She’s the only person I could think to call since her brother is deciding not to pick up the phone. Not that Noah can’t have a life, but it’s not like I know what to do when Oreo isn’t eating.
“It’s almost eight, Piper. The vet isn’t open.”
“There has to be an emergency vet in Denver you can go to.”
“Do you think I should? Is that not being dramatic? Maybe I can just wait until tomorrow.”
“Nick.” There’s a force behind her words. One that means I should listen to whatever she’s telling me. “Oreo can’t tell you what he’s feeling, so go to the vet. It’s not dramatic to go tonight. Besides, what if it gets worse and then how will you feel tomorrow?”
“Way to call me out,” I mutter.
“You’re being ridiculous, Nick,” she tells me. I can hear the exasperation in her voice. “Your vet will not think anything of you for bringing him in. I would do the same thing for Puckwithout hesitation. He’ll probably talk your ear off about how great your game was the other night.”
I smile at her as I stroke Oreo’s soft fur between his ears. “I guess.”
“Keep me posted on how it goes.”
“Sure thing.”
I end the call and scoop the small ball of fur into my arms. As much as I don’t want to get shamed by taking him in, I’d rather do it and worry about that later.
Even if it means I’ll have to bail on Bex tonight. We haven’t hung out that often, but I love the time we do spend together. Maybe a little too much.
Nick
Sorry, I won’t be able to make it tonight. Oreo isn’t feeling well and I need to take him to the vet. Which seems dramatic because he’s a bunny, right? Do bunnies even get sick? I don’t know, and now I’m worried that if I wait until tomorrow, something bad will happen, so I’m taking him in and won’t be over tonight. Sorry.
I don’t think twice before hittingsend on the verbal diarrhea I just spewed out at her. I find the closest emergency vet—only two in the Denver area take bunnies—and give them a call, telling the nurse about Oreo’s ailments. Getting confirmation to take him in, I put him in his carrier and head that way.
Even with it being post-rush hour, traffic is still a bitch through the city. It’s a slow crawl until I finally make it to the twenty-four-hour vet that’s situated next to a diner and a nail salon in a strip mall.
The glass bell over the door tinkles as I pull it open. A nurse in scrubs is sitting at the desk typing away on the computer. The lobby has the usual antiseptic smell of a vet’s office.
“Hi. How can I help you?” she asks by way of greeting.
“I called a little while ago about my bunny.”
“Oreo, yes.” Her hazel eyes light up in recognition. “I need you to fill out a few forms while you wait, and the doctor will see you shortly. If you’d like to come back, I can get you in a room.”
“Thank you.”
I follow her through the hallways that are covered with pictures of happy animals and different types of medications for them. The overhead lights are bright as she shows me to a small room.
“You can set Oreo up here and we’ll see him soon.”
I give her a nod before she’s out the door on the other side of the room. Setting Oreo’s carrier on the table, I peer in at him before starting on the stack of forms. “It’s okay, buddy. You’ll be feeling better in no time.”
I don’t know if I’m saying it more to reassure him or myself. Opening the door to the carrier, I take him in my arms and stroke his soft fur.
Was getting a pet bunny on my list of things to do my first season as an NHL player? Hell no. But when I saw him, I couldn’t pass him up. Oreo doesn’t care what kind of game I have, good or bad. It’s someone that doesn’t judge me and that is why I like having him in my life. A calm from the chaos of everything else going on.
“Mr. Brooks-Young. Wow. I didn’t believe it when the nurse told me who was here.” The door in the back of the room opens and the vet pops in. He’s an older man with dyed brown hair and a goatee. A stethoscope hangs around his neck. A dog and cat are embroidered on his navy scrubs.
“Umm, hi.”
“Sorry.” He waves his hand in front of him. “Dr. Gray. I didn’t mean to come in like that. I’m a lifelong Black Diamonds fan, so crazy to think you’re here. But let’s get the patient taken care of.”
“I appreciate it.”
