Chapter 12
12
F luffy’s funeral was held that evening in Earl’s backyard. Several townspeople showed up in support of the large, gruff man who ran the county snow removal fleet. He was their friend, and he was broken at the loss of his pet.
Lila approached Earl, gently patting his arm. “You did everything you could, Earl. Fluffy knew she was loved.”
Albie, standing nearby, chimed in with a reassuring nod. “That’s right, Earl. You gave that kitty a good life.”
Pastor Pete stepped forward, offering a comforting hand on Earl’s shoulder. “Fluffy was more than just a pet, Earl. She was family. And remember, in the eyes of the Lord, all creatures great and small find their way to heaven.”
Earl nodded, his eyes misty with emotion. “Thanks, Pastor Pete. Means a lot.”
Meanwhile, the Knit Wits had taken charge of the food, and they certainly didn’t disappoint. As friends gathered in Earl’s backyard, they were greeted with a sumptuous spread of homemade dishes. The air was filled with the tantalizing aroma of slow-cooked brisket, savory potato side dishes, and freshly baked bread. There were casseroles overflowing with cheesy goodness, bowls of steaming soup, and platters of delectable desserts. It was a true feast, a testament to the Knit Wits’ culinary prowess and their unwavering support for their grieving friend.
Oma Griffith passed a plate to Earl. “Honey, eat something.”
He wiped at the corner of his eyes and took the plate, thanking her. He loaded it with mounds of food. Minutes later, he was seen eating like he hadn’t had a meal in days.
It wasn’t until the following morning that Lila remembered what Doc had said to his wife on the phone before Earl had shown up with his sick pet.
She finished unpacking a box of antibiotics and placed the last bottle on the shelf. “Doc, what did you mean when you said you had something to tell me?”
“What?”
“When you were on the phone with Winnie. You said you hadn’t told me yet.”
Doc pivoted, his hands sliding into the pockets of his lab coat. “That’s right. We were interrupted yesterday.” Lila’s heart raced with anticipation. She leaned in, eager. “What were you going to tell me?”
Doc half sat on the stainless-steel examination table, his arms now folded in front of him. “Well, it’s like this. Winnie has been hounding me for a long time to slow down. She wants to travel. We both wish to spend more time with our son and his family.”
He looked at her and Lila wondered if he could see her heart pounding. Surely, the intense hammering was visible through her lab coat. She swallowed and clasped together sweaty hands, waiting for him to continue.
Outside the window, a pickup pulled into a parking space and stopped, a lone star matching the Texas license plates visible in the rear window. The polished deep blue exterior of the pickup truck gleamed in the sunlight, its chrome accents shimmering with brilliance.
Doc stood. “Oh, looks like he’s here.”
“Who’s here?” Lila asked, frowning. Why did they get interrupted every time Doc was about to share his news? News she suspected was announcing his retirement. News that could change her life.
Doc motioned for her to follow him outside.
Lila’s heart skipped a beat as she trailed after Doc, her mind racing. Who was this guy?
As they stepped out onto the porch, the scene of freshly cut grass and the distant promise of rain hung in the air. Lila squinted against the sunlight, her gaze landing on the figure emerging from the pickup truck. Tall and broad-shouldered, he moved with a confidence that demanded attention.
“Lila,” Doc began, his voice tinged with a hint of excitement. “Meet Whit Calloway.”
The name rolled off Doc’s tongue with a sense of significance that sent a shiver down Lila’s spine as she stepped forward.
Suddenly, her heart jumped a beat.
It was him. The guy from the rodeo.
She swallowed against the dryness collecting in the back of her throat. “Whit,” she echoed, her voice barely above a whisper.
He approached with a casual swagger, a pompous grin playing at the corners of his lips as he recognized her. “Nice to see you again,” he drawled, his words sending a jolt of electricity through the air.
The look in his eyes told her his statement wasn’t exactly genuine.
Lila’s mind raced as she struggled to maintain her composure. A palpable tension hung in the air, reminiscent of their earlier encounter in that arena.
Doc cleared his throat, a serious look settling over his features as he observed the charged silence between Lila and Whit. “So, you two have met before?”
Lila managed a nod, her thoughts in turmoil. What was happening? Why was this guy here?
“We met briefly the other night.” Whit’s eyes met Lila’s. “In Jackson.”
“Well, I’ve got some news,” Doc continued, his gaze shifting between the two of them. “I’m planning on retiring soon. Been thinking about it for a while. After my little heart incident, both Winnie and I agree it’s time.”
Doc sighed, looking genuinely pained. “Whit, give us a moment?”
Whit leaned against his truck and nodded.
Doc took Lila’s elbow and guided her out of earshot of Whit.
Her heart, already unsteady, now acted like it was the drummer in the town’s Fourth of July parade.
Doc adjusted his glasses against the glare of the late morning sun. “Now, Lila, I know you’ve been with me for years and you’ve put your heart into this clinic. I always appreciated that,” he said, his voice steady yet carrying an undertone of regret.
Lila nodded, the muscles in her jaw tightening. She sensed something was coming, something she might not like.
“But—” Doc continued, pausing to choose his words carefully. “After a lot of thought, and considering my health, Winnie and I have decided it would be best if I retire sooner rather than later.” He hesitated, glancing in the direction of Whit who stood at a distance, leaning against his truck with a self-assured smile. “I’ve asked Whit Calloway to take over the clinic.”
The world seemed to freeze around Lila. The chirping of the birds, the rustle of the leaves in the breeze, everything fell away into a stifling silence. She stared at Doc, her heart pounding furiously, her mind refusing to accept the words she just heard.
“But...I thought—I mean, I’ve been here...” Her words trailed off into nothingness, her throat constricted with a mix of disbelief and betrayal.
Lila felt a surge of anger, her face flushing with heat. “You can’t be serious, Doc,” she said, her voice cracking. “He’s not even qualified.” She told him what happened at the rodeo.
“It’s not that uncommon for veterinarians to have difference approaches when treating animals,” Doc told her. “Whit Calloway comes highly recommended. Believe me, I checked this guy out carefully, and he’ll be a great fit for this community. Regardless of who is in charge, I think you’ll come to respect one another and work as a team.”
What could she say to that? Yes, vets could disagree, but this guy held an arrogance—a reluctance to consider other opinions. He was trouble. She could sense it.
“Lila, I know this is hard to hear. I wouldn’t make this decision if I didn't believe it was the best for the clinic. Whit has the skills and the know-how. He’s had a lot of experience, and he can bring a lot to the table. That, and he’s fully licensed and ready to take over.”
“But you know I’ll have my certificate soon, Doc. This clinic is everything I’ve worked for.” Lila’s voice was thick with emotion, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
She couldn’t believe that her mentor, the man she’d worked under for so many years, would choose a stranger over her. Yes, Doc could be critical—but she always suspected her boss’s gruff ways might simply be him grooming her to take over someday. She never suspected he might do otherwise.
Her dream of taking over the clinic, of serving the community she loved, seemed to shatter right in front of her.
Doc placed a hand on her shoulder, his touch no longer comforting but heavy, laden with finality. “I’m sorry, Lila. I truly am. But given my health scare, Winnie and I don’t want to wait. Whit assures me you’ll have plenty of opportunity for advancement here. I made sure of that.”
Despite Doc’s guarantee, they both knew there was little opportunity for advancement in such a small clinic. Yet what choice did she have? It’s not like she could quit. Not unless she was willing to walk away from veterinarian medicine and do something else.
Lila’s mind swirled with a tumult of thoughts and feelings. Betrayed, sidelined, and utterly heartbroken, she turned and walked away, leaving Doc behind, along with Whit who still leaned against his truck with that smug smile.
As she stepped off the porch, the fresh scent of the grass seemed to mock her, a bitter reminder of the future she thought she was building. Now, all that lay ahead was uncertainty and the daunting task of confronting the man she had immediately loathed yet was now forced to acknowledge as her new boss.