Page 48 of Hold Me Instead
“Sure…” Their prices already hadn’t changed much in recent years in an attempt to fight the corporate model. Still begged the question, how many would leave when Daniel retired? Would there even be a clientele list to serve?
“I have to get back to the lobby. Good news is we still have a full day of appointments, and two emergency walk-ins.”
Charlie blew out a breath. “It’s not even nine.”
“And we’re already behind.”
“Of course,” Charlie said, as they parted ways.
Every day was playing catch-up as soon as the doors opened, with the threat of losing clients close behind.
She looked over notes acquired by her technician for the next patient, the high from the rubber band rescue faded. As she scooted her chair to stand, it bumped Zachary’s, the domino effect knocking papers from his desk. She picked them off the floor and set them down beside a notebook scratched with Zachary’s all-caps handwriting. Her brow narrowed at the header: REPAIRS.
She leaned closer, moving a file out of the way to reveal a list ranging from equipment to busted kitchenette flooring. Most she recognized as concerns she and Maura had brought up to Daniel over the years, only they were likely written on various pieces of paper, scattered in the boxes surrounding his desk.
So Zachary thought they didn’t have time to follow through with the cookout already in motion, but making a list of things to fix while he was here temporarily seemed reasonable? She yanked up the notebook, nearly pressing her bespectacled nose against the page. A small header labeled CHANGESwas followed by online booking, online pharmacy refills, tech scheduling, and the dreaded uniforms.If one thing wasabundantly clear, it was that Zachary Lee was making himself quite at home. He wasn’t acting like a temporary fill, or even just the owner’s son. He was trying to take charge.
“Dr. Harris? Room two?”
Charlie dropped the notebook like it had burned her fingertips, the way the words had seared her insides.
It would do her best to remember this wasn’t the same friendship as in the past. Seemed like Zachary needed a reminder too.
***
Charlie gasped at the boxes of Dorothy’s cupcakes squeezed onto the cramped counter. “Who sent us these?”
They were a welcome sight after a morning that had quickly gone downhill. One of her favorite senior dogs was sick, dropped off for her to check on in between patients, and while Charlie was able to test for a UTI, she had to do an ultrasound for a suspected mass. Then a client had brought in her dog for the third time in two months for gastrointestinal issues, and Charlie had explained again that they really recommended the prescription diet over the boutique brand the breeder was pushing.
She sighed. Taped to a cabinet was a note with the words:
Thanks for all you do for EFVH and our family.
—Dr. Zachary Lee
Well. So very fancy. Such a boss move.
She looked at the to-go box of coffee she’d ordered, nearing room temperature.
“Everyone’s just doing their job, not like they’re waiting for recognition from the boss’s son,” she mumbled as she yanked her lunch from the fridge, all while eyeing the desserts.
“Hey.”
She yelped and spun around. Struggled for a neutral expression.
Zachary raised a brow, then walked past her. “Make sure you have a cupcake.” He pulled a sparkling water from the fridge.
She held up the paper bag. “I’m all set.”
Wait,no. The bag felt light. She peered inside, then shut it quickly.Shit. Only a container of hummus and celery inside. Her peanut butter sandwich was definitely on her counter at home.
“Everything okay there, Harris?”
“Great. Yep.” She reached for the fridge and rummaged around, taking an extra second to nab her bottle of iced tea. When she turned, she smacked back into the fridge door, finding Zachary standing close, a plate in his hand with a single cupcake.
“Here. Have one.”
“Could always send leftovers home with everyone.”
