I roll my eyes. My sister took eight weeks off work when my niece was born, but I choose not to remind her of that.
Ava: I have one more thing to share. I booked my airline ticket last night too!
Daphne: Oh! Where are you going?
Ava: *Spanish flag emoji*
Daphne: *Big eyes emoji* You’re going overseas?
Ava: Yup. *Grinning emoji* I’ll tell you about it later. Can you meet for lunch at 12?
Daphne: Sure. I’ll bring something to your office.
Ava: Sounds good.
Tucking my phone away, I enter the break room and find Vicki munching away on a bagel.
“Morning, boss. You ready for a new week?” she asks in a cheery tone.
“I am,” I answer honestly.
She sits up taller. “You’re in a good mood. Did you have a double shot of espresso in your coffee? Or meet a hot barista on your way in?”
“No, it’s nothing like that.” I shake my head, chuckling. “I booked myself a vacation.”
“Way to go, Dr. B!” She reaches over and we high-five one another. Our hands make a satisfying slap. “Cool beans. So does that mean we’re closing while you’re gone?”
“No. I sent a text to my friend Dr. Owens this morning. If everything goes according to plan, she’ll be covering for me the last two weeks in December.” I bite the inside of my cheek and force myself not to wonder what’ll happen if she says no since it’s such short notice, and I lose out on the money from my airline ticket.
“You deserve it, boss lady. Since I’ve been here, I don’t think you’ve ever taken a day off. Even when you were sick.”
“I haven’t,” I admit, running my hand over the back of my neck. “This is my first one in a long time. And I’m hoping I can count on you to keep everything running smoothly. Dr. Owens will be in charge of the exams, but you’ll be in charge of everything else.”
“You betcha! I’m your right-hand woman.”
“There’s one other thing. My sister is going to be working onredecorating the reception area and our branding. I know you’ve mentioned wanting to shadow her before.”
“Yes, yes! I’dloveto work with her. Even if it’s for a short time.” Vicki squeals and jumps up and down. “Your sister is one of the hottest interior decorators in the state. Have I ever mentioned it was one of my majors for two whole semesters in college?”
“Was that before or after political science and psychology?” I ask. Like Daphne, Vicki is another free spirit. They should get on well. They’re a lot alike.
“Neither. It was after biology and before graphic design, but close enough. Good memory.”
“It comes with the territory of being a vet.”
I let Vicki know I’m planning to be gone beginning next Monday and not to book any more appointments until Dr. Owens confirms her availability.
The remainder of the morning passes in a blur. I take care of a parrot in need of a beak trim, meet a newly adopted pug who needs a routine exam, and give a warm bath to a snake that’s had trouble shedding its skin.
“Just adding a humidifier to his tank will make all the difference. Any brand will do,” I advise my client on the way out.
“Got it, Doctor. Thanks again for fitting us in today. You’re the only vet in the area who does snakes.”
“Of course. I’m more than happy to help. If you know anybody else who needs an all-species vet, send them my way.”
“I will!” The snake’s owner picks up her pet and lets it coil around her neck.
They pass Daphne entering the clinic as they’re leaving, causing my sister to turn her head and blinks a few times. “Was that lady wearing a live snake?” she asks.
