The Courage to Try

by C. A. Popovich

  Chapter Two

  “Good morning, Rose.” Dr. Jaylin Meyers arrived at her clinic with a bag of assorted bagels and cream cheese varieties for her staff. “I picked up a few of those specialty bagels from the bakery this morning. Help yourselves.” Jaylin set the bag of warm bagels on her office manager’s desk.

  “Thanks, Doc. You must’ve had a good day with the horses yesterday.”

  “It went well, yes. It was a standard gelding procedure. Dr. Berglund is good, and he has quite a support staff. So, who do we have coming in today?”

  Rose brought up the day’s schedule. “Bob Miller is bringing in his new bulldog puppy for vaccinations. Jenny Miles has a kitten she found living in the culvert in front of her house. She wants you to check it out to see what it needs. She doesn’t know if it’s a male or female. Let’s see, Billy James is bringing Lucifer in for a heartworm check, and that takes care of the morning.” Rose glanced at Jaylin before continuing to scroll down her day’s list. “This afternoon, we have Mrs. Preston bringing in Pepper. She says he’s been scratching at his left ear for three days. Then, so far, there’s only one other patient scheduled. Maria is bringing Frankie in for his heartworm check.”

  Jaylin smiled at the thought of seeing Maria again. The last time they spoke was when Jaylin had called to wish her a merry Christmas, and Maria had admitted to falling in love and moving in with a local dog groomer. Jaylin had asked Maria out at a time when her loneliness had overpowered her fears, and Maria had turned out to be perfect for her: completely unavailable.

  “I’ll go tell Nancy about the bagels, and let me know when puppy Miller gets here.”

  Jaylin sat back in her office chair and considered how she felt about giving up her practice. She’d worked hard to earn the trust and respect of her clients in the small town of St. Clair, Michigan, and she was proud of that. It would take time to build a rapport within a new community. Starting over would be a challenge. But it was time to push herself out of her comfort zone.

  Jaylin reviewed her office space and made a note to check with Bill about room for shelves in the new office. She was in the middle of making a list when Rose let her know Bob Miller had arrived.

  “Good morning, Bob. So this is your new little guy.” Jaylin looked at the tall man dwarfing her exam room. He cradled a bulldog puppy with hands nearly as big as the pup himself. The bulldog snorted, bounced, and lifted his pudgy front legs as high as he could while wiggling his back end from side to side. “Well, you’re a friendly one, aren’t you?” Jaylin smiled at his antics as she held him close to her body to listen to his heart.

  “He looks pretty healthy. You’ve had bulldogs before, so I probably don’t have to tell you to keep an eye on his skin for any sores, and watch his weight. They can get obese quickly since they tend to be real couch potatoes. Does he have a name yet?”

  “I’m gonna call him Bambi.”

  Jaylin studied the young dog. He was fawn with a brindled coloring across his rear end. “I can see it. He looks a little like a baby deer.”

  “Exactly!”

  “I like it. It suits him.” Jaylin picked up Bambi and set him on the scale to get a starting weight. She’d miss her long-time clients like Bob. They might choose to go elsewhere rather than make the forty-mile trip to her new clinic, but she couldn’t control that. She could send them a letter letting them know where she was and hope they chose to follow her. If not, she’d make new clients. I can do this. “He won’t get his rabies shot until he’s a year old. He’s a healthy puppy, and I think he’ll be a great dog for you, Bob.”

  “Thank you. I think so, too,” Bob said. He bent to kiss Bambi’s head.

  Jaylin suppressed a grin and took Bambi’s chart to the front desk.

  “Thanks for your help, Rose.” She spoke quietly as she handed her the file.

  “Dr. Meyers. You don’t need to thank me for doing my job. If I hated it, I’d quit.” Rose smiled and shook her head.

  “I hate doing paperwork, so indulge me.”

  Jaylin went to her office to relax with a cup of coffee and a cranberry bagel while she waited for her next appointment. She opened her laptop to check the latest Veterinary Practice News.

  *

  Jaylin started at the ping of her phone signaling Rose’s text announcing Maria’s arrival with Frankie. She shut down her computer before heading to the exam room.

  “Hi, Dr. Jay.” Maria hefted Frankie onto the exam table and beamed her incredible smile from across the table.

  “How’ve you been, Maria? Everyone adjusted to the move?” Jaylin relaxed into the presence of Maria’s gentle spirit.

  “You know”—Maria tilted her head, a look of wonder on her beautiful face—“it’s interesting to me how little adjustment was needed. I feel as if I’m finally living the life meant for me. I’m crazy in love with Dana, and the little church where I sing feels like home. Frankie’s settling in, too.” She pulled Frankie into a hug and continued. “I think he’s lost some weight. He has two flights of stairs to navigate to get outside, and Dana takes him to the grooming school a couple of times a week. He’s gotten a lot more social around other dogs.”

  “I’m happy for you. Let’s get this guy weighed.” Jaylin gently moved Frankie to the scale. “He’s down two pounds.” She cupped the dachshund’s face. “Good job, little guy.” His butt tried desperately to keep up with his wagging tail at the attention, which made them both laugh. He didn’t even flinch when Jaylin drew his blood. “Good boy.” Jaylin deposited the blood sample in the lab area, grabbed Frankie’s chart, and turned to Maria. “Stop and see Rose on your way out. I’m glad you and Frankie are doing well.”

  “Oh, no. I’ll go in a minute. First, I want to know how you’re doing. I don’t like the worry in your eyes. I know you rescued a dog in November. Is everything going all right?”

  Jaylin looked up from Frankie’s chart and caught Maria’s intense gaze.

  “I just have a lot on my mind. Railroad, my dog, is great. I’m planning to train her for agility trials this fall.”

  “Good. I’m glad she’s working out for you. My invitation to come to our church Easter program still stands. I’m arranging some nice music.”

  “Thank you, Maria. I’ll think about it.”

  “I hope you do,” Maria said. “Pastor Wright is great. He accepts everyone who wants to be there. He won’t judge you. I’ve been singing in the choir for months, and it’s really a comfortable, welcoming place of worship. I’d love to have you visit. Dana and I usually stop for lunch after the service and you’d be welcome to join us.” Maria’s gentle tone and intense dark eyes encouraged Jaylin.

  “Thanks, Maria.” Jaylin considered telling Maria about her intention to sell her practice, but she still had planning to do. Maria was one of her few friends in the area, and she would miss her. She made a mental note to keep in touch with her and gave her a tight hug good-bye.

  Jaylin dropped Frankie’s chart off on Rose’s desk. Alone in her office, she began a list of the positives and negatives of selling. Dr. William Berglund had offered her an opportunity for a new small animal clinic attached to his equine hospital in Novi, Michigan. Forty miles away, but closer to my brother. She wouldn’t have to worry about a mortgage or taxes on the business because Bill would take care of the billing and insurance, and he hadn’t asked for any monetary investment on her part. She wrote that under positives. She’d be making less income. She wrote that under negatives but with an asterisk. How much money did she need? She’d managed to pay off her student loans, had a roof over her head, food for herself and her dog, and a reliable vehicle. She had all she needed. She would have to hire movers, probably come up with a security deposit, and monthly rent, but she had a little money saved, and she paid rent now, so there was no change there. She’d learned the lessons of doing without from her foster care childhood, and it was time for her to take a chance on something new. She opened her laptop and composed her ad for the sale of her practice. She ha
d a couple of weeks until her appointment with Bill to see the new building and finalize the details. It was time for a staff meeting.

  “I’d like to speak to you both before you head home today, if that’s all right.” Jaylin stood at the front reception desk as she addressed Rose and Nancy.

  “Sure,” they said in unison.

  Jaylin collected her thoughts for a moment before continuing. “I’ve had an offer from Dr. Berglund to take over a small animal clinic he’s starting in Novi. It’ll be a big move for me, but I also believe it will also be an excellent opportunity.” She looked at both her employees as she spoke. “I plan to sell this practice, and I wanted to give you both time to consider your options. I’ll be meeting with Bill in a couple of weeks, and I’ll know more after that.”

  Rose and Nancy looked at each other before Rose spoke. “I think it’s great you’re moving on, but I know I’ll miss you.”

  “Me, too,” Nancy said.

  “Thanks, you two. I’ll let you know how it goes.”

  Jaylin went back to her office, a sense of excitement building. Telling her staff was the first step, but somehow that made it more concrete. I can do this.

  Chapter Three

  Jaylin pulled into the parking lot and parked on the shaded west side of the building. The white lines on the aged and cracking asphalt were barely visible, indicating that it probably wasn’t Bill’s top priority. She’d intentionally arrived early to have a chance to check out the building. This would be a huge decision, and she didn’t like surprises. She took time to gaze around the expanse of land surrounding the equine clinic. The giant oak, maple, black walnut, and various weed trees grew randomly across the land as if sprouting wherever the hand of nature had thrown seeds into the breeze. Thirty-foot spruce sentinels protected the building from the winter’s harsh north wind. Serenity floated in the breeze, rustling the tiny new leaves vying for first chance to offer shade from the intensifying sunshine. She could be comfortable in this natural setting. It was what she missed most about her current building, located as it was on the busy main street of downtown St. Clair.

  Bill had made good progress updating the building. The neutral colored, freshly painted cinderblock blended well with the verdant surroundings. She recognized the vinyl windows as the expensive brand she would have loved to have had in her clinic. The covered entryway, lined with neatly trimmed boxwood on either side of the aging cement walkway, looked like a perfect stopping place for nervous dogs. The new steel front door had a small window large enough to let sunlight in but small enough to keep intruders out. She tried the handle on the door but wasn’t surprised to find it locked. She walked around to the rear entrance, a smaller version of the front. She recognized the young shoots growing along the path to the door as day lilies. She pictured a bird feeder set away from the building and a small table with a few chairs where she and the staff could eat lunch and take breaks.

  Jaylin heard squealing tires just as she grabbed the handle of the equine clinic’s door. She’d finally been able to afford the Volvo she’d wanted, so her heart raced when she turned to see a sporty little Porsche convertible skid into the parking lot and stop within a yard of her vehicle. Damn fool. Probably one of those wealthy horse owners. She yanked open the door, then turned back to give the idiot a piece of her mind, but the woman climbing out of the Boxter Spyder held her spellbound for a moment. She was striking.

  “Hello. Is that your wagon?” the arresting woman asked.

  Jaylin wondered if this was Bill’s vet tech. She hoped not. She shook off the disquieting reaction. “Hello, yourself. Do you always drive that way?” Jaylin stood next to her XC70 Volvo with her hands on her hips. She knew she was glaring, but this woman unsettled her.

  “Huh? Oh. Sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you. My name’s Kristen. Are you the doctor here to see Bill?”

  “You need to be more careful. You could’ve slid into the side of my car.”

  “I said I’m sorry. I didn’t come close to hitting your car.” Kristen pointed to the distance between the vehicles.

  “You most certainly did come close. What if you’d hit some gravel and couldn’t stop?”

  “I’m not going to stand here asking for forgiveness. I didn’t hit your car, and I was in complete control of mine. There’s no gravel on this lot. Look at it.” Kristen waved her hand toward the area surrounding them. Kristen set her hands on her hips and stood mirroring Jaylin’s stance.

  “Never mind.” Jaylin dismissed her with a wave of her hand and began to walk away while resisting the impulse to lean closer.

  A light breeze carried the scent of fresh hay and early spring, and a horse whinnied in the distance.

  Kristen bristled at the universal dismissal. “I was running late. I’m not going to apologize again. I’m here to see Dr. Berglund.” She turned to head into the building but stopped when Jaylin gently gripped her arm.

  “Hey. Apology accepted. I’m here to see Bill, too. I’m Dr. Jaylin Meyers.”

  Kristen startled at the feeling of loss when Jaylin released her hold on her arm. Golden flecks in her hazel eyes sparkled in the sunlight. “Fine. Let’s go inside.” She held the door open for Jaylin but resisted the urge to touch her, a feeling that threw her off balance.

  “Kristen, I’m glad you could make it.” Bill Berglund slid his arm around Kristen’s shoulder. “And Dr. Meyers. Did you two already meet?”

  “Yeah. I’ve already managed to piss her off.” Kristen forced a smile.

  “It’s all good,” Jaylin said.

  “Well, that’s fine then. Would either of you like an iced tea?” Bill asked and walked behind his desk to the refrigerator, totally ignoring the tension permeating the room.

  “No, thanks,” Kristen said. She watched Jaylin eye her suspiciously.

  “I would. Thank you,” Jaylin said.

  Bill handed a cold can of tea to Jaylin. “So, do we need formal introductions?” he asked.

  “You know, I’d like to start over, if we could,” Kristen said.

  “Good. Dr. Jaylin Meyers, this is my former vet tech, Kristen Eckert. Kristen, this is Dr. Jaylin Meyers. She’s considering a position as a small animal vet here at my practice.” Bill turned to address Jaylin. “I’ve asked Kristen to come back on a temporary basis to help you get settled. She worked for me for five years before…well, a few years ago. She knows the clinic and most of our clients. She’s a graduate of Macomb Community College’s vet tech program, and I think she could be a huge asset to you if you decide to move to this area.”

  “I’m glad to meet you.” Jaylin held out her hand and Kristen took it in a show of truce.

  “How about a tour?” Bill asked.

  “Sounds good,” Jaylin said.

  They walked outside to the adjacent building that would be the new small animal clinic. Jaylin’s neatly cut brown hair feathered along her neck, barely touching the collar of her powder blue polo shirt. Kristen imagined running her fingers through the soft curls and gently nibbling on the exposed skin. Jaylin had breasts the perfect size for snuggling, and expressive, slender hands. Kristen found herself imagining their heat as they traveled across her skin. Her body looked trim and her legs long under her tailored slacks. A polished pair of penny loafers finished off her casual elegance. Those hazel eyes that had captured Kristen with their intensity had moved to take in the building and surrounding area, and she wished they were back on her. She shoved the thought aside and focused on what Bill was saying.

  *

  Jaylin willed her hands to steady as she ran her fingers over the walls of what could be her new clinic. Bill said she would have full control over it. She would be in charge as far as treatments went, and Bill would take care of the financial side of things. She wouldn’t be making as much income, but as she’d figured, she wouldn’t have the expense of a mortgage either. But that wasn’t what made her hands shake. Kristen, the annoying woman who’d sped into the parking lot like a maniac, had the bluest eyes she’
d ever seen. She’d tied her thick mahogany hair back away from her tanned face, and there was a softness born of maturity in her features. She was older than Jaylin would have expected for a vet tech. She guessed her age early thirties. She was lean and wore her jeans and Western style shirt and boots as if she was born in them. Her cocky grin touched a place in Jaylin she vehemently safeguarded. She hadn’t been so intensely affected by anyone since Sally. She squashed the painful memories and concentrated on the job ahead.

  “This all looks great, Bill. I like the connecting door between the buildings. The clients can wait in that expansive waiting room of yours and not have to walk outside to get here. When will the plumbing and electrical be finished?”

  “I expect it’ll be finished by late April. You can oversee all the improvements, but please be sure to run anything by me so I’m not overdrawn on my bank account.”

  Bill grinned, but Jaylin knew he was probably only half kidding. The renovation looked expensive. “It looks terrific so far. The only thing I might add would be a table and chairs and a bird feeder in back. You’ve done an outstanding job.”

  “Thanks. I’m guessing from all the calls I’ve been getting, you’ll be super busy, but I can’t count on that until I see the numbers. I know Sarah’s willing to take on the extra work of scheduling your appointments, and I believe Kristen will fill in for a while as your technician. If you get overloaded, just let me know and we can figure out a permanent solution.”

  Jaylin chanced meeting Kristen’s gaze. Kristen grinned, and Jaylin ignored the flutter in her stomach. No way would she go there. Her sanity depended on it. “I’d be happy for any help you can give me, Kristen.” She slid her hands into her pants pockets, straightened her spine, and returned Kristen’s grin with a confident smile before she turned back to Bill. “I think I’d like it here. You have a lovely piece of property.”