“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 wordsout.
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 myanythingat 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.
“Ifyour 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’sRosie?”
“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.
