Crashing Into Tess by Lilly Christine Page A

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