Page 8 of Rumours and Romance
Chapter 4
Jackson
Thursday is my favourite day at the clinic. For the stupidest reason.
Veronica doesn’t work on Thursdays.
The last two weeks have become increasingly awkward as she continues to try and flirt with me. It doesn’t seem to matter how many times I step away, or try to respectfully decline her invitations, she just keeps trying. Doctor Morton even witnessed one time when she had her hand on my arm and was leaning way too far into my personal space, and when I moved away from her, I saw his frown from across the break room. How the hell do you tell your boss that your coworker is hitting on you inappropriately and that you have zero interest in reciprocating?
But waking up today, still in the damn motel because I haven’t found a rental that I like yet, but knowing I won’t have to put up with Veronica’s advances, has me smiling and whistling to myself in the shower.
Or maybe it’s the fact that Mila promised to make lemon blueberry scones this morning. My mouth waters just thinking about them. Somehow, that woman has managed to convince me to give up my ten year habit of a bran muffin and black coffee for whatever fruity, sweet concoction she mixes up. Over the last two weeks I’ve had her apple nut muffins three times — they’re that good. Cinnamon buns, raisin scones, banana chocolate chip muffins, and some crazy Italian pastry I can barely pronounce. She’s a wizard in the kitchen, and is turning into a decent friend as well. At least that’s what I tell myself is the reason I’ve gone into the bakery every single day these last few weeks. Every day that is, except Sundays. She doesn’t work Sundays, so I don’t bother going. And no, I don’t want to think about why that is.
Sure enough, when I push open the door to The Nutty Muffin an hour later, Mila looks up from behind the counter with a warm smile.
“Perfect timing. Scones are cooling and we just made a fresh pot of coffee.”
“Sounds great. Are you joining me today?”
The last few times I’ve been in, Mila has sat with me for several minutes, drinking her own cup of coffee and just talking. It’s nice feeling like I have a friend in town; she introduced me to her brother the other day, Ethan, and their mutual friend Reid. Her brother is a big man, but seemed friendly enough. He’s definitely not what I expected the mayor of this town to look like. Reid, the elementary school principal, gave off an easygoing vibe that makes total sense, seeing as it’s summer break and he isn’t dealing with hundreds of children every day. They’re the kind of guys I wouldn’t mind getting to know better, maybe have a beer with someday, but I’m in no hurry. Even though I feel like I’m settling in well enough, I still feel like my life has been in such chaos for the last few months I just need to take it slow.
“You bet I am.” She heads into the back and comes out a moment later with a plate holding two scones, and a mug of coffee. Milo lumbers out after her, and heads straight to me, sitting beside me with his head on my lap.
“Hey, buddy,” I say to the dog. “It’s kind of awesome that he can be here with you all day.”
Mila sits down across from me and smiles. “I know. Perks of a small town; no one cares.”
“The sign in the window probably helps.” I gesture over to the handwritten sign Mila put up that announces there is a dog inside. It was a smart choice to let anyone who might not like dogs know that Milo is inside. Although, from what I can gather, Mila hasn’t had any issues. He’s such a gentle dog, I’m not surprised that everyone loves him.
“Yeah, he does his rounds, greets everyone, then falls asleep on his bed for an hour around lunchtime. Rough life.”
I can hear the affection in her voice. “He’s lucky you found him.”
She shakes her head. “Nope, I’m lucky he found me.”
We share a smile. I won’t deny, Mila is a beautiful woman. If my heart wasn’t still recuperating from Stefani’s betrayal, Mila is the kind of woman I’d be interested in. And for her to be as much of an animal lover as I am only makes her more attractive to me. But the best I can do is accept her friendship, and enjoy her company for now.
“Have you found a place to rent yet?”
I let out a quiet groan. “No. I understand that the rental market in a small town isn’t exactly booming, but there’s been absolutely nothing decent lately. I need more than a studio apartment, and the one house I found needed so much work. I don’t have time for a renovation. I think I might have to look in Westport.”
“Don’t do that,” Mila says, sitting up straight, a gleam coming into her eye. “Don’t forget, you’re looking at one of the Dogwood Cove land barons.”
I laugh at that. “Oh, really. You think because you and your brother own some retail properties, you’re at land baron status?”
“Ah, my naïve friend. You think all we own is retail? You’d be wrong. We’ve also got three rental houses. One of which is coming available in a few weeks when the Hillersons move to Vancouver.”
It’s my turn to sit up. “Are you serious?”
“Yup.” She smiles triumphantly. “And since you’ve got an in with one of the landlords, I might be able to give you first dibs before we post the rental listing.”
“God, Mila, that would be fucking amazing.”
Mila gasps and brings her hand to her chest. “Why, Doctor Holt. I do believe that’s the first time I’ve heard you curse. Is this town corrupting you?”
I burst into laughter at that. “Nobody is corrupting me, trust me. I guess we just haven’t hung out enough for you to see the darker side of me.”
Her light giggle fills the air. “Well it’s nice to know you’re not all bran muffins and starched shirts.”
