Begin Again by Christy Newton Page B

an exotic vet right around the corner on Pleasant who I happen to know is the best and is very reasonable.”
    The guy looked at his wife. “I think it’s a good idea. Dogs live a long time, and neither one of us has a lot of time to spend with a puppy.”
    The girl nodded. “And a cat might bother my allergies.” She smiled and looked at Maisie. “Thanks. You may have just saved us a week’s worth of debating.”
    â€œNo problem. Let me know if you two need anything else. Chocolate chunk cookies are on special today: buy one, get one free.”
    She left them to discuss if they should go to the pet store after they finished eating just as Ryan walked into the diner wearing a purple polo and dark jeans. She thought back to his beige living room and shook her head at the irony.
    â€œYou’re here early tonight.” She paused while he sat down at the counter. “Be right back with your pie.”
    â€œMy last patient canceled. I think I’ll try a cheeseburger and soda with the pie tonight.”
    Surprised, Maisie smiled. “Sure. You want home fries, too?”
    He thought about it for a couple of seconds. “If you’ll share some with me.”
    She laughed, “Afraid of consuming too many fats at once?”
    He nodded. “Yeah, something like that.”
    â€œLet me get that guy’s coffee refilled, and I’ll get your order placed.”
    â€œNo hurry.” He winked, making her heart race.
    â€¢ • •
    Ryan looked around the diner and came to find he’d grown quite fond of the place. Not only did he get to see the woman he was falling in love with, but also the place had a warmth and a history that made him feel as comfortable as his favorite pair of jeans. He chuckled to himself. If someone would have told him a few months ago that he would frequent a pink and gray diner with cookie pictures pasted on the walls, he would have thought them insane.
    He recognized the other regulars around him and felt he was a part of this small community. His home. Maisie’s home. Nothing had ever felt so right, including his relationship with her. Whatever it was. He looked at Maisie chatting with a customer. The sunlight hit her jade eyes and turned them into sparkling jewels. If all he could have with her was what they had now, he could live with that.
    Maisie walked over to him and placed a large plate of Southern cooking in front of him. “Here you go. Enjoy.” She snatched a few of his fries and winked, making him laugh.
    â€¢ • •
    The next couple of days were much busier at the clinic. Ryan had interviewed a promising applicant. She could only work part time, so he wasn’t sure how that would work, unless he hired another part-time person to make up the difference.
    As soon as Ryan got home from his pie-eating routine, he noticed a white, medium-sized car parked in front of the house. He unlocked the door and stepped into the foyer. He almost dropped his keys when Jacob came out of nowhere.
    â€œSurprise!” Jacob said as he leaned his crutch against the chair and walked across Ryan’s living room. “My ankle is better. I think I’m able to drive now. My insurance company sent me a rental until my repairs are finished.”
    Ryan knew his friend was eager to get back to Illinois, to be back in his own house again. “Man, there’s no rush. You still have that cast on your arm. My home is your home.”
    Jacob shook his head. “I’ve stayed long enough, my friend. Time for me to hit the road.”
    Ryan saw his determined look and knew there was no changing his mind. “This time, please be
careful
.”
    Jacob saluted him, “Scout’s honor. I’ll even give you a call when I get back safely.”
    â€œThat might mean something if you’d ever been a scout.”
    Jacob smiled.
    â€œAlright.” His mind was made up, no use trying to change it.