We come to the far end of the sanctuary and ascend a set of stairs to a viewing platform overlooking an area with sandy-colored rocks, tall grass, and a water feature. The sign on the right displays an image of the Iberian lynx.
“This is what we’re here for,” Fernando says as we claim a seat on the bench in front of the glass. “I know this is the cat you were the most excited to see.” He squints out at the exhibit. “I don’t see anything, but if we wait long enough, maybe we’ll get lucky.”
“We might, but then again, lynxes are experts at hiding. They’re born with those dark spots that help them camouflage seamlessly in their habitat.” My own eyes gaze out near the rocks and among the shrubs, searching for any sign of movement or spots. “I would really like to see one. Spain is the only place in the world you can find this particular species.”
We hear the chirping of birds and the sound of the water plummeting over the man-made falls to the pond below. The tranquility soothes my mind. “I needed this,” I say to Fernando. “I’m not in any mood to be around people right now, except for you.”
“I thought the sanctuary would be a nice escape for you. Just like how the ice rink is for me.”
“It is. This place is purrrrrrrrrrrrrfect. Pun intended.” I pull my jacket a little tighter around my body. The temperature has continued to drop. “I’m glad you were with me when Dylan showed up. It was reassuring to know I had somebody on my side.”
“I’ll always be on your side,” he emphasizes. “That’s what fakeboyfriends do.” He scoots closer to me, so our legs are nearly touching and slips his own jacket over the one I’m wearing. “That man has some serious issues. I hope he listens to you and stays away.”
“I think he will.” I gaze forward, staring into the enclosure. “He doesn’t know about our arrangement. For all he knows, if he shows up again, he’ll have to answer to you.”
“I’ll be ready,” Fernando affirms. “Just between us, it was a pleasure to see him squirm. He deserved it.”
“He did,” I agree.
“How are you doing mentally and emotionally?”
“Would you believe me if I said I’m fine?” I turn my head toward him. “I’ve had plenty of time to process not having him in my life. When he walked out of the restaurant, my gut told me it was the end of an era. I think I can finally close the Dylan chapter of my life.”
“That just goes to show how strong a person you are, Ava.”
I wish I could begin writing the next chapter with Fernando, but I know it’s not meant to be. Instead, the next chapter starts with me being a more confident Dr. Brown and running my own practice.
We sit for a little while longer. My head makes its way onto his shoulder, while his arm drapes itself over my body, pulling me closer to him. It feels like a warm cocoon. I know I’m flirting with danger, but he’s reciprocating, and I can’t bring myself to scoot away from him. My eyes slowly flutter closed.
“Ava.” I hear Fernando’s voice sometime later. “Ava,” he repeats.
I hide a yawn with my hand and sit up. I guess I must’ve fallen asleep. “Hmm?”
“Look,” he whispers excitedly, pointing up at the upper left corner of the rock pile. “Is that...?”
“Yeah, it is,” I breathe, now fully awake and leaning forward in my seat.
Crouched down at the top of the habitat near the waterfall’s edge is the elusive lynx. Its ears have long fluffy black fur. Its main coat contains a series of spots similar to a bobcat or cheetah. But its mostimpressive feature is its bright-yellow eyes. The lynx is gazing directly at us as if we’re on exhibit.
“It’s so beautiful.” I take out my phone and snap a few photos. “I wish I could get closer.”
“I don’t know about that. Those paws are large, and I bet they come with equally sharp claws. I wouldn’t want to be scratched by them.”
“The lynx would be more afraid of you than you are of him,” I tease.
“Hmm... if you say so.” He doesn’t sound totally convinced.
The bushes around the lynx crackle and sway. A moment later, another lynx appears, rubbing its head against the body of the sitting one, urging it to stand before it disappears. The sitting lynx lazily pops to its feet, yawns, and sticks its butt into the air, stretching. After giving us one final glance, it, too, disappears into the thicket.
“That was special,” I say, grinning widely. “How long was it sitting there while I was asleep?”
“Not long. I only noticed it a minute ago. You were right about the camouflage. I had to take a photo and zoom in with my phone to see if it was really there.”
“Well, thank you for waking me up and showing me.” I start to lean in to kiss him, but stop short and force myself back to my side of the bench. That was too close. “What time is it? It must be close to closing time,” I say quickly.
“You can if you want to. I’m giving you permission.”
I blink slowly a few times and return my attention to the gorgeous man sitting next to me. “To do what?”
