Chapter 37
37
It’s a pancakes kind of morning.
“When I ran into you the other week, you offered me pancakes, and now I’m taking you up on it,” Sloane declares when we get out of the shower.
“It’s about time.”
“But I’m going to need a sweatshirt or something, so I don’t look like I’m doing a total walk of shame.”
My eyes take a quick tour of her body, enjoying the post-shower look. “Maybe next time, you should bring a change of clothes. More than just panties,” I tell her as she grabs a pair of white undies from her purse and tugs them on, then slips on her dress.
Her eyes light up as if she likes the idea. “Maybe next time I will.”
Next time, next time, next time.
All I want are more times with her.
She pulls on a gray sweatshirt from my alma mater, and we head to the diner around the corner, where I spot my buddy Herb and his fiancée, Olivia.
She waves to me from their booth and he holds up a hand to say hi.
“We just ordered. Want to join us”?” Olivia asks.
Sloane shrugs happily. “Sounds good.” She extends a hand, and I quickly make introductions.
“Herb’s a vet too. He’s the king of the Upper East Side.”
Herb squares his shoulders. “That is true. I had a new sign made up for my practice that says just that.”
Olivia turns to Sloane. “How is your rescue doing? I saw the video of Malone singing to the cat and followed it to your page. Looks like you’re doing great things.”
Sloane flashes a smile. “We are. At least I think so. We’ve adopted out fourteen animals in the last two weeks, and my foster network is expanding. Having a reliable office space to run it makes a big difference. I was using a spot in Brooklyn, but the rent went up, so I feel lucky to have a place at all, and being able to easily manage all the animal care is huge. Well, thanks to Malone.”
“And your dad,” I add.
She chuckles. “Yes, but let’s be honest. You’re doing most of the work.”
“True . . .” I admit. Doug’s around a bit more, but the bulk of the work still falls to me.
Olivia jumps in, gesturing to Sloane. “By the way, Malone’s sweatshirt looks nice on you.”
I roll my eyes, ready to defend her attire.
Sloane plucks at the gray fabric. “This thing? Yeah. It might as well say walk of shame .”
Olivia holds up a hand to high-five. “Own it, girl.”
Sloane smiles. “It’s worth a ten-mile walk if I have to.”
Herb’s eyes widen, and he high-fives me. “That’s downright impressive.”
I preen, damn glad we made a pit stop here.
Sloane slides right into the chitchat with my friends.
This is how it could be.
This is what I could have.
This is what I want.
I try to shake away those notions when we leave, but they linger, chasing me as I put her in a cab and tell her I’ll see her at the office later.
They follow me as I head into work, saying hi to Jonathan and Sam, who are deep in conversation.
“And listen, if your mom gives you a hard time, just tell her you damn well know how to decorate your own apartment,” he says to her.
“You’re right. That’s what I’m going to say.”
I smile inside at how easy they make it seem. They’ve slipped so seamlessly into being together, they make it look like walking on air.
Inside my office, I pick up the photo of my dad. “What would you do?”
The thing is, I think I know. I just wish I had another opinion.
But I put the question aside as I get to work on the day’s spays and neuters. I can’t have anything on my mind but snipping and clipping.
When I’m done, I blot my forehead with my sleeve, wash my hands, and take a deep breath.
I should call Truly. See her tonight. Ask for advice.
I’ve turned toward my office to make a call, when Doug strides out of an exam room, saying goodbye to the last patient of the day.
He tips his chin in my direction. “Do you have a few minutes to chat?”
My heart drops, and guilt washes over me in a hot wave.
He knows.
He’s found out.
And I’m about to be fucked.