Page 12 of Hold Me Instead
He smiled down at the woman who’d known him since birth. “It’s good to see you, Maura. I like your new look,” he said, knocking a squiggly eye springing around her head.
Maura gave his cheeks a light pinch. “Still a smart-ass.”
He smiled. While years had added laugh lines and wrinkles, Maura was as sunny as always. She had to be close to seventy now, but exuded the energy of a cycling instructor.
“How’s your father today, dear?” she asked softly, keeping their conversation private.
“Same. Longer rounds of staying awake. Mom’s with him now, and we’re going by after the kids are done.”
“Mhm.” She studied him. “How about you?”
“I’m fine.” He shrugged.Did it really matter right now?
She narrowed her eyes. “Have to take care of yourself, you know. Was just saying the same thing to Dr. Harris. You know her, bleeding heartfor these animals, just like your father. She’d probably sleep here just to make sure we could function as close to normal as possible.”
He huffed. “The schedule’s packed, I’m guessing?”
“Oh, yes,” Maura tittered. “Tomorrow and Tuesday we’ve sorted. Dr. Fletcher’s been amazing, stepping in. Have you met him? He’s manning the ‘haunted lab’ area.”
“No, I haven’t.”
“He’s wonderful. Works mostly at the emergency hospital, but he’s filled in for your dad and Dr. Harris from time to time. He knows our routine, and the clients love him.”
Zachary looked away, irritation growing at this faceless guy who’d swooped in, covering patientsandvolunteering for the community event.
“Dr. Harris and I are trying to figure out the rest of the week after he’s gone. You know how these graduates are getting multiple offers, so they’re all snatched up. Plus, we’re not the only ones short-staffed in town. I’m sure you’re experiencing the same in Chicago—”
“I can do it.”
Maura paused. “Do what?”
Zachary looked around, as though a neon sign would flash Good Idea! at him in support. Instead, a ghost fell free of its adhesive and floated from the ceiling onto the desk. He met her gaze. “I’ll fill in for my dad.”
Maura clasped her hands around his. “Oh, Zachary, really? Dr. Harris will be thrilled,” she added quietly.
That sounded like a stretch.
“Are you sure that’ll be okay with your team?” she asked as she walked over to the fallen ghost and stuck it to the front of the counter.
He looked at Maura and considered telling her the news. She was like an aunt, and a master at getting things out of him. Under these circumstances though, he held strong.
“This is a perfect time, actually,” he said. “I’m not expected back for a while.”Or ever.
Miraculously, Maura didn’t question him further. Instead, she squeezed his hands again. “Zachary, that would be amazing. Having you back?” Her eyes misted, and she patted his cheek.
“We may have to hold off on those,” he teased as he pointed to her hand on his face, secretly appreciating the affection.
“Nonsense.” Maura added a pinch, then turned and greeted more trick-or-treaters.
His mind raced, struggling to make sense of his offer. He could easily slip into the role, help out, make up some excuse for taking time away from Chicago. It was good for him to remain busy. Keep everyone off his back about being home. Speaking of…he looked around and realized he’d lost Sandra and Alex.
Maura grabbed his shoulder. “Maybe you’ll catch Dr. Harris? She’s manning thespookyoperation tables. I’m sure she’d love to hear the news from you.”
“What news?”
Zachary turned to find Charlie emerging from the front desk. Today, her hair was twisted into a braid, with flyaways that floated in a halo effect. The cat ears were back, this time with the added touch of drawn whiskers and a triangle on the tip of her nose. She wore a snug midnight-blue knit sweater, depicting a black cat with gold eyes and a full moon, tucked loosely into a pair of high-waisted jeans. Hereyebrows raised above large glasses frames, this pair a solid black with a slight cat-eye style.
Those subtle details were intentional, and apparently, he knew to look.
