“Anytime.” Aaron released the door and went to pick up the cat carrier from outside.
Hannah called Rachel to the counter. “You’re already checked in, and room one is ready for you. Mandy will be right out to weigh Roxie and take her back.”
Before Hannah finished speaking, Mandy, the vet tech, came around the corner and took Roxie to the scale. “Seventy-eight pounds. Looks like she gained a little.”
Rachel cringed. “I might have given her a few extra treats lately. I’ll be more careful.”
“It could be normal fluctuations. For now, it’s nothing to be concerned about, but keep in mind that extra weight will be more difficult on her joints as she ages.” Mandy smiled, letting her know it wasn’t a lecture, then patted Roxie’s head.
The front door opened, and Aaron walked through with Fifi as Mandy took Rachel and Roxie to the exam room. For once, Rachel wished the office wasn’t so efficient. She wanted another chance to talk to him, but she’d probably never see him again.
All for the best.She had enough on her plate for now without adding long-forgotten dreams of romance.
Mandy asked several questions regarding Roxie and recorded the answers on an iPad. “Dr. Scott will be right in.”
“I’ll be waiting.” Her meant-to-be-humorous quip fell flat in her worry over Roxie.
The pooch plopped down by Rachel’s feet, her tongue hanging out. Thankfully, she’d never been one to drool.
Two minutes later, Dr. Scott came in wearing a white lab coat over a plaid shirt, and calm washed over Rachel. She had the best vet in the area, and if anything was wrong with Roxie, Dr. Scott would make her all better.
He stooped down and cupped Roxie’s jaw and showed her love before beginning an examination. “How’s our girl been?”
“Good other than this growth. I’m sure it’s probably nothing, but I’d rather be safe than sorry.”
“Her front left leg, correct?” Once she nodded, Dr. Scott tenderly took Roxie’s leg and examined it. “When did you first notice it?”
“Not long after her last appointment, but it didn’t grow until now.”
“Hmm.” His facial features tightened as he pressed in and around the lump. He stood up, rubbing his jaw.
Rachel’s stomach tightened. “What is it?”
“I’d like to do a biopsy.”
She swallowed hard. “Aren’t those usually done for cancer?”
Dr. Scott pinched his lips tightly before answering. His eyes held the dread Rachel feared. “Not always, but I am concerned about how this bump feels and it’s sudden, rapid, rate of growth. It doesn’t have the hallmarks of a cyst or lipoma.”
“Then you think it is cancer?” Her fists clenched into tight balls, and she couldn’t bring herself to look at the growth on Roxie.
“I can’t be sure unless we do a biopsy, but unfortunately, I think there is a good chance it is.”
Hot tears burned behind her eyes. “And if it is?”
“Then we’ll proceed with treatment, depending on what results we get.” He sat on the bench beside her and laid a hand on her shoulder. “I know it’s scary and not what any pet owner wants to hear, but we’ll give her the best care.”
“Will…will she…” Rachel couldn’t bring herself to say the words.
“Only God knows the answer to that, but I believe she’ll be all right.”
“Let’s say it is cancer.” She took a deep breath, preparing herself for answers. “What kind of treatment are we looking at?”
Dr. Scott left the bench and kneeled beside Roxie. “That really depends on the biopsy results. It may be as simple as removing the tumor or it could require amputation.”
A sob caught in her throat. Two hours ago, her life was fine, and now she faced her best friend possibly having cancer. Roxie had been a constant in her life during many monumental changes. Her breakup with Josh and the trauma of cancelling all the reservations and plans for the wedding. The beginning of her career in social work. Her grandmother’s death. The cross country move. Her job at the women’s shelter.
She hated crying in front of people. When Josh called off their engagement, she refused to cry until after he’d left, even though her heart had broken into thousands of tiny, irreparable shards.
