Page 22 of Hold Me Instead
“God, what a shitty couple of weeks.” A beat. “Does Anna know about your dad?”
“No. No reason to tell her.”
“Hm.” She brightened. “Hey, I’m coming home over the holidays. If you’re still in town, we should meet up.”
“Yeah, that’d be great.”
Maple rested her head on his knee until he ended his call. He scooped up her forty pounds, and she curled at his side on the bed. Sighing, he ran his fingers through her soft, golden-red coat. He’d adopted her when she was about seven years old, not long after losing the dog he’d had since he was ten. Maple reminded him of his late pup, from their similar flowing fur down to the strip of black on their backs. He hadn’t expected the instant connection with Maple, though. She’d been his bright spot the last few years, through the more tumultuous stages of his failing marriage and then divorce. Deep down, he wondered if Maple had been the final nail in the coffin of their marriage. Anna had thrown a fit when he’d brought home a dog considered a senior when she was hoping for a “cute puppy” to help boost her already successful online following. For home decor and personal care products.
Maple was his golden ticket. He’d definitely picked the right female companion.
Charlie would understand his draw to Maple. She’d always had a passion for rescues, had volunteered through high school. He guessed she’d only grown more passionate—and not just because of how she handled him yesterday. That defiant look in her eyes. Her determination to put him in his place. Those funny cat ears. The painted whiskers.
Maple sighed, content beside him, and he settled closer.
At some point, he should clear the air with Charlie. He’d thrown her for a loop, offering to work with them. And he hadn’t been himself at the hospital.
Hell, he hadn’t been himself for years.
***
Showing up early at his dad’s practice was an escape. His mother wanted him at the hospital, and Sandra had suggested he entertain the kids after school. While he loved those little energy-suckers, being around animals was what he needed. So instead, he’d showered and headed to work. For now, his family suspected he had personal business to take care of. It didn’t feel necessary to tell them he was filling in for his dad. Not yet, at least.
Maple joined him for support and to win over everyone, especially when he knew how unsettling his presence might be for some. Unaware of her responsibility, Maple was unabashedly happy to receive the kisses Maura rained all over her head as they stood with her behind the check-in counter.
“My, you’re even more beautiful than your pictures! Such a stunner.” Maura held out a dog treat to the old pup, who chomped it eagerly. When Maple sat panting, a huge smile on her face, Maura laughed and handed her another.
“That was her plan all along, you know,” Zachary said, shaking his head with a smile.
“This old girl deserves it,” Maura said.
“Yeah, don’t I know,” he said softly.
“Your dad still brings the dogs in from time to time.” Maura gave Maple a final fluff of the ears and sat in her chair, only to have Maple scoot closer and rest her chin in her lap. “Oh my, such a love bug.”
Seeing family—and those considered as much—love on Maple, slowly stitched up little pieces of his heart. Really, who could resist her sweet face?
“Maura, can you call the Pipers and coordinate a time for tomorrow to squeeze in Snow? Even if it’s over lunch.” Charlie flew in from thehall, avoiding looking at Zachary. She must’ve heard his voice because there wasn’t an ounce of surprise at him being there early.
Maura’s expression softened as she looked at Charlie, still petting Maple’s head. “You’ve already shortened your lunch tomorrow.”
“Shoot, that’s right.” Charlie chewed her bottom lip, her eyes scanning the walls in thought. “End of day, then.”
“Dr. Harris,” Maura said, her stern voice quiet.
Charlie’s hair was pulled back in a low knot. Her scrub top of the day was a vibrant pink that matched her sneakers, the words You Gotta Be Kitten Me! printed across the front. Something inside him was pleased to see her cheery work attire continued beyond the holiday.
Why that was important, he had no clue.
“They’ve been through so much, I want to get Snow back on track,” Charlie insisted.
Zachary watched a look of understanding pass between the two until Maura nodded in agreement, despite Charlie bending over backward for clients. It was a move he knew well from watching his father. But at this point, they couldn’t afford to run themselves ragged. How could he leave here knowing Charlie was overextending herself?
Maura turned to help a client, and Charlie slowly faced him. Light makeup, mostly whatever made her eyes extra vivid behind her glasses. Those eyes looked tired, and he sensed an instant camaraderie, a feeling that frankly had no right being there.
“Zachary,” she said.
“Harris.”
