“Dani, you here?” Trip felt bad that she’d pretty much just hung a clinic name tag on Dani and pushed her into the thick of things without much orientation. But this was a demanding time of the year for Trip. She’d artificially inseminated show mares across four counties after delivering their foals in the spring, and their owners wanted exams now to confirm whether they were pregnant or needed to be bred again. It wasn’t that she didn’t have confidence in Dani’s abilities. She’d come highly recommended. But it wasn’t good employee relations to leave her to swim on her own.
“In the back,” Dani said.
Trip opened the door to the laboratory room where they did everything from nail clipping to anesthetizing for simple surgeries. Most animals were better behaved when separated from their owners. They still did hands-on exams and gave shots in the exam room while they chatted with the owners about any health issues. She flared her nostrils at the cloying—not an animal—smell that hit her like a wall. “Should’ve known. I can follow Michelle’s scent through the whole building.” She stepped back, fanning the air with her hands. “Jeez, Michelle, I told you about wearing a ton of that crap to work. We’ll have lawsuits coming out our backsides for injuring the animals’ olfactory senses. Go wash that mess off, right now.”
Michelle huffed and rolled her eyes before strutting toward the restroom.
“Thank you for that,” Dani said. “My eyes were starting to water. I felt bad for the animals.”
“I like to run a relaxed but professional business. I told that girl when I hired her to leave that bait and her flirting at home. How’s that going?”
Dani shrugged, unwilling to jeopardize Michelle’s job because of her own discomfort.
“She obviously didn’t listen to the first part of my warning, so I’m guessing she’s been on the prowl and you just don’t want to say.” Trip patted Dani on the shoulder. “Never figured a northern girl for tact and diplomacy.”
“She’s pretty good with the clients, and I can handle myself around her. But that eau de awful perfume she bathes in has to go.” The dog whose wound Dani had been checking sneezed in agreement before she lifted him off the table and put him back in his kennel.
Trip nodded toward the back door. She was more concerned about how Dani was doing than Michelle. “Let’s take a walk and get some fresh air.” She held the door for Dani, then led them toward the barn where the horses were stabled. “So, how are things going?”
“Fine.”
Trip let the silence hang between them, hoping Dani would say more. But when Dani didn’t, Trip prodded. “You’re not much of a talker, are you?”
“If I have something to say.”
“And you don’t have anything to say other than fine? I hired you because of your extensive experience, and you came with impeccable references. I’m asking you for an evaluation. The large animal part of the practice is my main interest, but the small animal clinic is a moneymaker. Any changes you’d recommend for efficiency and better care in that area? Any equipment or supplies you feel we need that I don’t already have? Do we have enough staff? I value your professional opinion.”
“Oh…you mean work things.”
Trip stopped halfway to the barn. “Look, Dani, I like you, but I don’t get involved in my employees’ lives, unless they ask for advice. And it’s obvious you’re not asking. So yes, as a vet, any suggestions?”
“It’s a good clinic. You’ve got plenty of exam rooms in the main building and sufficient stalls in the barn. You could even expand if you wanted. Your equipment is top-of-the-line, and you’re located conveniently to facilities in Savannah if you need a specialist. It’s all good.”
Trip smiled, nodded toward the barn, and started walking again. “Thanks. Do you have time to help me with a castration before you head out?”
“Sure.”
* * *
When the anesthesia buckled the knees of the six-month-old colt, Trip pushed him over as Dani shoved a ten-inch-thick pad against his feet from the other side to lay him on it. Their smoothly coordinated maneuver felt like they’d been working together for years. The rest of the surgery was quick and equally synchronized. The youngster slept soundly on his side, with Dani monitoring his vitals while Trip performed the routine operation in the barn’s surgery stall. She’d lost track years ago of how many castrations she’d done over the years, but she never skimped or lost focus. Whether they were headed to the show ring, or just a family pet, she gave each patient her best.
Trip fed the medicine into his vein to wake him, and stepped back to wait for the moment they’d help him to his feet. She was aware of Dani watching her as much as the colt. It’d been the first time Dani had assisted her, and she was impressed with how seamlessly they worked together. Dani was obviously as experienced with large animals as she was with smaller ones. Yep. Dani was a keeper. She just needed to give her a reason to stay.
“So, are you going to come?”
Dani blinked as if Trip had pulled her from some deep thoughts. “Sorry?”
“My cookout. Tomorrow. It’s an annual thing. Lesbians from two states will be there, along with some of the gay-friendly community.”
“I’ll probably go to Savannah. You know, for the clubs and women.”
“Grace will be at the cookout.” The comment floated like a pleasant aroma waiting to settle. “Jolene at the diner said you two had a nice chat the other day.”
“We sat beside each other at the counter. It was the only seat in the place.”
Trip raised her hands. “I’m just saying, she’ll be there and she’s good people. You couldn’t do better if you’re looking to make friends around here, and I hope you will. I’m only suggesting friendship because she’s a close friend of mine, and I’m a little protective.”
“Don’t worry. I have no interest in Grace.”
“Your loss, but that’s probably a good decision. I’m sure you see this job as a step in your career, so you wouldn’t be right for her. But come to the cookout. You’ll know at least a few people—me, Grace, and Michelle. There’ll be lots of women, and several of the clinic’s best horse clients I’d like you to meet. Grace and I can introduce you around.”
Dani shook her head. “Thanks for the offer though.”
“My cookouts are a huge annual event. The Savannah crowd will all be here. At least think about it?”
Dani nodded and started toward the clinic. “I better get back to work.”