“Mrs. Scarsdale, giving Precious treats all the time would be like you going to Mrs. Greenwold’s Bakery and eating a pastry every day.”
The silence in the room was deafening. Looking up from Precious on the examining table, she met the icy glare coming from the irate client.
“And just what is so bad about having a pastry from the bakery every day?” Mrs. Scarsdale asked.
Annie looked at the plump client and tried to find a way to soften the blow. “Well…I’m sure you are… in very good health, but an…overweight dog can have many health issues such as diabetes, joint, problems, liver issues, even an increased risk of cancer. I know you don’t want Precious to have any of those problems.”
Mollified, Mrs. Scarsdale finally agreed to place Precious on a diet then picked up her pug and headed back to the reception area to check out. As the pug and its owner left the building, she could hear Leon and Suzanne in the back laughing.
“Oh my God, it’s true!” Leon said between chuckles. “Owners really do look like their pets.”
“When you tried to compare his treats to Mrs. Scarsdale going to the bakery every day and it was obvious she did…I almost lost it,” Suzanne joined in.
Annie, always trying to maintain professionalism, couldn’t help but join in the laughter. “I’m afraid it’s a lost cause. Precious is destined to become one of the fattest pugs in history.”
By five o’clock, the last of the clients had left and the three were involved in the clinic clean-up.
“So…doc,” Leon started as he was gathering trash. “What’s going on with your hot detective?”
Suzanne, overhearing his question, moved closer so that she did not miss out on the conversation.
Annie looked at her two friends and smiled. “We’re just taking it slow. In fact, he had to go out of town and will be gone for this week.”
“With the drug case?” Leon asked.
Shrugging, she replied, “I don’t really know. After he got me settled in from the hospital yesterday, he just said that he would be gone for most of this week. I was sort of overwhelmed, so I didn’t ask much.”
Suzanne spoke up sharply, “I thought he was supposed to protect you, not run out of town.”
“Believe me, my apartment and this clinic are totally secure with the new system he had put in. Plus, haven’t you seen the number of cop cars driving by!”
Just then there was a knock on the front door of the clinic. The three friends looked at each other in dread.
“Oh lordy, don’t let that be another Labrador that ate little Johnny’s toy or a cat that got in a fight!” Leon moaned.
Peeking around the corner, Suzanne called for Annie. “Hey doc. It’s a delivery and I just bet it is for you.”
Annie walked to the door seeing a huge bouquet of flowers being delivered. Taking them from the delivery boy, she placed the riot of color on the reception counter. Pulling the note out, she read Miss you already, Sunshine. Thinking of you. We’ll go on a real date this weekend. Shane
Smiling, she looked over to Leon and Suzanne as they stood admiring the bouquet.
“Yep, looks like I might need to step up my game. Shirley gets wind that your new beau gave you flowers, she’s gonna put me in the doghouse until I do the same,” Leon complained.
Suzanne laughed, then looked wistfully at the beautiful arrangement. Sighing she admitted, “It’s been a long time since I’ve gotten flowers.”
Leon and Annie exchanged glances. Suzanne rarely talked about her past other than her family, and she never mentioned any men in her life at all.
Throwing his arm around Suzanne’s shoulders he commiserated. “Darlin’ girl, with your smarts and your looks, men will come sniffing around if you’d just get out there.”
Suzanne raised her eyebrows at him and just retorted, “No thanks, Leon. Not putting myself out there for anyone. Been there, done that, and believe me the heartache is not worth it!”
The three quickly finished the evening clean up and Annie said goodbye before locking up the clinic and setting the alarms. Taking her flowers up to her apartment, she settled in for the night. Keeping her cell phone close at hand, she was hopeful that Shane would be able to call or text. The evening hours seemed to go slowly with no contact from him. Boo, Rags, and Tiddles began circling her legs letting her know it was time to go to bed. Used to sleeping with her they expected their final treat before getting comfortable for the night.
“Okay fine, guys. It looks like he isn’t going to be able to call tonight,” she sighed as she got off the sofa. “Let’s go to bed,” she said as she herded the cats to the back of the apartment.