Page 47 of Before We're More Than Friends
When I opened the door, a warm atmosphere greeted me. There were pictures of puppies hung on the walls, along with a pink poster with a proverb about taking care of the creatures in this world. A pug was wrapped in a blanket on the desk. It turned around and looked at me with its big brown eyes. My insides melted into a puddle.
Dr. Friar grinned. She was the spitting image of her children, with the same upturned nose, dark eyes, and black hair, though her skin was a shade tanner. Like Kami, her straight hair hung in a high ponytail. She pushed her dark blue glasses up her nose. “Good afternoon, miss.”
“Good afternoon,” I said with a smile. “I’m Raina Vermont, one of the volunteers here.”
The pug let out a whimper, and Dr. Friar rubbed its belly to calm it down. “Thank you, Raina. That’s a beautiful name.”
“Thanks. It meansqueen.” It was where Mom’s nickname for me,princess, came from.
“I love that. I’m Dr. Friar, but you can call me Leanne.” She tickled the pug’s belly and giggled, causing the pug to squeal. “This shelter is an amazing place, isn’t it?”
“It is. Glad you’re liking it here.” I looked down at the sad pug again. “What happened?”
“This is Flap Jack. We rescued him yesterday, and he’s been feeling under the weather.” Leanne brushed his fur. “I just gave him some medicine, so I’m letting him rest here now.”
“Poor Flap Jack.” I sat in the chair in front of her desk, hoping she wouldn’t mind. “I’ve always wanted a pug. I just have a German Shepherd who tries to kill me in my sleep.”
She laughed. “That doesn’t sound good.”
“Not sure why you laughed, then.”
“Sorry.” She laughed again. “And sorry again. But my Lab at home likes to lick us in our sleep. He’s always on top of Dallas in the morning, licking his face.”
“Gross.” I giggled. “Do you like it here in April Springs so far?”
“I do. I’ve been in love with Las Vegas since I was a girl, but April Springs is such a nice area away from the buzz.” She let out a heavy sigh as she rubbed Flap Jack. “Kami seems to share my love for it, but Dallas and my husband have been stubborn. I know they’ll adjust, though.” There was underlying hope in her voice.
“They just need some time,” I said, watching Flap Jack warm up to her. “Have you met any new favorite animals yet?”
“Right here.” She tickled Flap Jack again, and he looked up at her with big puppy eyes. “I can’t believe someone left him at agas station.”
“Really?” I frowned. “People are freaking cruel.”
“I know. Working to save animals is my passion.” She studied Flap Jack as he snuggled against the blanket. “That’s why I took this job opportunity even though it was farther away than I wanted it to be.”
I nodded. “I bet your kids look up to you.”
“They do. Both of them want to be veterinarians when they grow up. My husband is jealous since he’s just the police officer of the family.”
“Everyone has different dreams.” I leaned back in my chair. “Being a vet sounds like a great job, but I want to own my own jewelry company. I love the idea of it, but my dad has always seen creative jobs as non-practical jobs.” I wanted to tell her about my small business before realizing that I would start rambling about my life.
Leanne shook her head. “Some parents are blind to how they see the world.”
“That couldn’t be any truer.” I made puppy eyes at Flap Jack, and he whimpered again. “Aw, my heart melts whenever I look at him.”
“I know. He makes me wish we had a pug.”
I smiled at the thought. “Then get one. Wouldn’t your dog want a friend?”
Leanne snorted. “Yeah, I don’t think my husband would like that.”
“Come on, he’ll never have to know.”
“Friars know everything. You can’t hide anything from us.”
“Good to know.” I studied some of the pictures on the wall, most of them with her kids and a man with curly brown hair. They weren’t giants like the Landers family, but they seemed taller than average, with big smiles. “How long have you been a vet?”
“Twenty years this summer.” She flipped her ponytail and smiled. “I know, I don’t look that old. I get that a lot.”
