“Hello? Dr. B?” Fernando’s voice calls out.
“In exam room two. Would you mind making sure the front door shuts completely behind you? I don’t want anyone else to think we’re open and sneak in.” There’s aclick,followed by the squeak of his tennis shoes against the floor. “Thanks,” I shout.
“No problem.”
I survey my setup one last time. Towels, soap, multiple bowls of warm water, gloves, shampoo, and an electric razor. I think I’ve collected everything we need.
I step out of the exam room. “Hi, Fernando, it’s nice to finally meet you in the flesh.”
Waiting for me is a tall man with sun-kissed skin and thick brown hair that looks like it belongs in a shampoo commercial. It’s messy in that effortlessly perfect way that no normal human could ever pull off. His eyes are big and warm, deep-brown and framed by long lashes. Cradled against his broad chest is a soft-sided carrier, and from inside, a cat lets out a dramatic meow.
“Likewise, Doctor.”
The way he rolls the R at the end of “doctor” sends a shiver up my spine. He reminds me of one of my favorite audiobook narrators. I could listen to him talk for hours on end.
I break eye contact and clear my throat. “Come on in.” I need to focus. I have a patient. “Go ahead and set the carrier down on the table. I’d like to examine our friend here first to make sure there aren’t any injuries. Then we’ll head over to the sink.”
“That sounds like a plan.”
I slowly unzip the top of the carrier. “The file said her name was Robin?”
“Yeah, that’s right.”
“It’s an interesting name for a feline. It reminds me of the bird.”
“Thank my friend Tim. He loves comic books.”
“Oh, is this guy named after Batman’s sidekick?” I don’t know much about comic books, but at least it’s a character I’ve heard of.
“Sí, that’s the one.”
“Are you a comic-book lover too?” I ask, glancing up at him.
“No. Tim’s tried to get me into them, but there’s too many different backstories and characters to keep track of. I like the movies though.”
“Me too.” My attention returns to the carrier. Robin has backed into a corner and made herself as small as possible. The few pieces of fur that aren’t caked in mud stick up straight. I lower my voice and speak softly. “Hi, Robin, I’m Dr. Brown and I’m here to help you.”
Robin anchors her claws firmly into the bottom of the carrier. Unfortunately for her, I know every trick in the book. I reach inside and gently pry her paws free.
“If you could put that on the floor.” I nod toward the case. “We don’t want her trying to sneak back into it.”
Fernando crouches to set the carrier down, and as he straightens, his arm lightly brushes mine. It sends a tiny spark dancing across my skin. I pretend not to notice, focusing on the cat.
Running my hands along Robin’s body, I check over hermusculature. “She’s in good shape,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady. “I don’t feel or hear anything abnormal.”
“That’s a relief,” Fernando says, exhaling with a breath that ruffles a lock of hair over his forehead. His eyes meet mine for a second longer than they need to. Just enough to make me feel like I’ve forgotten how to blink. “If anything were to happen to him, I’d be toast.”
I clear my throat and break eye contact, returning my attention to Robin, who lets out a dramaticmeow. Like all animals, she’s an expert at reading human emotions.Same, girl.
I stroke her a few times. Mud comes off on my hands. By now, the pheromone diffusers in the room have kicked in. The poor animal has started to relax. “Is this your first time watching your friend’s cat?”
“Sí. My first and probably my last. They told me pet sitting would be a piece of cake, but so far, it’s been a nightmare. I have no idea what I’m doing with the cat and turtle.”
“For what it’s worth, I think you’re doing a good job,” I reassure him. “You’ve asked all the right questions and found help when you needed it. By the time your friend returns home, you’ll be an expert.” I laugh.
“I hope so.” He rubs the back of his neck, looking defeated.
“And by the way, you should know that Robin isn’t a he. She’s a female cat.”
