Page 12 of The Grumpy Vet
Despite doing my best to avoid everyone's not-so-subtle digs about Ryde being into me, I'm human, and he is a gorgeous guy. I felt like a deer trapped in headlights when Dario casually asked if I'd noticed Ryde's killer body because, yes, I most certainly have.
My eyes drop to the black moisture-wicking fabric of Ryde's shirt and the way it hugs his toned frame. He's a good few centimetres shorter than me, but his body is lithe and lined with lean muscles. I look up and meet his curious gaze from across the table. His blue eyes, clear as ocean water, are framed by dark lashes that soften the sharp angles of his face, and his chestnut-brown mid-length hair is styled messily as always.
A pulse thrums in the air between us, and I clear my throat, shifting my attention to Dario. He's very attractive as well, but in a different way. Taller and broader than Ryde, he's got a handsome face with a nice tan, a prominent nose sprinkled with a few freckles, and light-hazel eyes that swirl with green and gold.
I swear I don't hire people based on their appearance, but I have somehow ended up with an obscenely handsome crew of vets. I sometimes jokingly wonder whether I should rebrand theclinic into a modelling agency. I'd make a shit ton more money that way, that's for sure.
"What are you thinking about?" Dario asks, looking at me with a playful grin.
He's definitely the louder of the two, taking the lead in starting and steering conversations, with Ryde chipping in every once in a while. But he's not overpowering or too much, unlike one of my vets who flies in to help out at the clinic. Dario simply keeps things rolling and creates a nice atmosphere. In fact, this whole evening has been really pleasant and chilled.
"Nothing really."
He studies me, chewing slowly. "If it's none of my business, please tell me, but you seemed a little uptight earlier. Is everything okay?"
He's bold. I'll give him that. Even the guys at the clinic, who I've known for years, wouldn't dare ask me about my personal life. But I guess that's the thing about him, he hasn't known me for years. He doesn't know how private I am, how I keep everything so close to my chest. I'm sure Ryde's had more interesting things to tell him about working here than how much of a closed-off bastard I am.
Icouldtell him to mind his own business—politely, of course—but for some strange reason, that seems like a less attractive option than maybe telling them a little about what's going on.
I take a long pull of my drink, letting the beer bubbles fizz on my tongue before swallowing. "My old man's got advanced Alzheimer's," I say. This part I suspect Ryde may know since it's no secret. "His nurse spoke with me today, and she gave me some bad news. After holding steady for a while, he's starting to deteriorate rapidly. They're talking months."
But it's more likely weeks.
"Oh my god, Linus." Ryde's chair scrapes along the linoleum, as if his first reaction is to get up and give me a hug, but hequickly realises there's no way to do that since we're sitting around a table. I give him a nod anyway, appreciating the thought.
"I'm really sorry. This must be so hard on you," Dario says.
"It is what it is." I raise my glass for another sip. "I'm not the one going through it."
Dario's eyes dim, and his mouth turns down at the corners. "My mum cared for Dad when he got an aggressive form of pancreatic cancer. Even though Dad was the one who was sick, believe me, theybothwent through it. In some ways, I think Mum might have even had it harder. Everyone was so focused on Dad, on what he needed, no one paid much attention to the toll it took on her."
"You did," Ryde says, comforting him. "You were there for both of them."
"I tried to be." He smiles sadly at Ryde then turns back to me. "Anyway, I guess what I'm saying is, who's supporting you, Linus?"
"I… I…"
His question throws me. It's never even crossed my mind to look for support. My mum died when I was young. I'm an only child. And the only thing I've ever had resembling a relationship was long-distance and a very long time ago. I've always been self-reliant because I've never had any other choice.
"I'mfine," I tell them both, not liking the turn this conversation has taken. "Dinner was great. Thank you both. I should get going."
As I stand, I'm glad I insisted on taking my own car. Having one of them drive me back would have been uncomfortable as all heck.
I regret saying anything now. I don't want anyone's pity. There are plenty of people in the world who have it muchtougher than me. I'll get through this. I've got the clinic and…well, I've got the clinic.
There's a palpable awkwardness hanging in the air as they walk me out. "Again, dinner was wonderful. Thank you," I say when we're out on the front veranda. "And I'm glad you enjoyed the gym. Feel free to use it whenever you like. I'll see you both tomorrow."
"Yeah. See ya," Ryde says.
I hate his deflated tone, but I've revealed too much. I feel silly. Exposed. I need to get out of here. Dario gives me a tepid wave, and then I bound down the steps and make a beeline for my car, my pace quickening with every step.
4
Dario
"Well, that took a turn," I mutter to Ryde as we watch Linus speed away, leaving a trail of ghostly dust behind him.
He bites down on his lip. "Yeah. It did."
