Page 50 of Christmas at the Home Farm Vets
‘Naked sounds good,’ she murmured. ‘Although this house is not heated like Imogen and Alex’s. We’ll probably freeze to death.’
‘We definitely won’t, I’ll make sure of it.’ Oli got up and held out a hand. ‘You lock up, I’ll settle Marnie.’
In the morning Erin found it very difficult to get out of bed, but then she didn’t usually share hers with Oli. They’d fallen asleep after making love and he stirred when her alarm went off, slinging an arm across her. She allowed herself the luxury of curling into him for a few more minutes, loath to leave him yet. But the meeting with Gil was starting soon and she couldn’t linger. She got ready and was parking at the practice just before seven, wrapped up against the chill. Snow was forecast in the coming days and the landscape was glittering white with frost, and another sharp sunny day beckoned.
Gil had already nipped down to the village shop, which opened early to accommodate hungry farmers and those in search of a hot breakfast before work. Erin’s stomach rumbled noisily as she caught the smell of bacon sandwiched between fresh rolls. The coffee machine was already on, and she made herself a quick mug of tea as Gil cleared space for them to eat at a desk in the office. He pushed a bottle towards her as they sat down, and Lola settled down beside him, hopeful of a treat.
‘Brown sauce, right?’
‘Yes thanks.’ She’d brought their drinks and slid his coffee across, and he thanked her. She wasn’t worried about this meeting, but she’d be glad all the same to discover what it was about. Her three-month review was coming up, but surely he’d have said if it was just that, and given her time to prepare?
‘Thanks for coming in early, Erin, I really appreciate it. I hope I didn’t worry you but as I said, it’s nothing to be concerned about. Just some potential changes to the rota over the holidays.’
‘You’re welcome.’ Well, that sounded fine, and she savoured another bite of her breakfast, wondering if she’d have time to run down to the shop and fetch one for Oli, too. They usually just grabbed cereal or yoghurt before work, and she’d like to treat him if she could.
‘The thing is, you know my boys are in Australia for Christmas.’ Erin nodded and Gil carried on. ‘Luca’s just got there, he’s staying at the vineyard with Joel until he heads back to university next month. And with Jonny buying his own place and the rest of the family joining him, Pippa and I would love to be there too, and we thought we’d go if we could get away. Harriet and Alfie have finished their exams, so he’d be along for the ride as well. Everything’s running smoothly here, and it would only be a flying visit, ten days or so. Elaine would be happy to house sit and look after the dogs and the ponies.’
He leaned forward and Erin’s pulse spiked as adrenaline shot through her. Did he mean what she thought he did?
‘Obviously I don’t want to put undue pressure on you, but if I go, and it’s not decided until we’ve had this conversation, then you’d be the senior vet in charge whilst I’m away.’ He paused to let this sink in, and nerves were fluttering through Erin’s stomach. ‘I also want you to understand that you have my complete confidence, and I hold you and your commitment to the practice in the highest regard. Sometimes these conversations get lost in the day to day, but they shouldn’t because I need to be clear.
‘Next year is a really big one for us with the redevelopments. I’m looking to the future, and I see you very much as a partner who can work alongside me and help me take those tough decisions when we need to. I trust you and your judgement absolutely. In fact, I feel very lucky to have found you. Gabi’s an excellent practice manager, and I know all the staff will support you totally. So what do you think?’
Erin wasn’t sure she could think. She’d abandoned her bacon roll and her mind was spinning with this news coming at her out of the blue. She hoped one day she’d make partner and lead a team; she wanted a long-term career in a practice where she could treat companion animals alongside farm and equine ones, but so soon?
Was Gil actually serious? He was a brilliant colleague, and they always had a laugh, but he was totally committed to the practice, and he expected the same high standard of care from everyone else. But was she ready for this, to take on the responsibility that came with leadership until the new year? The adrenaline was still flooding her body, and she made herself sit still, forcing down the fight or flight sensation, so familiar from those first months after qualifying.
The thought of the practice without Gil, even for just two weeks, was making her nervous too. Although she’d been qualified for seven years, this was her first winter here and she was still getting used to the clients and the location. But she also very much appreciated his experience and his willingness to share it in support of her own career growth. She was elated that he trusted and valued her, and wanted her to step up. But there was fear too, that she’d fail because she wasn’t ready for such a role.
‘Wow, thank you. I really appreciate your confidence and trust in me.’ She landed on the first question in her mind. ‘When are you thinking of going?’
‘Tomorrow, actually, so we’d be there for Christmas Eve. We’d be flying back on the second.’ Gil picked up his coffee and finished it. ‘I’m sorry, Erin, I know that doesn’t give you much warning. If you’re not comfortable with it, then Craig Blackwood, who was one of my partners at the practice in town, would be prepared to step in, I’m certain. He wouldn’t be here day to day, but he’d act as senior vet if that’s what you’d prefer. And we will be closed for the bank holidays, apart from out-of-hours.’
And tomorrow was Oli’s last working day here. Already his three weeks were almost over, and Erin couldn’t believe how quickly that had come around. She was in no way ready for that, and she refocused sharply as Gil continued.
‘Irrespective of my trip, Gabi and I have arranged to continue with the agency cover for out of hours until mid-January at least. Obviously you and Oli are covering some of it, and I think it would be good to have two vets on call once we get into lambing season.’ Gil ran a hand over his jaw, eyes flickering over his phone as it lit up, and he swiped the notification away. ‘I’d like to ask Oli to stay on until I get back, and maybe through lambing season as well if he’s interested. Like you he’s a team player, great with clients and even Dorothy’s offered the occasional compliment. And if he agrees, it will mean that he’d still need somewhere to stay. I realise this is a lot to ask you over Christmas, but would you be happy to continue hosting him?’
‘I’m fine with all of those things,’ she replied steadily, trying to subdue a rush of joy. The adrenaline was receding now, and she was thinking more clearly. She didn’t have to consider whether Oli should stay, they needed him. But he had made plans for Christmas, and much as she longed for him to spend the holidays with her, she didn’t want to be in the way of his family arrangements.
‘That’s brilliant, Erin, thank you. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it, and Pippa will too, she’s so excited about having both our families together.’ Gil leaned back and eased out a long breath. ‘So when I get back, you and I need to sit down and have a proper three-month review, but as far as I’m concerned that’s a formality. I couldn’t be happier, and I have no concerns. But if you do, then we can talk about them before I leave.’
‘No, I’m fine. I love it here, it’s exactly what I was looking for.’ Warmth was stealing through her at Gil’s words. This was where she wanted to be, making a life on which she could depend. ‘I promise to do my best not to let you or the practice down.’
‘That’s great, I’m delighted. And I know you will, I don’t doubt you.’ Gil reached across the desk, and they shook hands firmly, and Erin laughed. Her life had taken an unexpected turn in the last two days and this one felt brighter still, filled with excitement and promise. And pressure, there would be plenty of that.
‘Craig is a good friend, and he will absolutely help you out should you need him. And don’t forget I’m only a call or a Skype away, you can contact me anytime, day or night.’
‘I hope I won’t have to, but thank you.’ Erin was trying to remain professional, but it was hard in the face of anticipation of more time with Oli. This was another step in her career plan. She tried to ignore the little voice reminding her that she didn’t have everything she wanted in Hartfell. Because eventually Oli would leave, and she’d stay to grow her career and remain close to her family.
‘So let’s pass on the news to the staff when they come in, and you and I need to go through the diary.’ Gil had saved Lola some of his bacon buttie and she wolfed it down, staring up at him with hopeful eyes. ‘Sorry, Lola, that’s your lot.’
An hour later he broke the news and to Erin it still sounded incredible, almost unreal, that she was now effectively senior vet. She’d been preparing herself for this ever since she’d arrived at university with little in her pocket but a strong work ethic and a lifelong desire to care for animals, but it was still astounding to realise it was now in her grasp.
‘Erin, that’s fantastic. I’m so pleased for you, and you’ll be brilliant.’ Oli was the first to step forward and she thrust out a hand in case he was thinking of hugging her. She would definitely have appreciated one right now, though, the certainty of his arms tight around her and letting her know she was up to the challenge. The rest of the staff offered their own congratulations and support in turn, and Jess did hug her.
‘Oli, Erin and I would like a word before you head out please.’ Gil pointed to a chair as everyone else trooped out, and another blast of adrenaline shot through Erin when he looked at her. ‘Would you like to take the lead on this?’
‘Of course.’ She drew in a breath; it was one thing to spend half the weekend making love with Oli; it was quite another to face him across a desk and keep those intimate and meaningful moments they’d shared together private. ‘We’d like to ask you to stay on until Gil gets back, possibly into lambing season as well. Of course you may have other plans, and it would impact your own with family for Christmas, so I’m sure you need some time to think about it. I’d be happy for you to stay at the cottage.’
