11. 11
11
D awn
I woke up with a smile on my face. Remy had messaged me late into the evening after he dropped me off. He asked me lots of questions about the things I liked and what I enjoyed doing. We shared funny stories of our lives over the last several years. He was so easy to be around. I needed to let Doc go and try to enjoy being with someone my own age that was clearly interested in me.
Easier said than done though. I fell asleep thinking about Remy but woke up with Doc on my mind. I wondered if he was okay and what they were doing. I hoped he would come home safely. Sighing at my wayward thoughts I got up and hopped in the shower to get ready for my day. It was early and I was working at the shelter with Cara. I really loved the animals, and it was mindless work. I pulled on a pair of jeans and a T-shirt with the shelter logo then I added my boots. My hair was in a ponytail, and I slipped my phone in my back pocket before heading over to feed the animals.
It was beautiful outside; we still had a nice breeze to combat the heat from the sun. I got to the door and entered my code. Walking towards the back I checked on the cats first. They just needed to be fed and a little attention given this morning. I think when I open my practice, I will still make time to volunteer here. When I finished with the cats I moved on to the dogs. They would need to be let out first. Their cages were color coded so I knew who would be ok to let out together and who needed to be out individually. I started to open a cage when I noticed there were two empty cages, and the back door was propped open. I walked back and saw Remy on the ground playing with a couple of the older dogs. They were super cute, and he was rubbing one of their bellies and throwing a ball with the other one.
“Good morning, Cher.” He called out to me. I smiled and went to sit near him and play with the beagle mix. “Fury was supposed to volunteer this morning, but he went on the trip, so I offered to switch. Lucky me I get your company today.”
“I can’t sit long; I need to get the rest of the dogs fed and walked before we open up.” The other dog came over and crawled into my lap for cuddles. Petting her gently I looked around and then back at Remy. I was still surprised by his attention.
Remy stood up and helped me to my feet then brushed his pants. We started to walk in and both dogs followed. After we had them secured, we let the rest of them out. Remy walked outside with them while I filled their food bowls. They would go out again right before time to open.
Cara came in around eight and started getting her exam room set up for appointments. She was one of two vets in town and the other one was closer to Freedom. It stayed pretty busy around here. I was glad for the distraction. I really liked Remy, but I still couldn’t get Doc off my mind.
“Hey Dawn, how did it go this morning?” she asked me with a knowing smile when she saw who was in the kennel area cleaning. “We have a full load this morning so my assistant Todd will be here, and he knows how to complete the adoption paperwork for the shelter animals if someone wants to adopt one. We only charge for the spay or neuter and their shots. There is also a place on the form for donations if anyone is so inclined. We don’t ask but it’s there just the same.”
“It went great. Remy was a big help to me.” I smiled as he came back inside and washed his hands.
“Ladies, I have to get going. I have a few repair calls and installations this afternoon.” He said as he gestured for me to walk him out. I followed him to the door where his bike was parked. “Cher, I will call you later and see if you are busy. I’d love to hang out again. Maybe I could bring some pizza over and we could watch tv again?”
“I’d like that. Have a good day.” I said as he leaned over and gave me a kiss. It was a gentle kiss, and I could tell he wanted to do more but he was trying to be a gentleman.
I watched him leave and head to his shop where he keeps his work truck with all his supplies. He was so damn hot when he pulled his hair back with a hair tie and put on his helmet. I’ve rode with my brother for emergencies but to be on the back of a club member’s bike was a sacred thing. It meant ownership and claiming. I had not had that privilege yet and I wasn’t sure I was ready for it. I turned and walked back to the office to see what she needed me to do today. I wanted to stay busy.
The day went by pretty quickly, and I was relieved when it was time to go home. I wanted a hot shower and something comfortable to put on. It was hard work, but it was also satisfying too. I majored in business law, so I was going to be looking for clients in the fall after I passed my bar exam. Gears pulled up in his car to pick me up from the Shelter and drive me back to the house. I guess he knew I would be exhausted.
“Hey sis, how was your day?” he asked me as I got in the car. I looked at him and he seemed to be in a good mood.
“It was good. I enjoyed being with the animals. It’s hard work but nothing mentally taxing so no stress.” I told him as he pulled up to the house. It really wasn’t that far but since he had to pass the Shelter property on his way home it was not a big deal to ride with him. It made him feel better to take care of me and I knew he was still struggling with everything that happened. Just in a different way. I had overheard that two of the men had got away and they were trying to track them down. That made me nervous, so it was no skin off my back to stay on the property where I felt safe. If only Doc wasn’t the one who made me feel the safest.
“What was that look for?” he asked me since I obviously didn’t hide my feelings well. Sometimes it really sucked how observant he could be.
“I’m just worried about the guys. Have you heard anything?” I asked him, trying to make it sound like I was worried about all of them in general and not asking about Doc specifically. He gave me a knowing look and shook his head. I sighed and got out of the car and headed inside. I went straight to my shower, so I didn’t have to talk about it anymore. When I got out, I slipped on some gym shorts and a padded tank top. It was getting hot outside, so I wanted to be comfortable. I sat on my bed and picked up my phone. Trying to decide if I wanted to message him or not. Deciding against it I curled up on my bed to take a short nap. I didn’t want to fall asleep watching tv with Remy if he decided to come over.
I woke up to my phone chirping. I reached over to snag it off the bedside table and it was Remy saying he would be over in twenty minutes with pizza for everyone and a selection of movies. I smiled and got up. I went to my vanity and brushed my hair out and put on just a little tinted lip balm and some mascara.
Walking into the living room I saw Austin and Sophie sitting on the couch necking. I grinned and walked by to get a bottle of water. When they heard the fridge close, they jumped apart. I laughed out loud at that.
“You two act like I’m a kid. I’m a grown woman. I’m about to graduate from law school. I’m twenty-five years old for crying out loud. Just so you know Remy is coming by with pizza for all of us and some movies to watch. I hope you will be nice to him.” I said pointedly at my brother who gave me a ‘who me?’ look. I sat down in the armchair and propped my feet up on the ottoman to wait.