“Then we better get to it.”
He opens his mouth to say something but then seems to reconsider. Instead, he shrugs. “Bands first?”
“Yes, but start with the green today.”
His brows creep up to touch the swatch of hair that’s damp and clinging to his forehead.
I want to brush it back and feel my fingers twitch with the desire. “You’re ready.”
The tiny spark of hope in his eyes expands. As much as I’m worried about Bandit, I’m glad I did nothing rash. Nick—I mean, my patients—need me. I just have to believe that something will work out to help Bandit in the meantime.
That whole patience thing, right?
Maybe one of these days, I’ll get the hang of it.
“Okay,Mr. Skittles, you’re all better now.” I lower the fluff ball that’s a nine-year-old, overfed calico into the carrier. He got so stressed during a nail clipping and caterwauled so loudly that he sounded in pain.
Liam blows out a long breath. “Thanks, Han. None of us could get him to calm down.”
I crouch down over the carrier, securing the top grate. “No problem. He just needed some help to relax. Tell the owner to try a little catnip before they bring him in next time. Might help.”
“I will. Thanks.” Liam lifts the carrier onto the small grooming table in the back room.
Eyes red, Jenny swipes a hand over her cheek. She’s worked for Liam since high school and is in her initial year of veterinary college. “I thought I hurt him.”
“No, he’s just being over-dramatic. He’s okay.” I rub her arm, giving her my best reassuring smile while remembering what that first year was like.
Liam glances at Jenny, then takes the carrier. “I’ll take him up front to the owner.” He nods his head toward Jenny and gives me a pleading look.
I lift my chin in acknowledgment. Of my two brothers, Liam and I probably communicate the best. Most likely because he’s nothing like me, whereas Graham and I could have been twins.
After Liam leaves and closes the door, I approach Jenny. “Don’t let this set you back, okay?”
Tears well up in her eyes again. “I don’t know if I can do this.”
I hold her arms below the shoulder and bend my knees so we’re more eye to eye. “What, clip nails?”
She shakes her head, her lips trembling. “The whole vet thing. If I can’t handle an over-dramatic cat, then how am I going to deal with the more serious cases?”
“Well, for one, you just started vet school. Don’t you think by the time you finish, you’ll be way more trained and prepared?”
She shrugs. “I guess.”
I straighten as I rub my hands up and down her arms for reassurance, which I know will also help calm her nerves as touch releases endorphins. “Think of it this way. A first-year student in medical school isn’t performing surgery or diagnosing patients, right?”
She agrees with a slight nod.
“And no one would expect them to, right?”
Jenny manages a weak smile.
“Then take some pressure off yourself, girl. You’ve got plenty of time to get the hang of it all.” Crossing my arms, I lean against the edge of the counter.
She swipes a tissue from the box nearby and blows her nose. “How did you know vet school wasn’t for you?”
Liam must have told her about my shift from being a vet to a physical therapist.
“It wasn’t the right fit. I knew that almost immediately but fought it at first, thinking I just needed to adjust. But the more I listened to my gut, the more I realized what I really wanted. Then, when I figured out it wouldn’t be the end of the world to try something else, I let myself consider other possibilities.” I’m uncertain if I’m helping Jenny or confusing her more. All I know is that I’ve been where she is.
