Hill Country Reunion

by Myra Johnson

  Tripp tossed the phone onto the seat, then backed out of the parking space and aimed his SUV in the direction of the clinic. He suspected Diana’s cat had an impacted hair ball, which could be life threatening without immediate treatment.

  Arriving at the clinic, he spotted Diana waiting on the front step, her arms wrapped protectively around a bulky blue cat carrier. Tripp parked next to Diana’s car, then hurried to unlock the clinic. He showed Diana to the first exam room, where she helped him coax the hefty striped tomcat out of the crate.

  A cursory exam reaffirmed Tripp’s suspicions. He shared them with Diana. “To be certain, I need to sedate him and get some X-rays. Then we’re probably talking surgery.”

  She nodded and wiped away a tear. “Do whatever you need to.”

  An hour and a half later, Tripp had successfully removed the obstruction. Knowing Diana would be anxious for news, he found her in the waiting room. “Tiger did great. He’s sleeping off the anesthesia. Want to see him?”

  “Yes!” She held his forearm in a death grip as he showed her into the surgery suite, where Tiger lay sleeping in a padded kennel. “Oh, my poor kitty,” she murmured, stroking his paw. With a glance at Tripp, she asked, “How soon before he can come home?”

  “Since you have other cats, it might be better if I kept him here for a few days while the incision heals.” At her look of dismay, Tripp added, “I’ll take good care of him, I promise.”

  “I know. It’s just that...” Diana covered her mouth to stifle a sob.

  Instinctively, Tripp pulled her into his arms—and instantly knew it was a mistake, because holding her like this was bringing back all kinds of memories. As he strove for the wherewithal to release her, she pressed closer, her face buried in the hollow space beneath his collarbone.

  Then, just as quickly, she shuddered and pulled away. “Sorry, didn’t mean to fall apart like that.” Using the back of her hand, she brushed wetness from her cheeks and returned her attention to the cat. “Tiger’s been with me the longest of all my pets. If I lost him, I don’t know what I’d do.”

  A coldness seeped in to fill the emptiness Diana had left behind. Finding the breath to speak, Tripp willed calm detachment into his tone. “I told you, he’ll be fine. Once he’s ready to go home, I’ll give you some pointers on how to keep this from happening again.”

  “Good, thanks.” Diana glanced at her watch. “Wow, is it really after seven? No wonder my stomach’s growling.”

  Caught up in doing his job, Tripp hadn’t even thought about food. Now, Diana’s reminder brought an answering rumble from his own abdomen. The banana he’d downed for an afternoon snack had long since worn off, but he wouldn’t leave the clinic while Tiger was still in recovery. “Go get some dinner. I’ll keep an eye on Tiger.”

  Diana chewed her lip. “Well, I do need to check on my other kids. Can I bring you back something?”

  “Thanks, but I’ll grab a snack from the fridge. Anyway, don’t you have to be up early to open the shop?” Tripp nodded toward the door. “Go home. We’ll be fine here.”

  Halfway down the corridor, Diana halted and spun around. “Tripp?”

  “Yeah?”

  “Thank you.” With a quick but meaningful smile, she hurried out.

  One shoulder braced against the door frame, Tripp suppressed a sigh of longing. Every minute he spent in Diana’s company only made him want her more. He’d been crazy about her in college, all set to pop the question before...

  Nope, not going there. It was no use dwelling on might-have-beens. He’d made a good life for himself in spite of everything, and so had Diana. If—and it was a big if—there was still the slightest hope of a future together, their relationship would have to be based on who they were now, not the starry-eyed romantics they’d been twelve years ago.

  But would Diana ever be ready to give him—them—another chance at love?

  * * *

  Diana had no idea what she would have done if Tripp hadn’t answered her panicked call. Doc Ingram, busy as he’d been while running the practice single-handedly, wouldn’t have been quite so easy to reach in such an emergency.

  Thank You, God. Thank You for sending Tripp back into my life, exactly when I needed him.

  Because he was an excellent vet, that’s all. Smart and kind and dedicated—

  “Face it, girl,” she murmured to herself as she spread fresh bedding in Alice’s crate, “he’s still the same man you fell in love with back in college.”

  The same...but also different. Different in ways Diana had yet to comprehend. Yes, apparently, he paid a lot more attention to a healthy diet than he ever had when they were together. But he also seemed more mature, more grounded, more...jaded?

  No, jaded was too strong a word. Resigned, maybe, as if making the best of some painful disappointment in his life.

  Painful disappointment? Diana slapped her forehead, startling the parakeet. “Sorry, Sparky.” She placated him with an apple slice while wondering how Tripp could possibly regret the breakup as much as she did.

  He’d been the one to call things off. He was the one who, with one cowardly phone call, had destroyed their dreams for a future together.

  Turning her attention to preparing supper for the mewing cats circling her ankles, she thrust aside any thoughts of letting Tripp off the hook. There was no argument about his veterinary skills, nor the fact that Diana probably wasn’t going to get this therapy pets program off the ground without his help. But she absolutely would not let herself fall for him again.

  Right. Like the fool she was, she’d gone all weepy and fallen into his arms. It galled her now to recall how naturally the moment had happened. Until she’d come to her senses anyway.

  “Professional,” she told Lucinda and Midnight as she set bowls of salmon-flavored cat food in front of them. “I’ve got to keep this relationship strictly professional.”

  After warming a microwave dinner for herself, Diana carried it to the sofa and flipped on the TV. By the time she finished her meal, both cats had curled up next to her, and since Tiger usually claimed her lap, she missed him all the more. She glanced at her cell phone lying on the end table. Would Tripp mind if she called to check on Tiger?

  Deciding Tiger was her cat and it didn’t matter if Tripp minded—he was a professional, after all—she picked up the phone.

  “Hi, Diana.” His silky-smooth voice sounded cheerful but tired.

  And totally discombobulated her. “Hi. I, uh...wondered how Tiger’s doing.”

  “He’s still a little groggy but in no pain. I’ll make sure he has a restful night.”

  It only then occurred to Diana that Tripp meant to spend the night at the clinic, and guilt niggled about not taking him some supper. On the other hand, he was probably used to this sort of thing. Still, she couldn’t stop herself from asking, “Did you find something to eat?”

  He hesitated a couple of seconds too long. “A little.”

  “What, exactly?”

  “Yolanda left some pita chips and hummus in the snack room.”

  “Tripp! That’s not supper.” Diana cringed at the upsurge of concern swelling her chest. “You should have let me bring you something.”

  “I’m a big boy. I’ll survive.” His tone grew edgy. “You’ve got enough on your mind. I don’t need you worrying about me.”

  “But I do—” She clamped her mouth shut. Way to keep it professional, Matthews. “I mean, if not for me, you’d have had a relaxing evening and a decent meal. I just...feel bad about that.”

  “Well, don’t. As soon as I check Tiger one more time, I’m running over to the supermarket to pick up something and bring it back.” A weary laugh sounded in Diana’s ear. “This is what I signed up for, Di. I love my work, and I’d do the same for any of my patients.”

  “Oh.” She didn’t know whether to feel relieved or offende
d. Worse, he’d called her Di again, which stirred up all kinds of other emotions she’d rather not deal with. “Well...thank you.”

  “Get some sleep. I’ll call you in the morning with a report.”

  Clicking off, Diana had a feeling she was in for yet another sleepless night.

  * * *

  She couldn’t have been more right. Staring at her reflection in the bathroom mirror the next morning, she wished she could blame her dark circles and bloodshot eyes on worrying about Tiger, because the truth was a lot harder to deal with. During the little sleep she’d gotten, her dreams had been invaded by Tripp—his eyes, his smile, his arms gently enfolding her as she leaned into his solid chest.

  “What am I going to do?” she said aloud to the frazzled woman in the mirror. Her life had been humming along perfectly fine until Tripp Willoughby showed up. Now everything was—

  She waved her hands in a gesture of futility. No time to sort through it all now. The doughnut shop awaited. And so did a giant-sized mug of supercaffeinated coffee.

  Work definitely proved a panacea for getting her mind off Tripp. Temporarily, at least. Once the early birds had been served, Diana returned to her office to catch up on some bookkeeping and paperwork.

  A few minutes after nine, the business line rang. “Diana’s Donuts, Diana speaking.”

  “Hi, Diana. It’s Yolanda from Ingram Veterinary Hospital. Dr. Willoughby wanted me to let you know how Tiger’s doing this morning.”

  Diana flinched. It didn’t get much more professional than having the receptionist do the calling. “Yes, how is he?”

  “Just fine. Tiger is eating and drinking well and generally on the mend. Doc says Tiger should be ready to rejoin your little family in another couple of days.”

  “That’s wonderful. Thank you.” Closing her eyes briefly, Diana took a quick breath. “And thank Dr. Willoughby, too.”

  Chapter Six

  Juniper Bluff might be a small town, but the animal clinic drew plenty of business from the surrounding area, and Tripp’s appointment calendar stayed comfortably full. According to Yolanda, they were also getting several new patients as word spread that Doc Ingram had taken on a partner.

  Over his lunch hour on Friday, Tripp took a few minutes to look in on his surgical patients—a neutered Pomeranian, a Lab mix with a benign tumor and of course Diana’s cat Tiger. The old tomcat’s incision seemed to be healing well, and Tripp decided it would be safe to send him home this afternoon. He started to the front desk to ask Yolanda to make the call, then thought better of it. All week long, he’d taken the coward’s way out and had his receptionist report to Diana about Tiger’s progress. His convoluted logic had him believing if Diana really wanted to talk to him, she’d say so—or, better yet, show up at the clinic wearing the megawatt smile that had always been his undoing.

  He was almost glad she hadn’t, because he wasn’t sure how much longer he could hide the feelings her nearness had rekindled.

  Their personal issues aside, he wanted to find out where things stood with the obedience classes. If she needed more help recruiting volunteers, he’d gladly step up his own efforts—anything to help her be ready for the early-November evaluation.

  With a tight-lipped groan, he backtracked to his office and closed the door. He placed the call on his cell phone, knowing she’d see his name on her cell’s display. That way, she could choose to answer...or not.

  Three rings later, she picked up. “Hi, Tripp.” Shyness, and maybe a teensy bit of accusation, tinged her tone. “It’s been a while.”

  “Yeah, I’ve stayed pretty busy this week.” Technically true, but a lame excuse nonetheless. “Thought you might be ready to take your boy home today.”

  “Yes, definitely! I’ll pick him up as soon as we close this afternoon.”

  Her burst of enthusiasm made Tripp annoyingly envious of the tabby. “Great. So I’ll see you shortly after four?”

  “I’ll be there.” All business again, she continued, “By the way, thanks for referring so many of your patients. I’ve gotten several inquiries this week.”

  “I’m glad.” He cleared his throat. “Any takers for Sean’s obedience class?”

  “Possibly. Still need to confirm with some phone calls.”

  “If I can help...”

  “I’ll let you know.” With a crisp goodbye, she ended the conversation.

  Naturally this would be the one afternoon when Tripp didn’t have a full slate of appointments. After giving a squirming puppy its first round of vaccinations, then explaining to the new owner of a kitten why investing in a scratching post was a much more humane option than declawing, Tripp had little more to occupy himself than catching up on his veterinary journals.

  At long last, four o’clock rolled around. With one eye on the front door, Tripp tried to look busy reorganizing magazines in the reception area while Yolanda completed the daily computer entries and filing.

  The superobservant receptionist wasn’t fooled, though. “I was going to clock out as soon as I finish up here, but if you need a chaperone, I could stick around.” She winked. “Of course, I’d expect to be paid double overtime.”

  “In your dreams.” Giving up his pretense, Tripp folded his arms on the counter. “I can assure you, there won’t be anything happening here requiring a chaperone.”

  “Too bad.” Yolanda stood across from him to straighten the three remaining therapy pets flyers. She tapped a violet acrylic nail on Diana’s name. “Anyone can see you two were meant for each other. Why you are both fighting it so hard is beyond my understanding.”

  Mine, too, Tripp didn’t say aloud. “Too much water under the bridge. Let’s leave it at that.”

  The rumble of tires on pavement drew Tripp’s attention to the front windows. With a threatening glance at Yolanda, he strode to the door and held it open as Diana came up the steps. The cat carrier tucked under one arm, she smiled up at him. It wasn’t exactly a thrilled-to-see-you smile, but he’d take it.

  “I don’t have much time,” she said, bustling past him into the waiting room. “I need to return a call from my Visiting Pet Pals contact.”

  “No problems, I hope.”

  “I don’t think so. She probably wants to make sure everything is still on track.” With a quick greeting to Yolanda, Diana set the cat carrier on the floor next to the counter. She fingered the three remaining therapy pets flyers. “This is all you have left?”

  Tripp came up beside her. “I’ve been meaning to ask you for more, but I kept getting sidetracked.”

  “Yes,” Diana said stiffly, “you mentioned you’ve been busy.”

  Yolanda patted several file folders into a neat stack. “These can wait until Monday. I’m calling it a day.” She took her purse from a desk drawer and stepped from behind the counter. “Nice seeing you, Diana. Take care!” With a pointed look at Tripp, she reminded him to lock up on his way out.

  Moments later, the back door banged. Alone with Diana, Tripp whooshed out a breath. “I guess we should get Tiger so you can be on your way and make that call.”

  “Right.” Diana bent to pick up the carrier at the same moment Tripp did, and their heads bumped. “Oh, sorry!”

  “No harm done.” Rubbing his forehead, Tripp stepped back and let Diana get the carrier. He showed her down the hall to the room where cats were boarded.

  Stepping inside, Diana gave a happy gasp and rushed over to where the stray mother cat and kittens were kenneled. “Oh, look how much they’ve grown!”

  “They’re doing great. Won’t be long until these little guys are ready for their forever homes.” Tripp nodded toward a kennel at the far end of the room. “Tiger’s down this way.”

  As Diana approached, the old cat mewed and rubbed against the mesh. “Aw, glad to see me, fella? I’ve missed you.”

  Tripp released the latch, and after Diana ha
d given Tiger some hugs and kisses, he helped her ease him into the cat carrier. “I’ve got some postsurgical instructions up front for you with notes about hair ball prevention.”

  Diana grimaced. “I’m sure you’ve got a hefty bill for me, too.”

  “No hurry. Talk to Yolanda about it next week.” They started toward the front. “Anyway, I figure you qualify for our multi-pet discount.”

  “No kidding.” Reaching the reception area, Diana paused and turned. “I’d better get going. Still need to get my notes in order before I call the Visiting Pet Pals lady.”

  “You’ll let me know how it goes, I hope?” Tripp stepped behind the counter to find Tiger’s file and retrieve the information sheets he’d prepared.

  Tucking the papers into her purse, Diana gnawed her lower lip. “Actually, with your therapy pets experience, I could probably use your advice and moral support for this conversation. I don’t want to give Agnes Kraus any reason whatsoever to deny my application.”

  Tripp’s pulse quickened. “Whatever you need.”

  After a thoughtful pause, Diana asked, “How do you feel about pizza?”

  Tripp did some quick mental calculations about his food intake so far this week. He’d been pretty sensible about his choices, and pizza generally wasn’t a problem, provided he skipped the spicy or high-fat toppings. “I actually love pizza,” he said, then offered a crooked grin. “Is this a dinner invitation, perchance?”

  “If you’re buying.” Diana wiggled her brows. “Because after I pay my vet bill, you’re going to be a lot richer than I am.”

  “All right, you’re on.” Too stunned to question Diana’s openness to spending the evening with him, he jotted down the name of the pizza place she suggested. “I’ll close up shop here and call in the order. Be at your place around six?”

  “Great. See you then.”

  Later, as Tripp placed the call to order their pizza, he wondered what kind of emotional torture he’d just set himself up for.

  * * *

  With Tiger curled up on the sofa cushion beside her, Diana firmly but lovingly instructed Midnight and Lucinda to give him some space. Once the other cats had settled, one on an armchair and the other on a plush ottoman, Diana spread her notes across the coffee table in preparation for her conversation with Mrs. Kraus.