Chapter Thirty-Eight
Calypso
Rubbing sleep out of my eyes, I stretch my limbs across the mattress. Part of me wondered if I’d enjoy the night to myself, not having to share my queen-size bed with anyone larger than a zucchini (I didn’t).
Speaking of Rosie…
She’s never up this early, and I’m already flying down the stairs looking for her.
“Oh, God.” I come to a quick halt on the top stair.
Rosie is curled up on the corner of the rug, looking absolutely miserable. The three piles of vomit only emphasize her pathetic expression. Not once in the last three months has Rosie gotten sick. Not even an unfortunate bout of diarrhea. Then Liam leaves for one night and she pukes multiple times.
I pull out my phone as I drop down and pet her. “Poor girl. It’ll be okay.”
The line doesn’t ring long before Hudson picks up. Asher stopped by last night and told me about Liam’s request to “check in on me.” I figure it has more to do with Stefan than me, so it’s only mildly annoying. Hudson picked up the morning shift since he wakes as early as I do most days.
“Hey, what’s going on?” His tone is alert like he’s expecting the worst.
Still soothing Rosie, all I have to say is, “I need help,” before Hudson is on his way to my house.
In less than twenty minutes, Hudson is stepping through my front door and assessing the entire situation.
I’ve cleaned up the puke and Rosie drank some water, but she isn’t moving a lot and her gums are lighter than usual.
At least I think they are? I’d never paid attention to that before, but they aren’t as bright as the photos on Google.
“Has she gotten sick again?” Hudson asks and kneels next to her.
His dark brown hair is messy like he just rolled out of bed but his eyes are bright—both the hazel one and the mossy-green one.
If Asher and Hudson had the same hair and eye color, they’d be nearly identical, but Hudson has always resembled our father the most. Strong jaw, serious brows, and broad shoulders.
This is one of the few times where I can find comfort in that fact.
“She threw up bile once.” Making sure everything is in my purse, I’m about to go upstairs and change into something other than sleep shorts. “Google said that’s normal?”
Hudson nods. “I’m sure it’s fine, but we’ll take her to the clinic anyway. I already called and Adrian is there.”
I glance at the clock, and it’s not 5:45 yet. Blake’s husband doesn’t usually work this early but I’m thankful someone I know will be there.
It doesn’t take me long to throw on a pair of leggings, then quickly brush my teeth and wash my face. Ten minutes later, I’m buckling into his SUV with Rosie on my lap.
The vet clinic isn’t far from where I live, so I only have a few minutes to work up the courage to get these words out.
Turning to Hudson as he parks the car, I say, “Thank you for being here.”
His broody face softens a fraction. “Of course, Lyp—I’m glad you called.”
Offering him a small smile, I’m not sure what else to say.
Hudson has always been a man of few words, so maybe it’s enough for both of us.
He bobs his head once before opening the car door.
I pick up Rosie and step onto the asphalt.
She hasn’t thrown up again, and she’s looking more alert, but I’m worried.
It’s better to be positive that nothing else is wrong; I’ve never had a pet before so I don’t know. Hudson is always calm; I can’t gauge his concern, but I appreciate him humoring me rather than fighting me.
He scoops Rosie out of my arms and follows me into the lobby.
Blake looks up from the reception desk when the little bell rings. She, nor the receptionist, are surprised to see us.
A year ago, Blake opened a new community outreach sector of her father’s veterinary business.
She has a small team that helps pet owners through a variety of programs—free or low-cost surgeries, open clinic days, emotional support, training, and more.
It’s something she and Adrian worked on in the years my siblings and I weren’t close to her.
It feels wrong to say I’m proud of her, but I am.
“Hey,” she says and comes around the desk. Her gray eyes are focused as she sends a quick text, hopefully to Adrian. She’s much easier to read than Hudson, and she’s calm as she pets Rosie’s head. “How’s she doing?”
I shake my head, embarrassed now. “She’s fine. I mean, I think? It’s probably nothing, but she’s never gotten sick before.”
The receptionist is leaning across the desk with her elbows on the transaction counter, making heart eyes at Rosie. “She’s cute. What’s her name?”
Hudson—Hudson!—answers before I get a chance. “Rosie.”
It’s a single word, but it’s enough to get Blake’s attention too. We make surprised eye contact that neither of them notice. My brother is too busy looking at the receptionist and she’s still too busy staring at the dog in his arms.
Shy isn’t the right word for Hudson. He’s reserved. Sarcastic and shameless, if you know him, but he’s not one to put himself into a conversation unless necessary.
“Awh,” she coos at Rosie like a baby. She looks up, finally making eye contact with Hudson. “I’m Vesta, by the way.”
A very light blush touches Hudson’s cheeks and no words come out this time.
Taking pity on him, I wave awkwardly. “I’m Calypso. This is my brother Hudson.” I point at him then Rosie. “And that’s my, er, boyfriend’s dog.”
I have to stop my eye from twitching at the word. There’s no embarrassment or uncertainty in claiming Liam as my anything at this point; I just hate that fucking word.
Vesta smiles brightly, and I notice a cute gap between her front teeth. She’s probably about twenty-two, and gorgeous. Her long, golden-brown hair runs down her back with a thin braid in the front on each side, complementing her sun-kissed skin and big, brown eyes.
“Vesta is one of our new receptionists,” Blake adds. “She’s graduating with her bachelor’s soon and will be a vet technologist next year.” There’s pride in her voice.
“If your dad hires me,” she teases, seemingly close with the Millers.
Blake’s about to respond when the doors to the exam rooms open. Adrian walks through, wearing dark blue scrubs and holding a few charts he sets on the desk.
“Good morning,” he greets us. Adrian is sunshine-incarnate and could give Vesta a run for her money in that department. “How’s Rosie?”
“She’s better.” I tell Adrian everything, ending with the assumption I’m overreacting.
He shakes his head. “No, it’s better to be sure. We can do a quick exam. Does Liam know she’s here?”
On the phone, Adrian told Hudson that he’s met Rosie before. Just for her annual exam, but she’s already an established patient here.
Ruefully, I admit, “No, he doesn’t. He’s in San Francisco for a work emergency. I don’t want to worry him over nothing. And I think it’s nothing but want to be sure.”
He gives Rosie a long look. “Has she ever been without Liam before?”
I quickly think it over and shake my head. “At least not in the last five months?”
Adrian lets out a breath. “She could be having separation anxiety. But let’s take her back, and if it’s anything, you have to call him.”
Blake’s quietly watching her husband with a mix of amusement and pride I don’t quite understand.
Nodding, I turn to Hudson when a small meow pulls all of our attention to the desk.
“Oh!” Vesta quietly cheers. “They’re awake.”
She sets a plastic box on the desk and pulls out a little gray kitten.
“Strays—their mom was hit by a car nearby,” Blake says sadly.
“Poor things,” I murmur and cautiously pet its fluffy head. Rosie may be slightly changing my mind about pets, but I’m not heartless and most animals are fine—except for Vivi’s two devils. Those cats are evil.
“They’re up for adoption, so tell your friends.” Vesta kisses the gray cat’s charcoal-colored nose. “This one is my favorite—don’t tell the others.”
I snicker. “I’ll spread the word at Brighter Daze.” Teasing the young woman, I add, “About the cats, not your favoritism.”
She grins and sits back down. “Thanks.”
When I step past Hudson, he stops me and passes me Rosie. “I’m going to stay out here.”
I blink in surprise and glance at the cute brunette again. Biting back a smile, I take Rosie from him and nod, but he’s so getting teased about this later. It’s not everyday a woman makes him blush.