From the Hat Down, page 10
Chapter 7
Meg woke up ten minutes before the alarm. A familiar warmth suffused every nerve and she stared at the ceiling, disoriented. She had been dreaming, she remembered. In the dream, she was working at the ranch. She came in from a long ride and dismounted near the horse paddock. Gina stood watching her, smiling, wearing a pair of faded Levi’s, black boots, and a white shirt. Neither said anything as Meg approached to stand a foot from her, watching her eyes. Gina reached out and ran her fingers along Meg’s jaw. She slipped her hand to the back of Meg’s neck, and pulled her into a long kiss that heated quickly. Gina’s hands ended up underneath Meg’s shirt and slid up to her breasts and her lips made her burn and she had never felt so wanted or needed. Gina stopped then, pulled back, and started to say something but smiled instead and shook her head and started kissing her again.
Great. Sex dreams about her, now. Meg quietly slipped out of bed, avoiding further thoughts about the dream through morning ministrations. She re-set the alarm for eight so Sean could get back to Fort Collins in time for work, then retrieved a pair of jeans from her closet and a long-sleeved denim shirt. She grabbed a pair of underwear, a bra, and a pair of socks out of her dresser. Moonshine followed her out of the bedroom and she shut the door so Sean could sleep longer. She put coffee on and got in the shower.
It wasn’t like she never had dreams about Gina. Over the years, she’d had a few. After the breakup she’d had dreams in which the two of them would be holding hands, walking. In those initial dreams, they didn’t say anything to each other. They just walked. As the years passed, Meg even had a couple of dreams about Gina in other countries—at least that’s what she assumed—going about her life as a journalist. In some dreams they’d meet and talk, like they were old friends. In others Gina would flirt with her like she used to and Meg would wake up feeling both flustered and frustrated. Fortunately, those dreams rarely happened.
She finished in the shower and got dressed. She’d never had a dream about Gina like the one last night and it embarrassed her a little, even though Gina had been on her mind. That was something she definitely would not be telling Gina the next time she saw her. She made a salad for lunch and toasted a bagel and poured coffee into her to-go mug. After scribbling a note to Sean, she loaded Moonshine into her truck and returned to the house for her bagel and salad. With everything settled in the Toyota, she headed to the clinic.
Meg checked the schedule after she unloaded Moonshine. The morning promised to be busy, but not unmanageable. At 7:45, she called Sean.
“Uh. . .h-lo?”
“Get yer ass outta bed, girl,” Meg growled into the phone. “Coffee’s on. Bagels in the fridge.”
“I love your bedside manner,” Sean said, yawning. “That’s why I’m with Ted, hot as you are.”
“I’ll let him know.” She paused and cleared her throat. “Thanks, Sean. It means a lot to me, what you did.”
Sean was quiet for a moment before answering. “It means a lot to me that you let me. There’s hope for you yet.”
She smiled. “That’s good news. Drive carefully.”
“Yep. I’ll call you. Now go save animals.”
“Sure thing. Catch you later.” She hung up and began the work of the day, which involved several dogs and cats that needed annual shots and exams, a couple of cattle dogs with tapeworms, and a cat with severe allergies. Meg and Kelly conducted Moonshine’s X-rays and Kelly carried him to a kennel to sleep off the effects of the light anesthesia Meg had administered so she could manipulate his hips to get decent pictures.
She stood examining the images, frowning. As she suspected, he had some arthritis of the spine that had spread into his hips. His left was much worse than his right. At this juncture, he still had mobility and could get around by himself, so she’d put him on a stronger anti-inflammatory—maybe Metacam—and mix in a painkiller to see how he did on that. And she’d keep him with her in Laramie, since it would be easier for her to care for him in his state than adding that to the list of things her dad had to do. Besides, she thought, he’s good company.
She retreated to her office at lunch to check email, phone messages, and eat her salad. She logged into her Gmail account and her fork stopped halfway to her mouth. Another message from Gina. Meg put her fork down and clicked on the email.
Hiya, Cowgirl—
The gods must be smiling on me because I don’t ship out ’til tomorrow, which obviously allowed me to get your last email. I’ll ignore the crack about my age, Missy. In fact, don’t you have a birthday coming up in a few days? Hmm. Let’s see. . .how old would that make you. . .
It doesn’t matter, actually, because DAMN you look wonderful. Thanks for the photo. Maybe you’ll think this is weird, but having it makes me feel better. Sometimes, over the years, I’ve wondered if you’re a dream and then I’ll get an email from you or Mom will say that you sent them a card and it proves you’re real. I don’t know why, but that’s really important to me.
I want to say more here, but there’s never enough time. I’ve made sure that the home office knows I’m coming back to the States in August for some R&R, no debates. I hope you can block out more than just a few hours. I know you’re busy and that your days are hectic but I’ll take whatever you can spare. Oh, looks like I will be going to Italy after the weekend. That’ll be a nice change of pace. I’ll check back when I can. I hope you understand that if I don’t answer right away, it’s not because I don’t want to.
Thanks again for the photo. DAMN again. Take care.
Gina
Meg read it again, conflicting emotions chasing each other through her heart. She thought about the dream she’d had the night before and the memory sent a hot current down her thighs. She studied Gina’s message, trying to read between the lines, and a twinge of disappointment but also relief settled in her chest. Gina was engaging in a “working it out” session. Had to be. She was working something out. Meg wasn’t sure what exactly it was, but it had something to do with her and Gina was putting her thoughts out there and testing the waters, to see where Meg might stand. She typed a reply:
Hey—
Well, hell. Thanks for making me feel like I’m aging gracefully! I know what you mean about dreams.
She stopped. And if you only knew the one I just had. She started typing again.
There have been times I just knew you couldn’t be real but you’d prove me wrong somehow. And even during the difficult times, having something tangible from you or news of you smoothed the ride a bit. I’ve already started working on my schedule for August. I hope you can work around MY schedule. I’m thinking of taking the third weekend off. Let me know if you want to come here or if you want me to go to Sacramento. Plenty of room at the DR, if you decide to come out here. I know Dad would love to see you. He thinks you put the shine in the moon. And I’m sure I could persuade Alice to make that chicken chili you like. Yeah, that’s right. I’m using bribery!
All right, I have to get back to work here. Please be careful out there.
Waitin’ in Wyoming,
Meg
She sent it then finished her salad, thinking. Gina wanted Meg as a sounding board but because she wasn’t sure Meg would feel comfortable in that role given their history and the infrequent contact over the years, she was providing breadcrumbs in her messages—references to their pasts and deeper emotional statements. She stood, sad but relieved. There was nothing weird or cosmic going on here. Gina wanted an ear and she trusted Meg but she wasn’t sure Meg would want to hear it or that she’d be comfortable with it, so she was appealing to their history. For some reason, the fact that Gina still engaged in what Meg had dubbed “working it out” sessions warmed her heart. Maybe Gina hadn’t changed all that much and maybe they’d finally be able to get past what had happened between them and get close as friends.
She opened her office door, thinking again about the dream she’d had the night before, which made her flush. But there was no sense engaging in “what ifs” when there weren’t any. She shut her office door and went to check on Moonshine.
Tuesday was heavier than usual, with a visit to six spreads, but Meg enjoyed the time with ranching families. It was a culture she understood and a language that made sense. Especially since she’d had another dream about Gina, this one involving much more skin. Once again, Gina seemed to want to tell her something but she stopped and slowly undressed Meg in the horse barn. The dream left her aching both between her thighs and behind her ribs. A day on the road dealing with animals—something else she understood—helped put her mind at rest. She got home at seven and after settling Moonshine for the evening, she caught up on some work she’d brought home. She was in bed by ten.
Meg got in a few minutes early on Wednesday, but Ginny was already there. She usually was. “Morning,” Meg announced.
“Morning. Coffee’s on in the back.”
“God love you.” Meg went into the back and poured herself a cup. She used creamer in the mini-fridge in her office.
Michelle poked her head in. “Hey, Doc. Got the first room set up for you. The Wolford dogs are getting their shots and a check-up.”
“Great. Thanks.” She went back out front.
“All right. Michelle told me about the Wolfords. What else is going on today that I don’t already know about?” She set her cup on the counter and started looking at the appointment book, but Ginny covered it with a print-out. Meg looked up at her.
“That’s yours,” she said.
“Aren’t you productive at this hour? Thanks.”
“A new patient after the Wolfords. Just a check-up. Owner just moved to town, and wants to establish a veterinary record.”
“Good for them.” Meg appreciated responsible animal owners. “Anybody we know?”
“No. I think she’s starting grad school here in the fall.”
“Cool. Hopefully, we won’t suck and she’ll tell all her friends how awesome it is here at the Laramie Animal Clinic.” She glanced through the rest of the list. “Not too scary, looks like. Let’s hope it stays mellow.” She took a sip of coffee. Ginny always made it strong. Meg appreciated that, too. She handed the list back to Ginny, who put it on a clipboard next to the phone. Kristie walked in through the front.
“Hi,” she said. Like Sandra, she was perky at this hour. Meg imagined her at home, filling her backpack with extra perky and nibbling on it all day at work. She’d pulled her red hair back into a ponytail and she wore a pink feminine blouse tucked into khaki trousers. Kristie liked pink. The stripes on her sneakers were so pink they almost glowed.
“Morning,” Meg said as Kristie walked past to the back. She sipped her coffee.
“I think I have someone interested in an intern situation with us,” Ginny announced.
“Great. One someone? Or a bunch?”
“One. She’s coming by tomorrow at two to talk with you. I scheduled it in your book.”
“Okay. Thanks.” She picked up the copy of the local paper Ginny always brought in and browsed the headlines.
“Haley Roberts,” Ginny said.
“Sorry?” Meg looked over at her.
“The potential intern. That’s her name.”
“Okay. Have you talked to her?”
“Yes.”
“Beyond just howdy?”
“Yes. I have a good feeling about her. Raised on a ranch. The Lazy R and T.”
“Well, that’s good enough for me. She’s hired.” Meg lifted her coffee cup in a salute and Ginny half-laughed, half-scoffed.
“Let’s go through the official motions,” Ginny said.
“All right, all right. Tomorrow. Two. Gotcha.” Meg looked up as Theresa Wolford entered the clinic, two big Rottweilers in tow. “Hi, Theresa,” Meg said. “Have a seat. We’ll be right with you.”
“Hi, Doc.”
“Coffee’ll be ready in a minute,” Ginny told her as she busied herself at the coffee machine in the corner of the lobby, opposite the chairs.
Kristie returned to the front counter. “Hi, Theresa,” she said.
“Hi, Kristie.” Theresa took the chair farthest from the main entrance and got the dogs to sit. Meg went into the back for more coffee.
By early afternoon, Meg’s patient load dwindled after two cancellations. She took the opportunity to get caught up on paperwork and check emails. Official work done, she clicked the email Gina had sent with the photos, and opened the picture of her. Again, Meg’s heart sped up and she was right back in Saratoga ten years ago, looking into Gina’s eyes for the first time. Love at first sight. No other way to describe it. And then the familiar crush of guilt and remorse replaced that as she thought about letting go two years later.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered to the photo. Sadness filled her chest and she tried to remind herself that she’d done it for Gina, that she’d let her go so Gina could spread her wings and become the worldly journalist she needed to be. What could a rancher’s daughter sunk boot-deep in Wyoming offer someone like that? Everything she was, everything she’d be, was rooted in western landscapes and the limitations those could impose.
She closed the message and thought about August. Could she face Gina again, with the knowledge that she might be carrying a torch for her? If she went through with this visit, she’d have to find a way to keep herself under wraps. How awkward would that be, if Gina or Sharon picked up on the fact that Meg was mooning after a memory? She needed to get a damn grip. She pushed away from her desk and went out to the front.
Ginny was on the phone, making an appointment. Meg reached around her and picked up the clipboard with her schedule. She had one more in an hour, though she’d hang out until closing in case an emergency came in.
Ginny hung up and looked at her. “Bored?”
“Never.” She smiled.
“Too bad. We’ve got more paperwork to do.”
“Thanks for thinking of me. But now, I have to check on the techs.” She retreated into the back where she checked inventory and went over a couple cases with Roy. She worked well with him, because he was from a ranching background, too, and understood the connections people out here made to animals, and how they represented both love and livelihood.
Her last appointment finished at five. Randy would arrive around ten, but he and Mark were on call and could take care of anything prior to that. Rick and Kevin were the techs on duty until then, and they were pretty good at assessing a situation. She went into the back to get her things and leave out the back.
“I’m outta here, guys,” she said as she left.
“Later, Doc,” Rick and Kevin said at once.
She pushed through the back door and went to her truck, carrying thoughts of Gina and uncertainty with her. There were a couple months between now and August. Hopefully by then her feelings would have faded or she’d have a better grip on them.
Somehow, she doubted it.
Chapter 8
“Doctor Tallmadge?”
Meg looked up from the paperwork Ginny had left out for her before she’d gone to run a quick errand. A young woman stood at the reception counter, worn black cowboy hat in her left hand. She could’ve been Meg ten years earlier, right down to the Wranglers and short-sleeved plaid shirt. She held a couple sheets of paper in her other hand and her arms were tanned a deep brown from long days outside. She wore her brown hair shorter than Meg, and it was plastered against her head from long hours in her hat.
“That’s me. What’s up?”
“Um, I’m Haley Roberts, from the university. Ginny might have said I was from the Lazy R and T?”
“Oh, of course. Hi. Ginny said you’d be coming by about this time.” She stepped forward and stuck her right hand out over the counter. Haley shook it. “So you want to be a vet, huh? And you’d like to go to Colorado State when you’re done in Laramie?”
She nodded.
“All right. Come on back to my office and I’ll hook you up with some information. Sandra, Ginny should be back in a few minutes. Let her know Haley’s here.”
Sandra waved in acknowledgment and continued entering data at the computer.
Meg motioned Haley around the counter and through the swinging door to the back then down the cramped corridor that led to her office and Mark’s. He was just leaving his.
“Hey, Mark. This is Haley Roberts, our potential intern. Haley, this is one of our other vets.”
“Hi,” he said as he extended a beefy hand. “Mark Wyland. Welcome.”
She took his hand. “Thanks.”
He looked down at her, smiling beneath his bushy mustache.
“Mark’s been in practice here for over a decade. So he’s a great source of info. And he tells good stories.”
He rumbled a laugh. “You’ve got some good ones your own self.” He looked at Haley, his brown eyes twinkling. He was what Santa Claus might have looked like if he was in his mid-forties and hadn’t grown a beard yet. “Looking forward to having you on board. Unless Meg scares you off.”
“Me?” Meg said. “It’ll be Ginny before me.”
“Good point. She keeps us all in order,” he said with a conspiratorial tone to Haley before he moved past them.
Meg smiled and motioned Haley into her office. “Have a seat.” She sat down behind her desk while Haley sat down opposite her. “I had a folder put aside—ah.” She handed a blue folder to Haley, who leaned forward to take it with her free hand before she settled back into the chair. She put the papers she’d brought with her into the folder.
“That’s info on the program at CSU,” Meg continued. “I went to vet school there, so I know some folks you can talk to if I’m not the wealth of information you need.” She smiled, trying to put her at ease. “There’s also some info on this clinic, and what we do here.”
