Chapter 40
40
Working with a woman you can’t have is awesome.
Said no one ever.
But a man’s got to do what a man’s got to do.
The next day, I have to go to work.
I treat patients, tightly focused on the needs of my four-legged clientele all morning, saying a curt hello to Sloane when I see her.
Apricat’s new owner—since he was adopted quickly from the rescue—comes in that afternoon for a follow-up. The redhead is nervous and kind, asking a ton of questions about her cat. I reassure her that all is well in kitty land. “I promise—the little guy is doing great.”
A little later, Quinn and his person arrive. I give that cat a thorough exam and pronounce him on the mend. When I escort the owner out of the exam room, Sloane is in the reception area with Sam, deep in discussion, maybe about a barista, maybe about a band.
I don’t know.
I don’t try to listen.
But Quinn does. As soon as he hears Sloane’s voice, he meows and scrabbles at his crate door. “Meow!”
Sloane spins around, a smile lighting up her face. “Hey, Quinn. I missed you, buddy,” she says. “You sure look good.”
Kneeling down, she pets him through the front of his carrier. My heart speeds up, running toward her. It handsprings in my chest when she sings, “ After you've gone and left me cryin’. After you've gone, there's no denyin’. You'll feel blue, you'll feel sad. ”
She raises her face on the last line, catching my gaze for a fleeting moment.
It’s the same for me, I want to say. It’s absolutely the same.