I also learned big things, like how he kept his vow not to drink alcohol again. I cried when I learned he’s been sober for thirteen years. Danny also told me that his dad reached out to him six years ago, notably after his most successful pro-football season. He’s firmly no-contact with his dad, so his response was crickets. But it stings I wasn’t able to support him during the hard times, like we’d promised each other years ago in the woods.
My goal is to get to knowthisDanny so well that I can fully understand all the places and faces on the expansive gallery wall in his home. I want to know about his friends, trips, accomplishments, and failures. I want to know it all, clinging to each of his facts and trading some of mine in return.
I gotta run, seeing a patient in five. Talk later?
Yes.
I pull on my fleece zip-up and tie a new bandana in my hair. As I grab my phone to put it back in my desk, I see one last message from Danny.
Remember to eat something, please.
I grab a protein bar from my desk drawer and take a bite, washing it down with a swig of water.
Being the only two vets in our high-demand practice, Elle and I are stretched thin around here. Once he found out I was accidentally skipping meals, Danny started catering lunches for the office and having my favorite snack delivered to my desk.I’ve been wanting to spoil you for the last ten years, pleaselet me, he said when I protested his generosity.
After I finish up my last—and thankfully, easiest—patient of the day, I hurry to my office and pack up. I hustle to my gray SUV and call Danny. The phone rings only twice before he answers.
“Best names so far today?”
It’s always the first question that flies out of his mouth when we get on the phone after I’ve worked a full day at the clinic.
“Freddie Meowcury wins for CATegory. Two sibling dogs—one named Cheesy and one named Tots—win for DOGegory. Bringing up the rear in the catchall ‘Other’ category is Hamlet, the guinea pig.”
Danny’s laugh sends shockwaves through the speakers. “Damn, people are so creative. Any funny animal pics for me today?”
“Yep. One coming your way now.” I send him a picture of the rattiest little dog I saw today.
Danny snorts. “Oh my God. He kind of looks like… I hate to say it.”
“Who?”
“Martin Short.”
I dissolve into laughter. “Mae? Is that you? You sound different. Alive, primarily.”
He laughs. “She’d love that joke. Look at him again, Gracie, and tell me you don’t see it.”
Glancing at the picture, I see… damn it.
“You think he looks like Martin, don’t you?”
“Whatever, Daniel.”
“Hey, that’s Danny to you. I haven’t heard it nearly enough over the past ten years.”
My eyes squint from the smile taking up half my face. He’s almost done with his postseason duties in New York, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t eager to see him.
“I can’t believe I see you in two days.” I shift in my seat, unable to contain my excited energy.
“Me either. It’ll be good to be in Ohio for the offseason, and I can’t wait to see your clinic, Gracie.”
My body warms at the thought of him walking through the door and seeing all my hard work in action. I don’tneedhim to be proud of me, because I’m proud of myself. But Iwanthim to be.
“Tell me more about it. What should I expect?”
“Well, it’s always chaos here. Barking and meowing overpowers the waiting area music. Our receptionist, Hannah, is our Resident Young Person. She runs our social media handles and works the front desk, scheduling patients and handling walk-ins.”
“I love some chaos. I’m excited to meet Elle, too, and get all the dirt on your twenties.”
