Page 30 of Knot So Sweet
"More like embarrassed,” she admits. "Though the jury's still out on whether I'm going to keep this water down."
"Let's try the phones again," I suggest. "Reception work might be more your speed after all."
"Even with the potential for surprise snake encounters?"
"I'll make sure all the terrariums are secure before your next shift."
She laughs, and the sound is like sunlight breaking through clouds. Her smell brightens too, those honey notes becoming warm and golden instead of sharp with stress.
"Phones it is."
The afternoon brings a steady stream of calls, and with Violet’s natural telephone manner, it makes it a lot smoother. Her tone is warm and professional, and she seems to have an intuitive understanding of how to handle different types of callers.
Unfortunately, she also seems to have some kind of mental block when it comes to remembering our standard responses.
"Mairi Veterinary Services, this is Violet," she answers cheerfully. "How can I... oh, hello Mrs. Patterson. Yes, I remember you from this morning." A pause. "You'd like to schedule Duchess for... what was it? A nail trim?"
I look up from the lab work I'm reviewing to see her frantically flipping through the appointment book.
"Of course we can do it," she continues. "When would be good for you? Tuesday at... oh, wait. Let me check if Dr. Mairi does nail trims on cats." She looks at me hopefully.
I nod and hold up ten fingers, then point to the price list taped to the desk.
"Yes, absolutely," Violet says with relief. "It's ten dollars for cats, and we can fit you in Tuesday morning. Shall we say nine-thirty?"
She finishes the call and slumps in her chair. "I keep forgetting what we charge for things. And whether you do certain procedures. And apparently I've been telling people the wrong hours for the past hour."
"What hours have you been telling them?"
"We're open until six on weekdays. But the sign says five."
I try not to laugh. "Well, I suppose we could start staying open later if there's a demand."
"You're being very patient with me," she observes, and there's something almost suspicious in her tone, like she's not used to people cutting her slack when she makes mistakes.
"You're learning," I say simply. "Everyone makes mistakes when they're learning. After all, this is only your first day."
"My ex used to say mistakes were just evidence of not trying hard enough."
The casual way she mentions her ex makes my alpha instincts prickle with warning. There's too much pain in those simple words, and history behind the careful way she says it.
"Your ex sounds like an ass," I say before I can stop myself.
Violet's eyes widen in surprise, then she laughs making her whole face light up. "He really was."
"Good for you for leaving him."
"Yeah, well... it wasn't exactly a choice. More like an escape."
The phone rings again, and she reaches for it with renewed determination.
"Mairi Veterinary Services, this is Violet. How may I help you?" A pause. "Oh, hi Tom. Yes, Shep's appointment is Tuesday at ten. What's up?" Another pause, longer this time. "You want to know if we board animals overnight?"
She looks at me questioningly, and I shake my head. Then, her fingers fly over the keyboard, like she's searching for something.
"I'm sorry, we don't offer boarding services," she says. "But I think there's a place in Millfield... oh, you need someone local." She bites her lip, thinking. "Have you tried asking at the feed store? They might know someone who pet-sits."
It's a good suggestion, and exactly the kind of helpful problem-solving making for excellent customer service. I give her a thumbs up, and she beams.
