Immediately relieved, Lila released the air she’d been holding. She still had a job at the clinic. At least for now.
She cleared her throat, willing her voice to be strong and firm. “Sure. We have a litter of pups coming in for vaccinations in about an hour, so we have a few minutes.” She placed the clipboard on the counter. “Let’s talk.”
She trailed him to the back room.
“Uh, is there a coffee pot somewhere?” he asked.
She nodded. “Over here.” She moved for a counter at the back of the room that held a sink with a line of cupboards above. At the far right, there was an older model Mr. Coffee machine, that frankly, had seen better days. “The filters and coffee grounds are in here.” She opened a cupboard door and pulled out the items and proceeded to make coffee, adding an extra scoop. She needed her brew strong this morning. Liquid courage.
When she finished the task, she turned to find Whit leaning against the opposite counter, watching her. His gaze made her uncomfortable. She pointed her thumb back at the coffee maker. “Should be done soon.”
He thanked her and invited her to follow him to the sofa against the left wall…a battered piece of furniture covered with animal hair. Normally, she would have brushed the seat before sitting. Not today. She simply sank into the cushion and watched as he took a place on the other end.
He opened his mouth, and she preempted him. “Look, I know Capri came to see you yesterday. She tends to be a little impulsive. Anything she said…well, she meant well. She’s protective of the people she cares about.”
Whit nodded. “Yeah, that girl’s got some fire in her spirit. I admire her loyalty.” He paused, gave her a long look. “I think I understand the situation now.”
The comment got her dander up. He thought he understood? Not likely.
“Well, it’s like this,” she began. “Despite the fact I just made the coffee, that’s not what I’m here to do. I have years of experience—general animal husbandry and veterinarian medicine. I’ve encountered a lot of precarious situations in my years here. I know my way around. I hope you don’t think you have to coddle me, or?—”
He laughed.
She stiffened. “Did you just laugh?”
Whit quickly put up his open palms. “I’m not laughing at you.”
“Sounds like laughter to me. And we’re the only ones in the room.” For emphasis, she looked around. “No one but you and me.”
He reached and pulled at his right earlobe. “Look, let me start over.”
“Why do you always do that?”
“Do what?”
She pointed to his ear. “You pull on your ear.”
His face flushed with color. “A nervous habit,” he reluctantly admitted, his voice a bit defensive.
“Nervous?” Her eyebrows lifted. As soon as the words left her mouth, she could tell from his expression that he regretted his word choice.
It was then she began to consider his side of this situation. Maybe this wasn’t all that easy on him, either.
He was taking on a whole new endeavor. While she wasn’t privy to the financial end of things, no doubt he had an investment on the line. He was new to town. Despite being friendly, he would be sized up by the residents of Thunder Mountain in these early days. He’d have to earn their trust. Especially when dealing with their animals and precious pets.
Worse still, Nicola Cavendish would undoubtedly revel in broadcasting that Doc Tillman had favored the newcomer over her. Soon, everyone would be keeping their distance, blaming him just as she had.
Her demeanor softened slightly. Perhaps it was time to steer the conversation in a new direction. “Where are you from?” she inquired, tentatively aiming for a fresh start. “Let’s start there.”
Whit nodded. “I’m from Texas.”
“I guess that explains the huge star emblem on your pickup.” She fought to hold back an eye roll. “Must be a thing,” she muttered.
Whit bristled. “Hey, there’s nothing wrong with having pride in where you come from.” His tone edged on the defensive. “That Lone Star? It’s not just decoration—it’s a symbol of pride. Not everyone gets it, I guess.”
Lila shrugged, offering a half-hearted apology. “No offense meant. Everyone’s got their thing, I suppose.” Inside, she scoffed. Some people took things far too seriously.
Curious, despite her irritation, she asked, “What part of Texas?”
