The Call

Rainy Days

I watch the rain come down as I sit at the clinics front desk. I flip through some files of our animal patients looking for Mr. Callahan's dog Rupert's file. Poor Callahan is to old to have such a lively and large dog but he seems to love the trouble that Rupert gets in. This time the dog was stung by a bee and was brought to me yesterday with a swollen muzzle. Of course Rupert will be fine but checking if he has allergies to any food or medication is a must for any veterinarian. I take the file and read through it as Mr. Callahan comes through the door of the clinic, the door letting off a pleasant chime.
"Good afternoon Ms. June. Here to get my  Rupert." Mr. Callahan said pleasantly adjusting his jacket.
"Good afternoon! I'll go get  Rupert for you." I say and trot back to the dog kennels and to the Great Dane. Rupert was so happy he almost knocked the kennel door down before I could get it open.
"Now Rupert needs to take this once a day for swelling for about three days. There was no damage from the swelling around the eyes so he should be good to go." I say as I hand the leash to Callahan, and pet Rupert lovingly to say goodbye.
"Oh thank you June." Mr Callahan said and paid for the bill. I laugh quietly as he scolded Rupert for trying to eat a bee as they walked out into the rain.  Rupert paid no mind to Callahan as he was to distracted by the water puddles.
The rest of the evening went slow as I tended to Mrs. Tessen's cat Porky for his shots and check up and the Pearlman's brought their young son in for a fresh batch of crickets and worms for Herman, their sons lizard.
After I checked the door that it was locked at five o'clock, I start thinking of what to do at home. The rain was letting up and sunshine was trickling through the clouds, it would be a good time to read. Luckily I didn't have any critters staying over night or this weekend unless I get a call. So another quiet weekend awaits me; reading a book, painting, gardening and of course cooking. My clinic was on the edge of my sleepy little town and about a twenty minute drive from my home, which was remotely tucked away in the base of the mountain and tree line. I had some groceries to get before I go home though.
I drive to Tucker's Grocery and put my old truck in park. I notice a truck parked near the front of the store, no one I know has a blue truck like that in town. I walk past the truck and into the store, spaghetti sounds good tonight. I browsed the aisle for anything extra nice for desert when I hear deep voice behind me.
"Try the key lime pie, Mrs. Anderson just brought them out." A man said and I turn to see who it belonged to. It belonged to one of the most handsome men I've ever seen. Tall, dark hair cut, neat and styled in a modern fashion. His eyes were a light ember, that were striking against his dark hair. He was wearing a navy T-shirt that was fitted just right and blue jeans that seemed to be washed many times over.
"Hmmm. Key lime huh? You know Mrs. Anderson?" I asked the man that was watching me eyeball the desert. I pick up the pie and inspected it while waiting for a response.
"Yeah. She makes the best pies. Haven't been home in a long while. I'm glad she's still making them." Mr. Handsome says smiling down at me, smirking as I put the pie in my small arm basket.
"Well I always like her pie. Haven't had her key lime though. So your from here I take it?" I ask facing him.
"Yeah from a long time ago. You are a new face though, so I guess you wouldn't know me like the rest of the town does. I'm Liam Cross." Mr. Handsome I mean Liam said as he stuck out his hand to me.
"Juniper Hart, call me June. I'm the local veterinarian, and you are right I moved here about five years ago." I said and took his hand and shook it. His hand was warm and something almost seemed to pulse when we touched, I ignored the feeling and let go.
"Nice to meet you Ms. June. I've heard a lot about you from well everyone." Liam said shrugging a bit
As I get ready to ask if it was all good talk about me, Mrs. Anderson comes around the corner like her normal loud and joyful self.
" There you are June bug my dear! I saw your truck outside and just had to tell you about..." She cut off when she realized I wasn't alone.
"Hello Mrs. Anderson." Liam said calmly and with a smile
"Oh my goodness gracious! Liam, I didn't recognize you! You look so handsome!" Mrs. Anderson gushed slinging her arms around Liam in a big hug.
"So you've met June I see. She is our Vet, bless her soul. Does so much for our little town you know, takes care of dogs and cats to Mr. Aisens horses. She's our own angel here, and pretty as picture too!" Mrs. Anderson rambled and I smile in defeat. Liam just looks at me knowingly and the three of us chat like old friends for twenty minutes. Mrs. Anderson has to run off to get more pies and I took the chance to pay for my food and leave.
"She is the same as I remember. Crazy as a road lizard in July, good woman though." Liam says as he to walks to the checkout counter.
"She is her own woman for sure" I say giggling to myself as I put my items on the counter and the young cashier rings them up. I pay for my pie and food and turn to Liam now at the counter he simply bought shampoo, toothpaste and a toothbrush along with a few food items.
"It was nice to meet you Liam, I'm sure I'll see you around. If you have an animal problem you know where to find me." I say with a smile
"Likewise Ms. June. I hope to see you around." Liam said with a smirk on his face. I smile back and turn to leave the store. I wonder to myself what will come of our town, I have a feeling Liam is the type to make crashing waves wherever he goes. And people drown in oceans with storms brewing.