by Chiah Wilder
“Isn’t your lunch break over?” Dr. Canty asked.
Olivia looked over at the doorway and saw the dentist standing there, arms crossed and face taut. Most of the employees at the dental clinic avoided Dr. Canty because he always went out of his way to criticize or find fault in whatever any of the staff was doing.
“Ivy’s upset about something, and I was just helping her out with it,” Olivia said, her chin lifted up in defiance. Dr. Canty just rubbed her the wrong way, and she refused to be intimidated by him or rendered into a quivering nervous wreck. He had that effect on Ivy as well as the two dental hygienists, Polly and Meg. The clinic’s administrator, Lisa, didn’t seem to let anything fluster her.
Dr. Canty narrowed his eyes. “This isn’t a counseling clinic. Dr. Linney needs you to help out, Ivy, and it isn’t fair to the patients to keep them waiting. You and Olivia can talk after work hours.”
Ivy wiped her face with her hands, rose up from the chair, and smoothed down her multi-colored tunic. “I’m sorry,” she mumbled as she rushed out of the room.
Olivia turned away and pushed her chair out.
“I’m disappointed in you, Olivia. You should know better.”
She stood and threw the dentist a hard smile. “I was helping a friend. I’m sure Dr. Linney and Dr. Mitchell would understand.” Satisfaction wove through her when she saw the dentist’s face pale momentarily upon mentioning the partners’ names.
Recovering quickly, Dr. Canty met her gaze head-on. “I’m not saying I don’t understand, but the patients always come first, and I know Dr. Linney and Dr. Mitchell would agree with me 100 percent. Now, don’t you have some work to do?”
Biting back a snide comment to the dentist’s condescending demeanor, Olivia walked across the room. The dentist stood in the doorway and she looked up at him.
“Excuse me,” she said. He didn’t budge. “You’re blocking the doorway.”
“Am I?” Sarcasm dripped from each word.
“Yes. Do you want me to go back to the front desk or not?”
“I’m not stopping you.” He moved to the side, but not out of the doorway. “Ladies first.” He gestured for her to pass.
Sucking in a sharp breath, Olivia squeezed by him and refused to acknowledge the shit-eating grin on his face. There was something about him that gave her the heebie-jeebies, and the less contact she had with him the better. Ignoring his chuckles, she hurried down the hall and slipped into the swivel chair behind the front desk.
The next few hours flew by, and she didn’t see Dr. Canty for the rest of the afternoon. She’d sent a quick text to Ivy, asking if she wanted to go out for dinner after work, and to her relief, Ivy agreed.
“Did you call Dr. Werner’s office for Mrs. Losa’s x-rays?” Dr. Linney asked as he stood beside her, a folder in his hands.
“I did. Her receptionist said that Dr. Werner sent them by courier this morning. As of yet, we haven’t received them.”
His forehead crinkled. “If we don’t get them by the end of the day, I’ll call Amy in the morning.” The dentist shifted in place and seemed a bit nervous. “Uh”—he looked around the room—“is something wrong with Ivy?”
Olivia swiveled around and faced Dr. Linney. “Why?”
“She seemed distracted and upset during Mr. Riley’s procedure.”
“Did you ask her what was wrong?”
“I did, but she just shrugged it off.” Dr. Linney scrubbed the side of his face.
“She’s going through a rough spot with a personal problem,” Olivia said.
“Okay. I was wondering about it, that’s all. Carl asked me about it too.”
“You and Dr. Mitchell don’t need to worry. Ivy had just learned something upsetting today,” Olivia replied.
Dr. Linney smiled. “I hope she gets through it okay. I’ll let Carl know. Thanks.” He turned around and walked back to his office.
Alan Linney and Carl Mitchell had gone to dental school together and had purchased the clinic from an older dentist whom Dr. Linney had worked for. The clinic had one associate dentist: Dr. Lyle Canty. The office was very busy, and most of the time Olivia worked nonstop from morning to the end of the day. She liked all the people who worked there except for Dr. Canty. Most of the staff didn’t care for him, but his patients loved him, and Olivia suspected that was the reason why Alan and Carl kept him on.
Five o’clock couldn’t come fast enough for Olivia. Holding down two jobs was exhausting even though they were both part-time. The hours Olivia put in as a teacher’s assistant at Slavens far surpassed the thirty-two hours a week for which she was paid, but she loved working with the students so much that most of the time it didn’t feel like a job. The receptionist job at the dental clinic was another story. On the two days a week she worked there, she couldn’t wait until the doors closed, but the money was good, and it helped pay her mortgage and school tuition.
“Ready?” Ivy asked when she came into the bathroom.
“Just a sec,” Olivia replied as she fluffed her hair then swiped a coat of lipstick on her mouth.
“I love that color. What is it?”
“Urban Decay’s Crush. It’s my favorite right now. I love the warm orange color,” Olivia replied, looking at her friend’s reflection in the mirror. She took out a tube of crystal clear gloss and dabbed it over her lipstick “I love this—it’s like a hint of sunshine on my lips. God … I wish the weather would get warmer.”
“I do too.” Ivy brushed out her short blonde hair. “Which restaurant did you want to go to?”
“Burgers & Beer Joint—it’s in West Pinewood Springs. I’ve heard about it ever since I moved here but never checked it out. Alice keeps telling me that the burgers are the best she’s eaten anywhere. Have you been there?”
Ivy shook her head. “I don’t eat meat, remember?” She smiled.
“I do, but I checked out the menu online and they have several vegetarian dishes—even a veggie burger. It’s also a brewery, and if anyone needs a cold beer tonight, you do.”
“Well, you sold me.” Ivy paused and caught Olivia’s gaze in the mirror. “Thanks for being such a good friend. I dreaded going home right after work and thinking about Brady.”
“Don’t mention it—that’s what friends are for.” She squeezed Ivy’s shoulder. “I can’t tell you how many times Alice and Harper have been there for me after a breakup.”
A small smile whispered on her friend’s lips. “Brady was the first real relationship I’d had. I usually never got past a few dates.”
“You’ll find someone else. My problem is I fall too fast, then everything blows up when I get to know the guy. I kind of do it ass-backward, you know?”
Ivy sighed. “Who’s to say what’s the right way?”
“Well, dating a guy a couple of times, falling in love—or thinking that you’re in love, and moving in with him after only a month, is definitely not the right way. I know because that’s been my MO for like ever.” Olivia zipped her lipstick and gloss back in a compartment of her purse then slung it over her shoulder. “Ready?”
Ivy pulled the sides of her hair back, securing them with rose-colored barrettes. “Let’s go,” she said.
The two women walked out into the parking lot to their cars. Ivy would follow Olivia since she wasn’t the best at directions. Olivia started the car and pulled out into the traffic.
Spotting the bright yellow sign with the black lettering, Olivia turned into the strip mall and scanned the lot for a parking space. She glanced in her rearview mirror and saw Ivy’s car right behind hers. She turned into a space, grabbed her coat on the passenger seat, then got out of the car. The air was chilly, so Olivia shrugged on her wool coat and leaned against the car as she waited for Ivy to find a parking spot.
Several people milled outside the restaurant, and Olivia figured there was probably a wait for a table. As long as we can get a place to sit, I’m good. She’d worn her high heels to work—something she’d never do on teaching days.<
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“It’s packed,” Ivy said as she approached Olivia. “I didn’t think I was going to find a place to park.”
The two women entered the eatery through the oversized glass doors, and the heat from a fireplace on the back wall surrounded them.
“I think those two people are leaving,” Ivy said pointing to a long wooden bar.
Olivia rushed over and secured the two bronzed barstools and settled down on the rust leather cushions.
“I’ll give the hostess our name,” Ivy said.
Olivia peeled off her coat and adjusted her pale-green angora top as she looked around the restaurant. The glossed oak floors and red brick walls lent an urban feel to the place. Large planters filled with greenery, dried branches, and berries added warmth to the restaurant. The faint strains of classic rock tunes blended with the din of chatter, clanging pots and pans, and raucous laughter.
“Twenty minutes—not too bad,” Ivy said as she sank on the barstool next to Olivia’s.
“I thought it was going to be longer since there’re so many people waiting.”
“Tables for two aren’t so bad. The larger ones are being told thirty to forty-five minutes. Are you going to have a beer?”
Olivia looked at the ten taps and the lengthy list of bottled beers and shook her head. “I’m not much of a beer drinker. I think I’ll go with my usual white wine, if they have it.”
“May I help you?” a pleasant-looking bartender asked as he placed cocktail napkins in front of them.
“I’m hoping you have something other than beer?” Olivia said.
The man laughed. “We do—red and white wine.” He handed her a wine list.
As she perused it, Ivy ordered a local brew on tap.
“I’ll take a glass of Domaine LaRoche Chablis, please.”
“A very good selection,” he said as he took the wine list from her. “I’ll be right back with both your orders.”
“I love it here,” Ivy said as she took off her jacket. “It’s got a real modern feel but a comfy small-town vibe.”
“I like it too. I actually didn’t expect it to be so nice,” Olivia said.
“Me neither. I think it’s the name—Burgers & Beer Joint.” She giggled.
Before the women had finished their drinks they were ready to be seated, so they followed the hostess to a small table nestled in a corner near a window that looked out to the street.
“Your server will be with you soon,” the cute hostess said as she handed them menus.
A fruity aroma mingled with the smells of roasted coffee and hickory, making Olivia’s stomach growl.
“It smells so good in here,” she said, reading the menu.
“The fruity scent is from the beer, and the one I ordered is delicious. I’m really hungry, too, so I guess that’s a good sign, right?” Ivy said.
“Do you normally stop eating when you’re nervous or upset?” Olivia asked.
“Definitely. I can lose five pounds easily when I’m down in the dumps.”
“Then it’s great that you’re hungry. I’m the opposite—I’ll gain your five pounds when I’m feeling down. My breakup with Kory packed seven on me. Ice cream, brownies, and cookies, especially Oreos, are my go-to breakup foods.”
“Hi, my name is Bridget and I’m your server. Are you ready to order?”
Olivia glanced at the menu. “I’ll have the spicy guacamole burger with cheddar cheese and extra jalapeños.”
“Fries?”
“Yes, and a side dinner salad with balsamic dressing.” She handed the menu to Bridget.
Ivy ordered the veggie burger with swiss cheese, caramelized onions, and sun-dried tomatoes with a side of fries and fried pickles.
Soon they were chowing down the most delicious burger Olivia had ever eaten. As they talked, Olivia heard someone call her name. She looked around and saw Lucy rushing toward her. Her stomach clenched, and she put down her burger.
“Hi, Ms. Mooney,” Lucy gushed, her face glowing.
“Hi, Lucy. How are you?”
“Good. Do you like your food?”
“It’s very good, thank you.”
“My dad’s club owns this.” Lucy waved her arms around as she spun in a circle.
“Really?”
“Really.” His voice spilled over her.
Olivia kept her gaze on Lucy until Animal filled her field of vision. He looked amazing in his body-hugging dark blue turtleneck sweater and tight jeans. Swirls of ink on defined forearms peeked out from pushed up sleeves, and his pants highlighted the long, muscular shape of his legs.
“Hi,” he said in a low voice. His eyes darted to the V neckline of her top.
“Hi,” she whispered, her stomach fluttering as she recalled the feel of his hands on her breasts, the touch of his lips against hers.
“Ms. Mooney says she likes the burgers.” Lucy spun around again.
“I’m glad Ms. Mooney likes them. So they’re juicy enough for you?”
Flushed, Olivia nodded and looked away.
“Are you gonna have ice cream? My favorite is the chocolate chip.”
“I like that too.” Olivia smiled and looked at Lucy, but she was very aware that Animal was staring at her.
Ivy cleared her throat and Olivia’s gaze cut over to her, and she placed her hand against the side of her face. “I’m sorry, I forgot to introduce you,” she said. “Ivy, this is Lucy—she’s a student of mine at Slavens, and this is her father.” Olivia kept her focus on Lucy and Ivy, but Animal’s presence took over the space around them.
Ivy smiled at the young girl and began to ask her questions, which seemed to please Lucy immensely. The girl wandered over to Ivy, and the two of them began chatting. Animal squatted down on his haunches beside her chair, and smiled.
Mouth dry all of a sudden, Olivia reached for her water glass and took a big gulp.
“Am I making you nervous?” he asked.
“No,” she answered.
“Look,” he said in a low voice, “let’s stop playing games here. I’m sure you know I’m attracted to you, and I know you are to me, so let’s do something about it.” He glanced over at Lucy who was still chitchatting away.
Olivia’s racing heartbeat drummed in her chest, but she refused to give any indication that she was even remotely flustered. She took another sip of water, then met his gaze. “I’m a very busy person, and I—”
“You’re out tonight, so that means you have some time. You went to Blue’s Belly and the clubhouse. You got more time than you think.” Animal brushed his knuckles across the back of her fingers, and the touch was electric. “I’m asking you out to dinner.”
Okay … that was surprising. She’d thought he was proposing a wild night of sex so they could get each other out of their systems, but he was asking her out on a date instead. She wasn’t sure what to make of it.
“Okay,” she muttered before her brain could stop her.
“Awesome.” Another brush across her skin, then he rose to his feet. “I’ll call you,” he whispered before turning to Lucy. “We gotta get back to our table, kiddo. Grandpa and Aunt Jada are gonna wonder if we got lost. Anyway, I’m pretty sure there’s a bowl of ice cream waiting for you.”
Lucy jumped up and down. “Goodbye, Ivy. Bye Miss. Mooney.” She dashed away with her sexy-as-all-hell father following her.
“Who was that guy?” Ivy said, her head still turned as she watched Animal over her shoulder.
“My next-door neighbor … and the father of one of my student’s,” she groaned.
“Oh, wow.” Ivy straightened out and picked up a fry and nibbled on it.
“It gets worse. I just accepted a date with him. I’m totally insane!” Olivia pushed her half-eaten burger away from her.
“Is that allowed at your school?” Ivy asked.
“Yes and no. I mean, if I was Lucy’s actual teacher in her grade, it would be a major no-no, but since I’m just tutoring her in reading and she’s not getting graded or anything like
that, it’s probably okay.” She crumpled her napkin and put it on the table. “I don’t know. Anyway, I’m not supposed to be going on a date with anyone—I’ve sworn off men.”
“A good-looking guy like him would make any woman break her resolution. He’s rugged and dangerous looking, don’t you think?” Ivy briefly glanced over her shoulder again.
“Yeah,” Olivia begrudgingly agreed. “He’s in a motorcycle club.”
Ivy’s eyes widened. “No shit.”
“It gets even better—it’s an outlaw club. When I fuck up, I fuck up big.” She shook her head and motioned the server for another glass of white wine.
“Aren’t you scared to go out with him? I’d be petrified to date a biker.” Her friend shuddered.
“Not really. He’s actually a decent guy, and the way he tries with Lucy melts my heart.”
“Is his ex in the picture?”
“I don’t know. I’ve never seen any woman at the house.” Olivia should know since she’d spent far more time spying on her neighbor than she’d ever admit. “Lucy never talks about her. I really don’t know what the deal is with all that.” But I’m sure as hell going to find out on our date. Date. I can’t believe I agreed to go out with him. What was I thinking?
“Considering what happened to me with Brady, you better find out exactly what the situation is, you don’t want any surprises, believe me.”
“I don’t plan to go out with him more than once.” Olivia reached over and patted the back of Ivy’s hand. “I’m sorry you had such a jerk in your life. Let’s forget about Animal and—”
“Animal? That’s his name?” Ivy’s fingers rested against the base of her throat.
“It’s a road name—bikers have them. I’m sure he got his from partying too much with the ladies.” Olivia rolled her eyes. “His real name is Raxton—I saw it in Lucy’s records.”