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21
CARLY
Lexie’s in the vet’s office when I arrive.
I’m leaning against the doorframe. “Hi.”
She looks up from her paperwork, clearly flustered. “Oh, Carly. What are you doing here?”
I clench my fingers together, suddenly nervous. “Coming to work, if you’ll have me.”
“I got a phone call from your dad saying you no longer work here.”
I cringe, imagining that conversation. “I know, and I have to apologize for that. My dad doesn’t make my decisions for me. I’ll understand if you want nothing to do with me after this mess, but I love this job and I want to work.”
“I see.”
“Have you hired anyone else?”
“I haven’t had a minute to think about that.” She smiles and sets a pen down on the messy desk.
The office is near the stables, and the ever-present scent of horses hangs in the air.
“The job is yours. We have a ton to do. Chance just told me they’re going to break down the dam at Shipp’s Creek, so we have to go out there and check for any wildlife that might be affected while they’re gone to… I guess he didn’t say where.”
“Seattle,” I say.
She widens her eyes. “Oh? Chance said all three Bridgers have to leave town for a week. Together.”
I’m not sure how much I should say, so I don’t reply.
“Anyway,” Lexie says, “you up for checking out the area around the dam tomorrow?”
I nod. “Absolutely. I’ll be here bright and early to feed the horses.”
“Good,” she says. “We’ll head to the creek after that.”
“Perfect. Do you need me for anything today?” Please say yes.
“You’re a lifesaver,” she says on a sigh. “Yes. I’m drowning in paperwork and I’m supposed to repair an umbilical hernia on one of the foals this afternoon. I hate to make you do busy work when I’m sure you’d rather be assisting me, but it has to get done.”
“Not a problem.” I smile. “I’m happy to help wherever I’m needed.”
“You’re an angel.” Lexie pulls her phone out and checks it. “I’m glad you’re back, Carly. Or, I’m glad you never left.”
“Me, too.”
The day goes quickly with never-ending chores, and I feel good when I’m done. Valued. Needed.
And not just by Austin, who I don’t see again.
The drive to my parents’ home seems longer than usual. Probably because I’m dreading the conversation I know is coming with my father. I sit in my car for another five minutes before I walk to the house.
I draw in a deep breath and enter, taking off my dirty boots in the mud room. Ernie pants happily and I ruffle his ears as he sniffs all the animal smells on my pants.
“You are just what I need right now, boy.”
He gives me a few rough swipes of his tongue.
