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“We can have our boat ride now. I’m so happy.”
“Maggie, this is surreal.”
“It is! I moved here to run away from my ex, and the next thing I know, just about everyone I grew up with is here in Cypress Cove.”
“Are you okay with that?”
“I am. I know when this baby comes, I’m going to want you all around me.”
“I’m going to have to get a real job after I deliver. You’ve been so generous, Maggie. It makes me sad because I enjoy working at the rescue.”
They reached the boat and made small talk with Gus as they climbed in.
“Do you want to get back into social work?” Maggie asked. “Because I can increase your salary if you don’t.”
“Aw, you’re so good to me. But what can I do there that Kelly doesn’t already do for free?”
“She takes a draw from the donations, Annie. Let me think about it. Do you have any interest in what Justin does? Because he’s talking about doing a free spay clinic, and you can assist him doing that.”
“Like surgery?” She grimaced. “I don’t think I could do that. I’m so sorry.”
“Don’t be sorry. I’m trying to control the world. I have the fantasy about us raising our kids together, and if you’re off working in another town, it’s not going to happen.”
“Something will turn up, I’m sure,” Annie said. “I have time. I have to line up childcare and all of those nerve-racking things.”
Maggie realized then how lucky she was. She didn’t need to work, but she did so she didn’t go stir-crazy. And because she worked from home, she never needed to worry about childcare.
“I wish there was a way I could help you.”
“You already do so much. I’m thinking about going back to school to get my master’s so I can do counseling. Then I could rent a room somewhere and hang out my shingle.”
“Now you’re talking! Russ can pay for your degree,” she cried, putting her hand up to high-five. “More of Russ’s money going to good use.” Her divorce settlement from Russ had provided her with a hefty stock portfolio that she generously shared.
“Yeah, I can’t take it, but I appreciate it. I’m sure we’re so poor I qualify for every student loan known to man.”
They arrived at Maggie’s dock just as the conversation had reached its limit, not one word about Katrina mentioned. Maggie would not go there with Annie.
***
Chastain Clinic had never been so busy. It was time to hire another veterinarian, but Justin wasn’t sure if there was enough business to keep two veterinarians busy full time. Grace Breaux was going to do Wednesday afternoons, and Justin had convinced his father to help at his convenience. What he really needed was a veterinary technician. And Amber Greely would finish school soon.
Amber being Amber came with a whole other set of issues. She’d emailed Justin asking if he’d consider hiring her.Just FYI, Dave and I are no longer together.
Was that an admission that it wouldn’t be a problem, or that it could pose a problem? Justin wasn’t sure. And then of course, there was Maggie. On the surface Maggie and Amber had a congenial acquaintance, and having her in the office shouldn’t be a problem. But he knew he was kidding himself. What was it about Amber that he would risk Maggie’s wrath? He didn’t even like her, let alone want to work with her every day.
Maggie had just parted ways with Annie and was letting Brulee out when her phone beeped. It was Justin.
“Hey, handsome, I just got home.”
“How was it?”
“Kat told Annie she was pregnant with Dave’s baby. So there you have it. Everyone knows who needs to know, all but Amber.”
“And she doesn’t need to know. I miss you, Maggie. I can’t wait to get the mini clinic finished so I can start seeing patients out there.”
“You’re almost done! You’ve got the license. There are just a few things left inside. You can send a newsletter to your clients telling them about it. It’ll be great. I’m so excited for you.”
“Thank you so much, Maggie. I’m so grateful and so lucky.”
