Page 49 of Tom's Chance
“Why?”
“Dr. Pam gave her two weeks’ notice.”
“Why?” Tom was so shocked he didn’t know what else to say. He thought the other vet enjoyed working for him. He couldn’t think of why she would want to leave.
“Her fiancé received his orders and he’s being transferred to the East Coast in thirty days. She gave us two weeks, so she can pack up and move with him.”
“Got it, do you have any ideas on someone that we can hire?”
“No.”
“Give me some time. I know of someone, but I don’t know if they would want to be locked into a clinic like this.”
“I don’t know if I understand.”
“You don’t have to, but she has a sweet deal right now.”
“Can I ask how sweet?”
“She works for Erin Riceman.”
“Where? At Erin’s Way? The Broken Wheel? Or that new ranch? I forget what it’s called. Or is she taking over what you do for Riceman Stallions?”
“Yep and no.” He laughed at her frustrated expression. “The new ranch is referred to New Double for now. Erin doesn’t know if she wants to keep that name, but it will all depend on what Naomi wants, since they are all her horses. As for the woman I’m speaking of taking over Riceman Stallions, the answer is no. At least not at this time. I’m still the official vet on call for Erin, but if an emergency crops up, Lorissa is right there. She’s also a certified farrier.”
“Damn, we need one of those associated with thispractice. Do you know how many calls we field every day asking for one ever since Shelly Atherton moved away?”
“Talk to me,” Tom demanded, and took notes when he listened to her tell him about the calls. Tom told her he would look into the matter and get back to her. In his mind, once Lorissa was completely healed, he would ask her about her willingness to help, then give her number to his office manager so they could pass it along to the ranchers. He didn’t know whether Lorissa would like his office to schedule appointments or if she would want to control her own calendar. It was something to look into.
At six o’clock that night,Tom pulled into Lorissa’s driveway and parked where he always parked. He noted that Duane was home, or at least his vehicle was. He grabbed the bag he’d stopped at his place to pack, and headed toward the back door. He laughed and squatted down as both Rose and Baby ran through the doggie door at the same time, falling over themselves to get to him. They reached him at the same time and with his bag swung over his shoulder, he gave them some love, and waited for them to go do their business before he opened thedoor for them to go in before him. With a laugh in his voice, he called out, “Honey, I’m home!”
“In the kitchen!” A voice came, and Tom entered to see Lorissa sitting at the table along with Lois, and Duane. Laurie was bustling around the kitchen taking a tray from the oven.
“Go wash up,” Lorissa said with a grin. “Mom added to the stew and threw some biscuits together. We were just getting ready to eat.”
Tom didn’t say a word until he walked over, took her chin gently in his fingers and lifted her head so he could inspect her face and eyes. He gently kissed her lips, then asked, “How do you feel?”
“Good. It shocks me how good, but then it might be the pain medication I’m on. I’ve been awake since this morning, no naps, and I fear that I will crash once I eat.”
“I’ll be here to keep an eye on you during the night.” He kissed her again and walked toward the downstairs bathroom. When he returned, he noted that the seat beside Lorissa was empty, and he gladly sat beside her.
No one spoke once their bowls were full until they had eaten at least half of what they had taken. Tom looked between Lorissa and Laurie. “This is delicious. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, and it was nothing to add to what was already in the pot. It was easy, and cookedall day.” She waved it off and grinned. “Mom mixed up the biscuits, I just pulled them from the oven.”
“Thank you anyway. This hit the spot.” They finished eating and once Lorissa was done, she turned to him and gently laid her hand on his.
“What’s wrong?”
“What? Nothing’s wrong.”
“Yes there is, you seem like you’re thinking of something. Please, tell me you’re not feeling guilty about what happened.”
“If it weren’t for me, it never would have happened.”
Duane spoke then, and his tone was sharp. “Did you pour the alcohol down their throats? Did you force them to climb behind the wheel and drive? Did you tell them to run Lor off the road?”
“No, I didn’t do any of that. I was here waiting for her, working on paperwork, then fell asleep on the couch with Rose and Baby cuddled up to me.”
