“Tell me yours. I’ll shoot you a text.”
I recite my number as she types. “I left my phone in the car. I’ll save yours once I get my hands on it.”
“No problem.” She smiles. “If you need anything or have any question, call me immediately. I don’t care if it’s three in the morning.”
The dark cloud hanging over my head has somewhat passed. After running a few tests and giving Pihu an exam, the vet said she got food poisoning from something she ate, which caused her a high fever. Hence, her deep slumber and lethargy.
They’ve given her injections and medicine so she sleeps peacefully through the night. They also told me not to worry and that she’ll wake up in the morning. Of course, her treatment will take a few days until she’s fully healed.
I am so glad Nathan brought me here. Every single member of staff was sweet, professional, and caring. Rosalie has built something special and runs it with all her heart.
“Thank you for everything, Rosalie,” I tell her gratefully, and bundle Pihu against my chest. “I appreciate it. I thought maybe I did something that made her sick. She’s my first pet.”
“Oh, I know the panic. I mean, I have had three cute fur babies for years, yet I become scared shitless whenever they fall sick.” Waving her hand, she mutters, “And they always find something bad to eat behind your back. So, don’t fret too much. All that matters is that your precious Pihu will be healthy in a week.”
“I’m going to take the day off tomorrow to look after her.”
“That would be best. But if you must work, I’m more than happy to babysit her.”
“That’s so sweet of you. I’ll skip the office, though, since I won’t be able to concentrate anyways. But I might call you for some tips on how to feed her medicine. I hope she doesn’t fuss.”
“I’m a phone call away.”
“Thanks.”
Tucking her red hair behind her ear, she nervously bites the corner of her mouth, and says, “Look, about the last time we met, I’m sorry for acting like a total bitch. It was uncalled for.”
“Hey.” I touch her arm and lean closer. “You don’t need to apologize. I deserved it.”
She shakes her head. “You didn’t. I’ve known you since we were kids and I know how much you love Bianca. The separation must’ve been difficult on you as well.”
“It was, but everything is good between Bianca and me now. Let’s leave the past in the past.”
A wide grin stretches on her red lips. “I’m so happy you two made up.”
“Same.”
“Listen, Nova and I are throwing a party to celebrate our wedding anniversary next month. You are coming.” Pointing a finger in my face before I can say a word, she utters bossily, “I’m not taking no for an answer.”
“And what’s the question, little hellion?” a deep and amused voice says from behind us.
I turn, finding Nova’s mischievous gaze locked on his wife. Over his shoulder, my eyes connect with a closed-off Nathan. The look in his metallic gray eyes is dark and brooding. It unnerves me.
“I’m not always up to trouble, hubby,” Rosalie sasses. “I was just inviting Arya to our anniversary party.”
Rounding to her side, Nova pulls her against his chest with an arm around her waist. Smacking a kiss against her lips, he teases, “Your middle name is trouble, Rose.”
She rolls her eyes, but there’s a grin on her face.
“How’s Pihu?” cuts in Nathan, keeping two inches of space between him and me. Though they feel like a mile.
Rosalie’s gaze slides to him, becoming hard. I bet she holds the same opinion as Bianca. It immediately makes me want to jump to his defense and shield him from their judgments. I hold myself back. Barely.
“She has food poisoning,” I answer him to diffuse the sudden tension. “Fortunately, it’s not critical and she needs to take medicine for the next couple of days to become healthy.”
“Good.” His tone is soft. “Did you purchase the prescription?”
“Yeah.” I hold up the paper bag. “Rosalie provided it.”
