Even from the third floor, Mel heard the deep chime of the antique grandfather clock in the library below. She listened—one o’clock. Why can’t I stay asleep? Every time she woke, her mind would immediately go to Dan DeLong. Is there anything about him that would raise an obvious red flag? Unless it’s something from his past he has hidden, I can’t see what it could be. He’s single, gorgeous, and old enough. He has a wonderful, thriving business and lives in the same zip code. He just might be the right man for me. Mel finally fell asleep, wearing a smile on her face.
***
That can’t be my alarm already, she thought. She rolled over and fumbled for her cell on the nightstand. She rubbed her eyes and looked at the clock—seven a.m. Man, I hate you right now. It seems like I barely slept at all.
Today was Mel’s first day back at work since she’d left for St. Thomas two weeks ago. She was excited to tell the crazy stories to her workmates, but she was tired nonetheless. She stumbled out of bed and inched toward the dresser, pushed the button on the coffeemaker, and felt her way to the bathroom. A hot shower and the smell of coffee brewing ought to wake me up.
She reminded herself to call Emily and find out what was going on with Jax and his costumes. At this point, I’d rather let them figure it out between themselves. Emily has all of the designs I drew up, and Jax paid me separately for them. I don’t have the energy to be the middleman for no reason anymore. I also have to call Dan’s office and talk to him. I should have gotten his cell phone number instead. I’ll call at lunchtime so I don’t interrupt his appointments.
She entered the kitchen with her coffee cup in hand.
“So, Mel, you already have another guy in the wings, huh? Damn it, woman, you don’t waste any time.” Abby elbowed Betsy and smirked.
Mel filled her cup, took a seat, and eyeballed the plate of croissants in the middle of the table. The chocolate one taunted her, calling her name. She reached for it, and Abby slapped her hand.
“Don’t even think of it. I’m saving that one for Erik.”
“Well, damn it, why didn’t you buy more chocolate ones then?” Mel grumbled.
“She did, and she ate them already,” Betsy said, tattling on Abby. “Tell Abs about Dr. Dan.”
“Apparently you already did, big mouth.” Mel cautiously picked up a raspberry-filled croissant. “Can I have this one?”
“Yes, you may.”
“Okay, he’s Lucy’s vet, thirty-three years old, hotter than hell, and single.”
“Invite him over. I want to meet him.”
“Who do you want to meet?” Erik asked when he entered the kitchen. “Do I need to pound someone’s face in? You know what happened to Brandon Luck.”
Abby giggled. “No, honey, you’re the only hunk for me. Mel has a new man already. What a tramp, right?”
“Bitch,” Mel said with her mouth full of raspberry croissant.
Erik grinned and kissed Abby. “Good, you saved a chocolate one for me.”
***
Melanie felt a little embarrassed to call the clinic and ask for Dr. Dan specifically. Normally, Lucy’s appointments would be set up directly with Eileen, and the appointment for Lucy’s nail trim wasn’t for another two weeks. I’ll call and ask about the grooming and casually mention I need to speak with the doctor, too. Crap, why am I already sweating? I can feel the blood rushing to my face.
Just as Mel was about to call the clinic, Jill grumbled and plopped down next to her in the break room. “Man, I’m going to kill Mariah, I swear.”
Mel set her phone back down and looked at the clock—twelve fifteen. “What’s going on with Mariah?”
“She’s telling everyone my designs aren’t original, and I found them in a magazine. I’m going to bash her head in.”
“Okay, why don’t you go ahead and take care of that. I have to make a private call.” Mel walked out to the loggia and called the clinic. She didn’t want to chicken out, so she wanted to do it quickly before she had time to think of excuses.
“Hello, Eileen. This is Melanie Davis calling. I’d like to set up a grooming appointment for Lucy and then speak to the doctor if he’s in.”
“Hi, Melanie, give me just a second to pull Lucy’s chart up on the computer. Here we go… okay, Lucy is due for a nail trim on Tuesday, two weeks from tomorrow, but our groomer isn’t here on Tuesdays. She comes in on Mondays and Thursdays. She has an opening this coming Thursday at eleven forty-five. Will that work for you?”
Mel didn’t have time to think, so she just said yes. That way, with any luck, she would run into Dan while she was there. She’d forfeit her lunch break for the grooming appointment on Thursday.
“Okay, now that the grooming appointment is set, is there something I can help you with instead of the doctor?”
Damn it, I knew she’d say that. “No, thanks. Is Dr. DeLong available?”
“Just one moment, I’ll find out.”
Mel was put on hold and forced to listen to elevator music. She paced up and down the loggia as she looked out over the Holy City, Charleston’s nickname because of all the church steeples.
“Hey, Mel, I’m glad you called. I just got back from picking up lunch for Eileen and myself. Did I tell you she’s my sister?” He laughed into the phone, and Mel was relieved. “You don’t have to feel weird about calling here. I already gave her a heads-up, but I’ll give you my cell number, too. So about Folly Beach… are you game? Say like this Saturday?”
Mel breathed a deep sigh. “I’m glad you told me about Eileen. I was actually nervous to ask for you. Saturday would be a blast. How do you want to do this?”
“Would you mind coming to my house since I live so close to James Island Expressway? If it’s a problem, I’d be more than happy to pick you up.”
“Okay, but at some point, my dearest friend, Abby, said she would love to meet Lucy’s vet. This time will give me an opportunity to check out your digs.”
He laughed. “I guess I better clean the house before then. Would you like to have lunch in Folly Beach? Also, it’s your choice… bike rental or kayaks?”
“Lunch sounds perfect. I’ve never kayaked. Is it scary?”
“Not at all, but you did say you’re kind of a klutz. We better save kayaking for a lake until you’re used to it. The ocean is a bit choppier. I wouldn’t want to have to dive in to save you,” he teased. “How about something a little safer on our first date, like bike riding?”
“So, there are more dates to come?” Yes, yes, yes!
“You did say your best friend wants to meet Lucy’s vet, didn’t you? I’m just kidding. I’d love to see where this takes us. How about eleven o’clock? We’ll have lunch, check out the pier, and then rent a couple of bikes.”
“That sounds awesome. All I need now is your address. Oh yeah, maybe I’ll see you on Thursday. I set up a grooming appointment for Lucy.”
“Great, I’ll watch for you. Do you have a pen? Here’s my address.”