I’m unaware of Niko’s presence until I reach for the door and feel his hand on my arm.
“Sadie, is everything okay? You’re scaring me.”
I look over my shoulder and see Niko’s worried eyes assessing me. Taking a steadying breath, I turn and give his hand a reassuring squeeze. “I’m okay. It’s Hunter’s dog. He’s taking him to the emergency vet and asked me to come. I’m sorry, but I need to be there for him.”
Niko reaches in front of me, opening his front door. “Of course. Go. Can you text me and let me know if he’s okay?”
I’m taken aback yet again by this man’s thoughtfulness. After the gifts and then me bailing in the middle of a conversation about his daughter’s birthday party, instead of being annoyed with my abrupt leave, he’s more concerned about his coach’s dog. This man is utterly and completelywonderful.
“Of course. I’ll text you as soon as I know something. And Niko, thanks again for the gifts. They really are perfect.”
Before I can stop myself, I’m taking a step toward him and wrapping my arms around his waist. Niko doesn’t hesitate, wrapping his arms around me and holding me tight. The moment our bodies are pressed together, my aura hums, aligning with his effortlessly. His embrace doesn’t feel new. It feels familiar. Like stepping into a place I’ve always belonged.
Niko pulls back first and I reluctantly unwrap my arms from his waist.
“Drive safe, Sadie.”
I give him a small smile and make my leave.
The door doesn’t close behind me, and I can feel his eyes on me the entire walk to my car.
Hunter is sitting in the waiting room of the vet’s office when I sprint through the automatic doors. Gordie is cradled in his arms and his knee bounces nervously as he waits for the doctor.
Although I have questions like, When did this start? Did he eat anything bad? Where’s the doctor?The last thing Hunter needs is me asking him a million questions. I push aside my own anxiety and put on a brave face, hoping I can fool my best friend.
The moment he sees me, I can see his chest rise and fall, his shoulders relaxing the slightest bit. I take a seat next to him and reach out to stroke Gordie’s back. Gordie wags his tail before hopping down and attempting to pee on the floor.
“Gordie, no!” Hunter’s voice holds more concern than anger and he crouches down on the ground to give Gordie some love before scooping him back up. I’m pretty sure no pee even came out. Poor baby.
“What can I do?”
Hunter leans his head against the wall, staring at the ceiling as he shakes his head. “Nothing. I’m pretty sure it’s a UTI, but it still scaresthe hell out of me.”
His somber attitude tugs at something in my heart. Hunter’s energy usually matches my own, upbeat and positive, not much different than the puppy he’s holding in his arms. He’s not into auras and moon circles, but that doesn’t stop him from supporting me. This defeated side of him is not something I’m used to, but I will do my best to keep him positive.
“I know this is scary, but you’re doing everything you can for Gordie. Try and focus on things you can control. You noticed something wrong. You immediately went into action. You brought him to the emergency vet. And then you asked for support. There’s nothing else we can do right now because you’ve done everything.”
Hunter turns to look at me and it’s small but I see the ghost of a smile tugging at his lips. “This is exactly why I texted you. I knew you’d be way better in this type of situation than me. Plus, I could use a distraction. Tell me about your day. You went to see Niko and Sophia, right?”
These damn hockey boys and their gossiping. I didn’t even have a chance to talk to Hunter about the whole thing because it all happened so fast. I still can’t believe Connor initiated this gossip circle. Unreal.
Thinking of my day with Sophia eases some of the anxiety I’m feeling over the Gordie situation.
“It was so great. We had the best time together. She’s a really special little girl. I’m gonna help Niko plan her birthday party. Which reminds me, I told Niko I’d text him some ideas I found today.”
I pull out my phone and type out a text to Niko.
I found this traveling petting zoo that brings animals to you. Your house has more than enough space and I thought it would be perfect for Sophia’s party. Let me know what you think. *Attaches link*
After I hit send, I look up to see Hunter smiling at me.
“What?”
“Nothing. You just look happy.” He starts rubbing Gordie’s back and turns his attention to the other side of the room when the door opens and a woman in scrubs appears holding a clipboard.
“Gordie?” the woman asks as she searches the waiting room. Aside from us, there’s only one other woman waiting in here and she’s holding a small black kitten in her arms.
Hunter stands with Gordie and takes two steps toward the door but then pauses. He turns back my way with an earnest look on his face. “Thank you for coming, Sadie. You don’t have to wait if you have things to do.” He nods to my phone.
