I didn’t know how to start. I was still so hurt at her instinctual lack of faith in me. It lingered under my skin like a bruise I couldn’t stop pressing. I finally replied to her text.
I just need a little more time.
That was all I said, and I knew it wasn’t enough.
Chapter Thirty-Four
Tori
Three entire freaking days passed, and I still hadn’t heard more from Kincaid beyond his curt text.
“How long do you think I should keep waiting?” I asked.
Tish stared at me, a small wrinkle between her brows. “I don’t know. Just give him a little more time.”
Tish’s suggestion boomeranged through my brain over the following days. Actually, three more days, which made it six days. Not that I was counting or anything. All the while, I was absolutely obsessing over how long was enough time.
That night—yes, the sixth night—Bella was breathing heavily after our walk. When we came back inside, she started pacing in rapid circles through the kitchen and living room. Worry spun wild inside of me. She was my best friend, the companion who was always there with unconditional love. I called the vet.
Since it was after business hours, I got an answering service. They assured me there was a vet on call and I’d hear back within fifteen minutes. “If you’re that concerned,” the woman on the phone said, “I’d recommend driving to the vet clinic. If they decide she needs to be seen, that’s where they’ll meet you.”
“Okay, okay, okay,” I repeated, trying not to panic.
Bella was still panting, her sides heaving like she couldn’t get enough air. She looked like she might collapse right in front of me. While she kept on pacing, I threw on something that qualified as actual clothes, stuffed my feet into my tennis shoes, grabbed my purse, and raced outside to start my car. I planned to get the car ready and come back inside to get Bella.
“No, no, no,” I muttered as the engine turned over and sputtered. I leaned my head back against the seat, closing my eyes and taking a slow breath.
I patted the dashboard gently, trying to be kind to my car. “You can start,” I whispered.
The car did not, in fact, start. “Oh, no. No, no, no, no.” I was on the verge of tears.
My phone vibrated in my pocket, and I fumbled to pull it out. “Hi!” I blurted the moment I saw the Willow Brook Veterinary Clinic flash across the screen. I’d been there enough with Bella that I kept it in my contacts.
“Hi, Tori,” came Alice’s calm voice. “I’m on call tonight.”
“Oh, thank God. Bella’s not breathing well. She’s panting really hard. What should I do?”
“You should meet me at the clinic,” Alice said without missing a beat. “We’ll check on her and sort out what’s going on.”
“Okay. When should I meet you there?”
“I can make it in about twenty minutes. Does that work?”
“Yes. I’ll be there.” I hung up, heart pounding.
I tried one more time to start my car. “Maybe third time’s the charm?”
No such luck. With my anxiety for Bella creating a cacophony in my thoughts, I wasn’t thinking clearly when I called Kincaid. The phone rang and rang and rang before it went to voicemail.
My heart plunged into my stomach, but I marshaled enough composure to speak.
“Hey, um, I know maybe you don’t want to talk to me now, or ever, but I’m in a bit of a bind. Maybe this isn’t the right reason to call you, but you’re the first person I thought to call. Bella’s having trouble breathing, and I need to take her to the vet, and my car won’t start, and I miss you...”
My voice cracked, and I had to blink through tears to see when I ended the call. I tried starting my car again. Still nothing. I scrambled out and ran back inside. Bella was in the kitchen now, not pacing, just standing there with her sides heaving.
“Oh, sweetie.” I dropped to my knees beside her. “I’m going to get you there, one way or another.”
I didn’t want to waste time. The vet clinic was only about ten minutes away. I glanced at my watch and called my mom.
