Ben was assailed by an overwhelming need to talk to someone. Jamie had been a good listener. He’d told her more about his circumstances, and his feelings, than he’d shared with either his brother or sister. He wasn’t sure why he’d opened up to her. He only knew she’d been kind to the girls. And to him.
Before he could talk himself out of it, he was looking up the number for the clinic on his phone. A moment later he listened to the phone ring.
What the hell am I doing? She didn’t want to hear from him, especially in the middle of a busy day at work. He was about to end the call when someone answered.
“Masonville Veterinary Clinic. How can I help you?”
Ben cleared his throat. “Can I speak to Jamie, I mean Dr. Garven?”
“I’m sorry, she’s with a client right now—oh wait, she just left the examining room. Can I tell her who’s calling?”
Again, he considered hanging up. Instead he heard himself say, “It’s Ben Greyson.”
“One moment please.”
The line went silent as she put him on hold. Ben paced back and forth on a small patch of gravel road in front of the clinic. He stared at his shoes, noting the dust covering the smooth leather. He didn’t know what he was going to say to Jamie. Why was he even calling her?
“Hello, Ben?”
The moment he heard her voice, his whole body relaxed. “Hi. I’m sorry to bother you at work. I know you’re busy.”
“No problem. What can I do for you?”
“Well, the girls have been asking about meeting Hector. Do you think it would be all right if I brought them over some time?”
“Yes, of course. I’m not working on Friday. Why don’t you guys come over for dinner?”
“I wasn’t angling for a dinner invitation.”
“I know. I’m offering. I’m a fantastic cook, if I say so myself.”
That made him smile. “Now I’m intrigued. Thank you. What time should we be there?”
“Come a few minutes before five and I’ll introduce Bella and Sophie to Hector.”
“Okay. See you then.”
“See you. Bye.”
Ben grinned as he put his phone in his pocket and began walking back to his office.
