We’ve already swapped numbers, so the only thing left is to say goodbye. I’m headed back to Worcester tomorrow afternoon, so I won’t see him again before I leave.
When we pull up outside of Sean’s house, Jerry gets out too and pulls me into a hug, warm breath hitting my neck. “You have my number,” he says before stepping back and squeezing my shoulder. “Please use it.”
“I will.”
I watch him walk back to the passenger side door and pause. “And you’re always welcome here. Don’t wait for Sean to invite you. I have a spare room, so consider this an open invitation.”
Warmth flares deep behind my ribs. “Thank you.” Standing here, with Jerry looking at me with those beautiful brown eyes full of sincerity, the offer is more than tempting. I know me though, and I’m not sure I’ll feel the same way in the cold light of day.
Insecurity will no doubt seep in, and I’ll be second-guessing whether he meant it or not.
But for now, I smile and nod. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
As Jerry disappears inside the car and drives away, I promise myself that I won’t let this budding friendship wither to nothing because my gut instinct tells me Jerry is someone to keep hold of.
With that in mind, I pull out my phone, frowning when I can’t find his number until I remember what I saved it under.
Hot vet friend.
I blame alcohol for that.
I click on it and type out a message.
Reed:Thanks for tonight. You made an evening that I was dreading, slightly less horrible.
I’m grinning as I hit Send, already imagining his raised eyebrows.
The reply is almost immediate.
Hot vet friend:Only slightly? I like to think I’m better company than that.
I could draw this out for a bit, tease him some more, but as I yawn wide enough to crack my jaw, it suddenly hits me how absolutely knackered I am.
Reed:*eye-roll emoji* Fine. I had a great night.
And I’m really fucking grateful that he chose to keep me company when there was a pub full of people he could’ve spent the night with.
It prompts me to be a little more honest. Maybe that’s the lingering effects of alcohol too.
Reed:And thank you for spending it with me when you really didn’t have to.
Hot vet friend:It was my pleasure.
As I stare at the screen, that same warmth I felt earlier filling my chest, I feel the tiniest bit of regret that I didn’t ask him inside to extend our evening together.
But it’s gone as quickly as it came, because tonight was enough. More than I’d expected when I came here, and I’m happy with that.
My phone chimes again as I’m unlocking Sean’s front door.
Hot vet friend:I meant what I said, Reed. Don’t be a stranger.
JERRY
This yearI was on call over Christmas, so I have New Year’s off. I have no veterinary responsibilities so there’s absolutely no reason why I can’t roll over and ignore the annoying noise that just woke me up. Unfortunately, my body doesn’t know that and I’m instantly awake when my phone jumps to life, the ring tone obnoxiously loud in the relative quiet of my bedroom.
I sayrelativebecause there’s some weird snuffling and moaning coming from beside the bed where my dog is still dreaming.
Lucky her.
