Crashing Into Tess (5 page)

To:
[email protected]
,
[email protected]
From:
[email protected]
Subject: LOVING my new place!
Date: Friday, September 23, 9:14 PM

The bed arrived, and it’s super comfy! Thank you, thank
you, thank you! Alice, my new friend from work stopped by
tonight with takeout, and Bea and Doc have invited us to
dinner on Sunday at their place, so my social calendar is
already filling up.

My apartment is amazing, so no worries, Mom. It’s an
old fashioned Victorian, right in town, with a wide front
porch and plenty of gingerbread. I took a hot bubble bath
in my claw foot tub, soaked the kinks out from my long trip,
and I’m already online. Mom, thanks so much for
suggesting I set up my electric and internet ahead of
time~that was a good call.

Green Junction is a tiny, historic town, surrounded by
gorgeous mountains ~ I hope Sam can come out for some
skiing this winter. Please give Buster a treat for me. I miss
you both, but I am fine.

She pressed “send”, shut her laptop and dialed
Samantha’s cell.
It’s only 6:30 in New York. I can’t wait to
fill Sam in on life in Colorado!

Jake and Cassie had a standing invitation
to Saturday
night dinner at Aunt Olivia’s stately brick Georgian on
Talbot Street.They’d just enjoyed an excellent meal of roast
beef, mashed potatoes and glazed carrots. Jake sat in front
of the library fireplace, paging through local newspapers.

Tonight, Cassie had invited her best friend Trudie
along. Listening to their chatter, he smiled. The girls were
playing in Aunt Olivia’s guest room, which was full of
things that Cassie and her friends loved; a real china tea set,
trunks full of hats and shoes, fancy dress up clothing
specially altered for six year olds, and a big old-fashioned
dollhouse that had been Aunt Olivia’s as a girl.

“No nightcap with friends tonight, Jake?” Olivia asked
from the hallway, coming down from getting the girls
settled.

“I think I’ll stay in, Aunt,” he answered, pretending to
study the headlines.
Alice was taking Tess to Green Forks tonight, to
introduce her around.
Best keep my distance for the time
being.
He couldn’t forget the way she’d felt in his arms, but
her welcome had gotten way more involved than he’d
intended.
Vicki had never stopped complaining about poky old
Green Junction, reminding him what she missed about
California. He wouldn’t put himself through that. He’d wait
to see if Tess made it through winter before kissing her
again.
Aunt Olivia brought the silver coffee service in, set it
on the little table, and took the sateen damask wingback
chair next to him. “We had our Ladies Auxiliary luncheon
today. Bea Harnes said the vet they were expecting arrived
Thursday night.” She handed him a filled cup set in its
fancy bone china saucer.
So Tess is a veterinarian. Why hadn’t she mentioned
what her job was?
Two small dessert plates, each with a
slice of chocolate layer cake, sat on the tray, dessert forks
and napkins at the ready. His aunt handed him a plate, and
he took a napkin from the tray. “She’s a young woman, a
very nice girl, from a fine Philadelphia family.”
“Really? A lady vet, now that’s a first for Green
Junction,” he mused politely, in the most detached voice he
could manage.
“It certainly is. She studied at the University of
Pennsylvania. Apparently she’s very bright.” Aunt Olivia’s
refined voice warmed with approval. Jake remembered the
Penn
stamped on Tess’s white knit pants.
They’d hugged
her firm little butt so nicely.
He put a forkful of cake in his
mouth to hide his grin, while his aunt continued.
“Apparently she smashed her car getting into town,
poor thing. Bea doesn’t know exactly what happened. I do
wish they’d do something about that exit ramp coming off
the highway. It’s a disgrace how many accidents have
happened there.”
“It is.” He put his cake plate down quickly, and picked
up the newspaper, to hide behind. The baby powder scent
of Tess’s curly blonde hair came back to him, and blood
began to pool in his abdomen. He tried to focus on the
article about the new sewer plant improvements.
“Bea got her a place in Elmer Freethy’s Victorian, over
on Chambers Street, near Cassie and Vicki. She’s already
been to the thrift store to outfit her apartment. Gertrude said
she was absolutely delightful.”
“Hmm, really?” Gertrude was tight-lipped. He was glad
she hadn’t mentioned he’d been helping Tess.
“Now, she’d be a lovely role model for our Cassie,”
Aunt Olivia said, plumping the pillow behind her
innocently. “Perhaps I’ll invite her to join us for dinner next
Saturday night. I hate to think of her getting lonely, here,
not knowing anyone.”
Jake lowered the paper, raised his eyebrows and eyeballed his aunt. Glowering slightly, he warned,“Auntie O,
while I appreciate the generous intention of your meddling,
you will do no such thing. I can’t imagine a more strained
attempt at matchmaking than dinner date with you, Cassie,
and the new girl in town.” His aunt was a headstrong
woman, but she did respect him. “I’ve already met Tess,
and I’ll likely be bumping into her again at some point.
Meanwhile, Cassie is certain to see her at the veterinary
office.”
He put his head back behind the newspaper, but not
before he caught the gleam in Aunt Olivia’s dark,
intelligent eyes. “Wonderful!” his aunt enthused. She’d
tried her best with Vicki during his marriage, which he’d
appreciated, but since the divorce, she’d been dying to pair
him off with someone new. Aunt Olivia had discriminating
tastes. Much as she schemed, she just hadn’t been
successful in identifying appropriate prey.
“I’m sure with the social whirlwind you and your lady
friends enjoy, you’ll meet Tess soon enough,” he growled
from behind the newspaper. “I’ll let you know if things
progress to the dinner with family stage.”
“Delightful,” she trilled.“That’s certainly something to
look forward to. Make a bit of an effort, Jake, won’t you?
I’d like to be able to count on having her for dinner before
Thanksgiving.” He could not miss the unmitigated glee in
Olivia’s normally regal voice, and he was glad the
newspaper hid his grin.
“In the meantime, perhaps I should get Buxie and Susie
in for their annual exams,” she mused. Aunt Olivia had kept
a pair of English Springer Spaniels for as long as Jake
could remember. They ran fat on table scraps. “I’m sure
Doc won’t mind if the young lady sees them.”
“There you go. If I know you, you’ll have met Tess
before your Wednesday afternoon bridge game.”
Hold onto
your silver tea set, Auntie. Tess will knock your damask
tablecloth sideways.

Nervous for her first day of work, Tess
hustled out to
Alice’s Subaru wagon Monday morning, feet crunching
through the crust of snow that lay frozen on the ground.

“Morning Tess. Ooh, that coffee smells good,” Alice
said as she climbed in, motioning to her raisin toast and
travel mug of coffee.

“Thanks for doing this so early,” Tess said, trying to
stop her teeth from chattering. “I’ll bring you some
breakfast tomorrow.”

“I thought we’d go over some things at the office before
Doc comes in, so you could get your bearings,” she
chirped. Tess nodded gratefully.

Pulling onto the street, Alice continued, “On a normal
day Doc comes in at seven-thirty or eight. Small animal
office appointments start at nine on weekdays and
Saturdays, but he takes emergencies early. After lunch, Doc
goes out on farm calls. Sometimes he’s out really late,
depending on what’s happening. Some weeks, you’ll have
an afternoon or two off, but you could get slammed on
weekends. Springtime is lambing and calving, so it’s crazy
busy around the clock. This year we’ll have you around,
which will be a big help.”

“Okay.” Tess clutched her travel mug, “I’m hanging on
every word.”
“You’re a quick study, I got that right away,” Alice said
with an approving smile.
“I’m really excited to be here. It’s fun. Nerve wracking,
but fun.”
“You’ll be fine. There’s a lot to absorb, so Doc wants us
to be careful we don’t overwhelm you. You’re just
supposed to hang out in the office this week, maybe ride
with him on a few farm calls if you are feeling up to it, but
no pressure, all in good time. Your appointment with Doc
Estes is tomorrow. I think Bea mentioned it at dinner last
night?”
“She did. Bea and my mother are clones from the same
mother cell when it comes to trying to run my life.”
“Well, at least you’re used to it. Drove me nuts at first,
and Bea will probably be worse with you. You’re young
and single and she’ll rationalize that your mother expects it
of her.”
“I’m used to meddling.”
“I had my share when I first got here. You will
rediscover the luxury of anonymity in Green Junction, I
assure you. It’s a small town, and everyone is in your
business. It can be a little intense.”
Tess took a deep breath.
Might as well spit it out.
“Doc
told me he needed a vet full time, Alice, but Jake
mentioned something about Doc retiring. Doc hasn’t said
anything to me about retiring.”
“Oh, boy, see how the gossip goes around here? Here’s
the story: Doc was a widower when he married Bea. She
was the town librarian, never married. When they got
hitched, Doc promised he’d retire in five years. That was
twelve years ago. Doc’s daughter is in Florida, with his
grandkids. He’s had a standing invitation to join a small
animal practice there part time. His idea was to bring you
on board to see if you like it. If you do, he’ll stick around
two years or so until you’re settled. When you find another
vet you both like, he’ll hand the practice off to you.”
“Really?” The prospect was both exhilarating and
completely intimidating.
“I doubt that Doc will say anything about it, at least not
for a while, so no worries. He knows your commitment is
only until spring, and he wouldn’t ever want to pressure
you. Doc is close mouthed and careful, but Bea is the
complete opposite. What Doc thinks of as top secret, Bea
has shared with the whole town. If anyone asks, you could
just say that you are here to help until spring, and Doc
hasn’t discussed future plans with you.”
“Got that. Doc isn’t much of a talker, but he is really
nice.”
“Oh, yeah, Doc is great at what he does, and he’s very
patient about explanations. Even if you forget and ask the
same question twice, he won’t mind. He’ll go into great
detail about animal care, but the other stuff is Bea’s
department.”
“Doc made me want this job, but, honestly, you made
me feel like I could do it, Alice,” Tess said. “You gave me
the courage to make the big leap. I might still be in
Philadelphia, bored stiff. This is a whole different world.”
“I could tell how competent you’d be right off the bat.
We need someone like you here. It will be an adventure, I
promise you that.” They’d arrived at the low brick building
where the veterinary clinic was housed. Alice shut off the
engine and turned to her. “There is something I want to ask
of you, really for my own sanity, but for all of us, too. Doc
is working too hard for a man his age and Bea will flip if he
keeps it up. He can’t keep going like this. You might not
want to hurt Doc’s feelings, but I’m asking you to promise
to tell me right away if you realize this isn’t the job for
you.”
“I’m going to love it, I know I will,” Tess answered.
“You might, but ranch calls are pig shit and cold
weather and biting wind and chapped cheeks and freezing
feet. It can be grueling. You’ll either like it or hate it, it’s as
simple as that. The next six months will tell. You have
amazing credentials and you can go anywhere, and if this
isn’t your cup of tea, we can bring someone down from
Fort Collins in the spring. I want to be straight with you,
because you’ve already taken the leap. This might be the
ride of your life, but if you decide you want a different
colored parachute, just say the word and I promise to get
you out of here gracefully, okay?”
Tess looked at Alice’s sober face, appreciating her
forthrightness. “I won’t bail on you, Alice, but I do get it. I
hope I love it. I think I will, but I promise to let you know
if I’m not happy.”
“Life is too short to be miserable, and you are too
talented not to have the exact life you want. It will be
challenging as hell when you are up to your ears in cow
poop and placenta after your fourth or fifth difficult calving
of the day on only two hours sleep, in a month of seventyfive farm calls. You’ll know by spring if it works for you.”
Tess nodded intently, grateful for Alice’s comforting smile.
Unlocking the back door, Alice hung their coats.
“Welcome to Green Junction Veterinary Clinic, Dr.
Bamberger. Let’s get you started.” She showed Tess
through the waiting room and office, into the examining
rooms, surgery, infirmary, and dispensary. Tess looked
through the set of large animal surgical tools Doc had
ordered for her. “Let us know whatever else you want,”
Alice called from the reception area.
Doc arrived at eight. He was a large-framed man, very
tall, with a furrowed, kindly face, a shock of white hair, and
an easygoing manner. “We’ve got a smooth morning here,
Tess. This afternoon I head out to Tarleton’s horse farm.
There’s a two year old to geld, and a pregnant mare to
ultrasound. You’re welcome to ride along, if you’re up to
it,” he offered.
Tess worked with Doc all morning on small animal
appointments, increasingly at ease. He introduced her to his
clients, and she observed as he checked for ear mites,
inoculated six week old puppies, advised diet changes for a
pair of overweight schnauzers, and adjusted medication on
an elderly cat with a heart condition. Then she helped Alice
with blood work, familiarizing herself with the lab.
Bea bustled in at eleven-thirty, beaming. “I brought
cheese steaks, in honor of our Philadelphia Girl’s first day!”
As Bea began fussing over her, Alice shot Tess a knowing
look. She helped Tess fill out paperwork, and they ate lunch
at the table in the dispensary.
Afterwards, she rode with Doc in his big white truck
west out of town. “A four wheel drive truck is a good idea,”
Doc said, his large frame filling the seat next to her. “If you
find one you like, the practice will buy you a tool box for it
and tires for the winter. Make sure to keep plenty of weight
in the back. I use sand bags.” Tess nodded nervously, her
headache still a dull twinge.
There is so much to learn here.
The Tarleton horse farm was a beautiful modern
facility, with a large indoor arena and acres of rolling
pasture, the snow on them melting in early afternoon sun.
Doc introduced Sherri Tarleton, a petite woman with
chapped cheeks, a pouf of strawberry blonde hair held in a
barrette, and an earthy laugh. Sherri nodded appreciatively
as she took Tess’s hand. “So pleased to meet you, Dr.
Bamberger. I’m so glad Doc Harnes finally has back up.
You’ve come from New Bolton?” Tess nodded. “That’s as
good an equine care facility as exists. Warm welcome to
Green Junction. I’ve got a pair of sons who will be happy
to know that you’re in town, too.”
“Thank you,” Tess blushed. “It’s lovely to meet you.”
Sherri led her mare into the aisle, talking local horse
gossip with Doc, while Tess set up the ultrasound
equipment. Donning a plastic glove, she got to work.
“There it is,” Doc said, when the tiny equine fetus
appeared on the monitor. “Nice work, Tess. Looks like your
mare’s bred, then, Sherri, she’s two months along. Come
May, she’ll throw a fine foal.”
Next, Sherri led them to the young colt’s stall and Tess
assisted with the gelding. Doc offered encouragement as
she moved around the horse, injecting the sedative, suturing
the incision. She felt calm and confident working with him,
pleased by his obvious satisfaction in her work.