Chapter 31
Chapter Thirty-One
WHITNEY
“You’re here!” Amaya squeals, pulling me in for a hug when I set down my yoga mat.
Vivienne is working, but Blake and Harper are here–the two talking animatedly in the back corner of the room.
Amaya links her arm through mine like she did the day we met, and we head toward our other two friends.
We get ourselves settled quickly, talking about Thanksgiving plans and Christmas shopping.
The yoga instructor claps her hands, greeting everyone.
Maria? Marie? I can’t remember what Amaya said her name is, but she’s a welcoming presence with her charming smile and positive attitude.
I’m a bit envious of the ease in which she carries herself.
I tug the hem of my jacket down, as if that would somehow slim me down a few inches and make me look like I fit in with a room full of gorgeous women.
My morning has been a whirlwind of emotions. From a mind-blowing orgasm from Wyatt, to surprise at the fact he asked me on a date, and now, insecurity? I need to get a grip. My thoughts trail off when the instructor starts going over what we’ll be doing today.
We begin fairly quickly. The workout flashes in a blur–downward dog, warrior pose, child pose.
The list of new positions goes on. My legs tremble at the different stretches.
The feeling foreign and heightened with the soreness from riding Maggie the other day.
I have to remind myself this isn’t solely for getting in shape or burning anything off—this is about getting a little time to myself.
Hanging out with friends and giving my body something to do that doesn’t include chasing Brinley or working at the Ranch.
By the end of the class, I feel triumphant, and more relaxed than I thought I would.
Amaya, Blake, Harper, and I partways with the promise of making plans again soon.
Just as I round a bend in the road leading back to home–a ball of light grey fur skids across the top of my feet, and my hand flies up to cover a startled yelp.
It takes a split second before my brain registers that the furry creature rubbing against my legs is a cat.
I glance around, checking to see if anyone might be with her.
When I see nothing but an empty road and quiet treeline, I drop to my knees.
The cat is huge. Fluffy and grey, and with big, green eyes.
When I rub my hands over its head, I don’t see or feel any kind of collar.
“Well, who are you? You’re awfully cute. ”
I wait ten minutes, to see if it wants to run off or if someone miraculously makes their way over, but no dice. I scoop my new friend up, thankful it doesn’t try to scratch my eyeballs out. “Let’s go meet my sister.”
The bells above Clover-Hills’ Veterinary Clinic chime as I step over the threshold.
I spot Vivienne immediately, leaning over the receptionist and intensely looking at something on the computer screen.
Her head shifts at the noise, and a small smile graces her pretty face at the sight of me.
“Whitney! I thought you had yoga this morning?”
“I did. It was fun.” I glance at the fur-ball tucked under my arm. Her eyes follow, brows lifting at the sight of me with a cat. “Found this guy on the way home.”
“Bring him back,” She nods over her shoulder, turning. “Let’s check him out.”
I follow her, having to pick up my pace to match her long strides.
Her burgundy-colored scrubs are spotless, a bit at odds with the fact she’s been here all night and day.
I know her hours are grueling considering it's the only animal clinic nearby. The next vet is a good two or three hour drive away. I can’t pick up on if she’s enjoying this job as much as she did when she lived in the city.
“Busy day?” I ask, looking around. The noise of dogs barking and people talking overloads my senses. Vivienne nods, shoulders slumping slightly. “Doctor Scott has been out for a few days, so it’s just been me.”
When we get into an empty room, I set the cat onto the exam table.
Vivienne slips on some blue gloves, moving to rub her hands over the stray.
The whole checkup takes maybe five, ten minutes.
Ivy–I’ve decided to call her, since Vivienne confirmed that she is indeed a girl–is rather scrappy.
She’s thin despite her large body, and her fur is matted in a few places.
She’s been outside for quite some time from the looks of it.
Vivienne’s hands make quick work of running over her ribs, checking her gums, ears, and eyes.
Vivienne pulls back when she’s done, tucking her stethoscope away and leaning against the table, still scratching behind Ivy’s ears.
“No fleas, ticks, or a microchip. Her heart is strong, and I’d say she looks around a year old. ”
Vivienne looks at me, asking, “You said you found her on the road?”
“Yup.” I shrug. “She just came right up to me.”
My sister bites her lip, thinking. “I don’t think we have the room for her right now. Maybe you could take her home?”
I blanch, scratching the back of my neck. “Oh… I don’t know.”
“Wyatt—your husband would probably love her.” Her tone has a slight edge to it.
“I’m not sure he’s a cat person.” I respond, noticing the way she’s deliberately avoiding my gaze now. “Are you mad at me?”
“No.” Her head whips towards mine, and she shakes it.
“Just… upset you didn’t tell me sooner. I thought we were past the point of tip-toeing around each other.
” My face heats. Does she really think I don’t trust her?
That I wasn’t comfortable enough to come to her?
Before I can respond, Vivienne rushes out, “And I know I walked in on you guys, but I figured you'd at least tell me if it was something this serious.”
“I’m sorry, Viv.” I sigh, “I promise, it was never intentional to keep something that big from you.” Half-lie, half-truth.
I hate not telling her everything, but Wyatt and I agreed we’d keep everything under wraps.
I want to reassure her that she is my person for these things.
I want to tell her we married as a convenience—and that it’s turned into something more, but how do I explain that? It sounds crazy, even in my head.
“It’s okay.” She gives me a tender nod, “I get it.”
Vivienne picks up Ivy, passing her towards me. My fingers immediately get lost in all the fluffy, grey hair. “So, whatcha gonna name her?” My sister’s grin is evil as she finishes setting the cat in my arms, knowing I could never turn down a stray that’s wandered into my life.