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“Hmm, I doubt that. His texts have a tinge of desperation to them.”
Interesting.
Alex stood up and straightened her skirt. “Anyway, you just focus on resting up. I’ll be back to check on you tomorrow. And I’m sure Sawyer will be over the second he gets off work.”
I twisted my lips, trying and failing to hide my smile. “Thanks, Alex. For everything.”
six
HANNAH
A week later,and I was officially on the mend and back at the clinic, working my tired, but grateful, butt off to get it ready for the opening. I’d been reorganizing all of Dr. Bruske’s old files, something that shouldn’t have needed to be done in the first place, when I was rattled by an interruption.
The chime above the door tinkled a cheerful note, far too merry for my jittery state. I turned from the stack of patient files on the counter, my fingers still sticky with the adhesive from the labels I’d been organizing. Ellen Landis, whom I recognized from the photo on the clinic’s old website, strolled into Moon Harbor Animal Clinic like she owned the place—which, in a way, she used to.
“Ellen Landis,” she announced herself, her voice carrying that warm authority that probably had every tail in the clinic wagging in its heyday. She must’ve been in her mid-fifties but carried herself like age was just a number she’d decided to ignore. Short auburn hair framed her face, a bold cut that matched her bright pink lipstick—a stark contrast to my own hastily-tied blonde ponytail and chapstick routine.
“Hi, I’m Hannah Wilson.” I extended a hand, feeling the cool press of her palm against mine. Her handshake was firm, confident, like everything about her screamed control.
“Dr. Bruske couldn’t stop singing your praises before he retired. Said you’re just what this old place needed.” Ellen glanced around, her eyes not missing a beat. “But I can see you’ve got your hands full.”
“Um, yeah, it’s been a bit of a whirlwind,” I admitted, brushing a stray lock of hair behind my ear. I didn’t mention the coffee stains on yesterday’s paperwork or the dance of avoidance I had with the office printer.
“Listen, Hannah,” Ellen leaned in, her scent—a mix of floral perfume and something heavier, like leather—filled the space between us. “I know this clinic inside out. I could help you get settled, show you the ropes. Dr. Bruske may have given me the boot when he sold the place, but those old bones of his knew I ran a tight ship.”
“Helping” sounded suspiciously like “taking over” in my head, but I forced a smile.
“Ellen, that’s... incredibly kind of you,” I started, pushing away from my desk to stand taller, steadier. “But I think I need to try this on my own. To chart my own course.”
“Surely you’re not planning on manning the helm day and night?” Ellen quipped, her eyebrow arching in challenge.
“Well, I’ve hired a Vet Tech. They’ll be able to help with the animals and, between us, I think we can manage the administrative tasks, too.” I’d been confident in my plan. But with Ellen’s worried eyes boring into me, now I wasn’t so sure. I merely knew I couldn’t afford to hire a full-time office manager.
“I really don’t mind helping out, Hannah. Even if it’s just for a bit.”
“That’s really kind of you, Ellen. But I think I need to figure things out on my own.”
My heart thrummed in my chest as I spoke, half-expecting her to laugh and tell me I was being foolish. But she didn’t. She just nodded, her lips pursed in a thoughtful expression that said she got it—she really did.
“Alright, if that’s what you want. But the offer stands.” Ellen smiled warmly, but her gaze was unwavering, and I felt the weight of experience behind those eyes. “You’ll do great, I’m sure. But sometimes, even the best captains need a steady hand at the helm.”
“Thanks, I’ll keep that in mind,” I said, trying to sound more assured than I felt. I shuffled papers on the front desk to appear busier than I felt. “Dr. Bruske had a good thing going here. I just hope to keep it sailing smoothly.”
“Ah, you’ve got the charts; you’ll navigate fine,” Ellen said, leaning against the counter with an ease that spoke of years spent in this very space. Her eyes glanced towards the open door of my office—a cozy alcove crammed with veterinary texts, a couple of hardy potted plants struggling for life, and a picture of the ocean I’d hung up to remind myself of the endless possibilities.
She nodded toward the room. “Mind if I take a peek?”
“Go ahead.” My voice was a mix of pride and trepidation as she crossed the threshold into my sanctuary.
“Compact but functional. I like it,” Ellen declared, assessing the cramped quarters with a practiced eye. “You’ve got everything you need within reach. Efficiency is key.”
“Exactly what I was aiming for,” I muttered, watching her run a finger along the spines of my books. I couldn’t help but straighten up a bit, puffing out my chest like a seagull about to defend its patch.
“Looks like you’re ready for action,” Ellen continued, her tone warm, yet lined with the steel of authority. “I remember when this was just an empty room. Filled it with memories over the years.”
“Must have been tough... leaving it all behind,” I pondered aloud, trying to imagine stepping away from something so integral to one’s identity.
“Life’s full of storms and calm seas, Hannah,” Ellen said, her gaze lingering on a photo of Dr. Bruske and her at some long-forgotten Christmas party. “You ride them both.”
