda as she chatted warmly with Brenda at the reception desk. “One thing that she taught me early in life, is that she genuinely believes no one is above another. Everyone is equal. She was instrumental in forming my outlook on life as I grew up.”
Jordan nodded, feeling a surge of admiration for Linda and Alex’s relationship. She had a way of making everyone feel valued and important, and it was clear to see why she was so beloved by everyone at the clinic. As they watched her, Jordan couldn’t help but feel grateful to be part of her world, where kindness and respect were the cornerstones of her interactions with everyone she met.
They approached the reception desk where Linda was chatting with Brenda and Lisa. With a big smile on his face, Alex wrapped his muscular arms around Linda, lifting her slightly off the ground in a warm bear hug.
“Whoa, there, keep me on the ground honey!” Linda laughed, patting his back. “That is one tight-fitting volunteer shirt Alex.”
Brenda and Lisa exchanged amused glances. “It fits perfectly, if you ask us,” Brenda said, and Lisa nodded in agreement, both grinning.
Linda smiled up at Alex, her eyes twinkling. “I’m so happy you’re volunteering here, Alex. It’s wonderful having you here.”
Alex beamed, releasing her from the hug but keeping an arm around her shoulders. “I’m loving it here, Aunt Lynn. My daily routine is pretty great. I get to help care for Shadow, give tours to school kids, and assist wherever I’m needed. But my favorite part has to be playing in the puppy pit.”
Linda’s smile widened as she listened to him. “It sounds like you’re making a real difference, Alex. And the staff here, they’re treating you well?” She looks mischievously and Brenda and Lisa who return her look with pure innocence on their faces. Jordan smiled to himself.
“Oh, they’re amazing,” Alex replied enthusiastically. “Everyone is so kind and loving. It’s like a big family here. They’ve made me feel so welcome, and I’m learning so much from them every day.”
Watching and listening to the interaction, a wave of pride washed over Jordan. Seeing Alex so happy in that moment and hearing his positive words about the team filled his heart with joy. He knew the staff at the clinic were exceptional, but hearing it as genuinely as Alex is saying it made Jordan grateful for how special this place is. Alex’s words lingered in Jordan’s mind, and Jordan knew that this memory would be with him for a lifetime.
Jordan couldn’t help but feel grateful for his team’s dedication and the sense of community Linda had fostered here. Her mission statement and vision of kindness had created an environment where everyone thrived, from the animals in their care to the people working tirelessly to support them.
Jordan stepped a little closer, joining the small group and taking his turn and getting a hug from Linda. She looked around at them, her eyes filled with warmth. “I couldn’t be prouder of all of you. You’ve created a place where everyone, human and animal alike, can feel safe and loved.”
As he stood there, sharing smiles and feeling the bond that had formed among everyone present, he knew that this was more than just a job. It was his calling, his community, and his family. And in that moment, he felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude and pride for being part of something so profoundly positive.
Jordan looked at everyone and smiled. To Alex he said, “after we complete Whiskers and Muffins exam, would you like to take your Aunt to meet Shadow?”
Alex smiled and nodded. "Of course. I'd love for her to meet him."
Brenda said, “Okay, let’s get you settled into a room. We put you in exam room three today.” She looked at Alex and Jordan with a devious smile.
Jordan coughed, stumbled with his words and said, “Exam room two is better let’s go there.” He glared at Brenda and Lisa as they walked toward the room.
Walking down the hallway, Linda asked, “What are you doing for dinner tonight, Alex?”.
Alex looked at Jordan. “I’m not sure. Jordan and I have been hanging out after work and grabbing dinner all week–-”
Jordan interrupted. “No worries at all, Alex. We didn’t make any formal plans, so go ahead and spend time with your aunt. ”
“Why don’t you both come over to the house tonight, and I’ll cook on the grill,” Linda suggested.
Alex and Jordan looked at each other and smiled.
“That sounds like a plan,” Alex said. “Can we bring anything?”
“Nope, I have everything we need,” she said. “Let’s say seven.”
A momentary pause and a concerned look on his face made his aunt ask, “What?”
Alex responded, “I was thinking about Shadow. I don’t want him to be alone.”
“Well, bring him over, too. I’ll put Muffin in the bedroom, and Whiskers will be fine with him. If Muffin sees him, he will probably need another surgery.”
Jordan laughed aloud, which reminded him. “I’m going to run to my office to get my oven mitts for Muffin’s exam.”
Jordan left the two of them as they continued to walk towards the exam room with Brenda and Lisa carrying the kitty carriers.
Walking into the kennel area where the older and recovering dogs were kept, Jordan watched as Alex approached Shadow’s kennel and he introduced his aunt to Shadow. Shadow immediately perked up at Alex’s approach and kept his eyes on him. As Alex pet him, Jordan noticed that every time he pets Shadow’s head, he leans his head into Alex’s hand. It showed a level of connection that was amazing to watch.
Jordan went over Shadow’s injuries, his prognosis and treatment plan as Linda showed Shadow affection. He took to her immediately.
“Is there any word on his owner? Not his daughter, but the veteran who needed him as a service dog.” Linda asked.
Jordan answered, “No there is no word yet. Alex and I spoke with Stephanie yesterday to update her on Shadow’s condition, and she said that she has had no luck finding her dad.”
After her appointment and spending time with Shadow, Linda said goodbye to everyone. Alex and Jordan watched as she went silently into one of the hallways. Alex started to follow her. Jordan caught up quietly and grabbed his arm.
“This is her alone time. Give her a few. ”
Alex, stopped and turned to face Jordan. “Where is she going?”
Jordan pulled him back to the main hallway. “When we built this building, Linda wanted us to create a special area. We call it the Wall of Miracles. We take pictures of all the animals that come in with life-threatening injuries that we’re responsible for saving. It’s a daily reminder of the good that we do here. When she comes to the clinic, we notice that she likes to visit it, so we all give her some space so that she can see what she has created here. Daniel has told me that on more than one occasion, she came in the middle of the night and just sat and stared at the wall. It's special to her.”
Alex was mystified and in wonder at how beautiful his aunt’s soul truly was. He thanked Jordan for sharing that part of her with him.
The afternoon at the clinic was a busy and fulfilling one. Alex and Jordan, along with the rest of the staff, had tended to various animal patients, and by the end of the day, it seemed to Jordan that Alex was in a much better mood with a genuine smile for everyone.
As the day neared the end, they finished their tasks, said their goodbyes to the clinic staff, and headed to Linda's house for the barbecue. Jordan quickly stopped at his place to grab some clothes that were more suitable for the evening.
When they arrived at Alex's house to change, the anticipation for the barbecue filled the air. Alex chose a light-blue button-down shirt that brought out the color of his eyes and a pair of dark jeans. He looked effortlessly handsome.
Jordan decided on a more casual yet stylish look. He wore a well-fitted white T-shirt, a light gray blazer, and khaki trousers. His choice of clothing was both comfortable and fashionable. With their attire sorted, they left Alex's house and went to Linda's together.
Sitting in Linda's immaculate backyard, Jordan felt content. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, the tantalizing aroma of the barbecue briquets, and the warm embrace of spring.
Linda had outdone herself with the grilled feast. The chicken and steak were cooked to perfection, tender and flavorful, with just the right hint of smokiness. The broccoli and cheese casserole melted in the mouth, and the sautéed vegetables added color and freshness to the meal. Baked potatoes, crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, completed the savory ensemble.
Linda had prepared a delicious chocolate mousse for dessert and served it with some berries. Its velvety texture and rich chocolate flavor were delightful. But for Alex, she had created a special treat—a protein mousse that brought a smile to his face. It seemed that his affinity for protein dated back to his teenage years.
The conversation flowed effortlessly as they savored each bite of the delicious meal. Linda's personality and warmth had a way of bringing people together. She and Jordan shared hearty laughs, and even though he protested the excess of protein for Alex, Linda’s quick-witted response was, “Why do you think we always eat outside when he comes over?”
The backyard was adorned with blooming flowers and lush greenery, and the sun was beginning to set, casting a golden hue over the gathering. It was a perfect spring evening, filled with the joy of good food, great company, and the promise of more laughter and shared moments. Jordan felt grateful to be a part of it.
Amid the laughter and camaraderie, Jordan asks, “Do you have some embarrassing stories about Alex's past?” With a mischievous glint in her eye, Linda was more than willing to share. She leaned in and began with a wicked grin.
"All right, here's one," Linda began, relishing the opportunity to tease Alex. "When he was twenty-three years old, he visited me on leave from the army."
Alex chimed in. “No… No… No!”
Linda ignored him and continued. “He drove in late Friday night, and the next morning, I let him sleep late.” Alex put his head down, sighing. “So, I thought I would clean his car while he was sleeping. He had so many dirty clothes thrown in the back seat and the back of the hatchback of that old clunker he had. My girlfriend came over with her son to help me, and as we were pulling the clothes out of the back of his car. Well, this bag fell out that was mixed in with all of his dirty clothes, and out flew all this gay porn and stuff all over my driveway.”
Jordan started laughing uncontrollably, and Linda continued. “DVDs, magazines, sex toys, a penis pump, and fuzzy handcuffs.”
Alex interjected, looking at Jordan. “The handcuffs were not mine. ”
Linda shushed him. “Anyway, all this gay paraphernalia just flew all over my driveway, and her eight-year-old son started running around trying to pick it all up.” Jordan was still laughing. Linda looked at Alex and said, “Really, of all the things that fell out of that bag, you tell him the handcuffs weren’t yours, but are ok with the penis pump?”
Alex looked mortified and slinked out of his chair under the table. Jordan was the happiest he had been in a long time.
Linda continued. “My girlfriend was not mad or anything, but a week later, I had to go to her house and explain to her husband that I was sorry that his son now knew what a butt plug was.”
Still under the table, Alex shouted, “That wasn’t mine either!”
Tears were streaming down Jordan’s face.
“You can come out now, honey. Your mean ol’ aunt is done telling stories about you.” Linda laughed and ate a strawberry.
As Jordan and Alex left Linda's house with strict instructions for them to call when they returned to Alex’s to let her know they arrived safe, the warmth of her hospitality lingered in their hearts. They exchanged smiles and laughter on the drive back to Jordan's place, still savoring the wonderful evening they had spent together and rehashing the shared stories.
Upon arriving at Alex's house, they decided to unwind with a bit of television. Jordan placed his hearing aids back in so that he could enjoy the comedy. The soft glow from the screen filled the room with a gentle ambiance, creating a cozy atmosphere that made them feel very comfortable. Shadow, ever-watchful, nestled comfortably inside his kennel nearby, happy they had removed his cone of shame for a while.
Jordan and Alex settled onto the couch, finding solace in each other's presence. Jordan's arm naturally draped around Alex's shoulders, drawing him close as they snuggled into the cushions. The soothing sound of the television provided a backdrop to their affectionate moments.
Their fingers interlaced, and they exchanged sweet glances between shared laughter at the show's humor. The warmth of their bodies pressed together was matched only by the warmth of their emotions, which seemed to grow stronger with each passing moment.
Shadow, content in his kennel, watched them with his wise eyes, occasionally letting out a soft, contented sigh. Jordan was enjoying the show and looked over. Alex had drifted off to sleep, his head resting on Jordan’s arm.