I hesitate for a moment, then decide to be honest. “I’ve been missing you, too.”
Chapter 38
Danny
When I land in Columbus one day earlier than expected, the first thing I do is buy a big container of fries and a ginger ale from Gracie’s favorite diner. After a month apart, I’m eager to see her in her element. I know it’s difficult for her to grab snacks or even drink water during a day filled with patients, so I didn’t want to come empty-handed.
After getting the goods, the rideshare drops me off in front of the clinic. From the outside, her practice is unassuming. A modestly sized, red brick one-story building with the words “Columbus Metro Animal Clinic” on the front. The namesDr. Grace SinclairandDr. Elle Todakare etched into the glass on the main door, alongside their business hours. They close in about an hour.
As soon as I open the door, I see all the love Gracie injected into this place. The waiting room has vibrant, deep pink walls decorated with photographs of happy animals. The space is filled with an eclectic assortment of small couches and colorful chairs.
“Hi there!” A smiling woman who looks to be about twenty greets me from the reception desk. I realize by the social media handles sign sitting on the desk next to her that this must beHannah, the clinic’s “Resident Young Person.” She pushes her purple hair behind her shoulders. “What can I do for you?”
“Are you Hannah?”
“Yes,” she replies slowly. “And you are?”
“Sorry. I’m Danny, Gracie’s boy… Grace’s friend. Dr. Sinclair’s friend.”
Yuck.“Dr. Sinclair’s friend” tastes disgusting coming out of my mouth.
Hannah gives me a curious smile. “Did you want me to page Dr. Sinclair?”
“I know the clinic closes soon, so if you’re okay with it, I’m happy to wait in her office. I don’t want to bother her if she’s in the middle of something with a patient.”
She quirks an eyebrow, looking skeptical. “Yeah, I’m going to page Dr. Sinclair.”
Fair.
Hannah presses some buttons before I hear a responding beeping sound. “Okay then. She’s with a patient but says you can wait in her office. It’s the last room on the left once you get through the door.”
I nod and wait as she buzzes me through. Gracie’s voice travels through the wall in the babyish tone she reserves for animals.
I find her office and settle in the squeaky chair behind her small, high-gloss white desk. Sitting on her desk is a pink laptop and a few pens with flowers on the end. I set down the food I brought and spin in the chair while I wait.
Not even five minutes later, I perk up when I hear her voice traveling down the hall. “You have a good day, Mrs. Baer! Jett is such a cutie. See you at his next check-up!”
I stand as soon as Gracie walks in.
Her eyes widen and a huge smile spreads across her face. She crosses the small distance between us to wrap me in a tight hug.Her body pressed against mine, familiar and warm, just feels right. We make so much sense together. I hope she feels it, too.
“You’re here a day early!”
“I was able to grab an earlier flight as soon as my team meeting ended.”
She pulls back and notices the new items on her desk. “Did you bring me fries? And a pop?”
“I figured you didn’t prioritize eating today. I ate on the way here.”
Gracie groans as she takes a long sip of the ginger ale. “You were correct. Oh my gosh, this is so good.”
I clear my throat and move around the desk so she can sit in her chair. “Youlook so good.”
“I’m in slobber-covered scrubs, please.” Gracie cringes and sits down, but not before I notice the quiet blush blooming across her cheeks.
“So, how often have you, uh, been back since we broke up?” she asks, swirling her straw.
“I fly home to visit my mom once a year for the Fourth of July weekend. She still loves the firework display at the park. Roger makes these delicious shishkabobs on the grill—you’ll have to eat one this year. It’s a good time, but once a year is about all I’ve been able to handle.”
