It's a Vet's Life: Read Online Free PDF Page B

that’s developed an annoying kink in it since I had George.
    ‘I’m not that late,’ Emma smiles. ‘I overslept.’
    ‘What came in?’ I ask, knowing Emma was on call with Izzy last night.
    ‘Nothing in the end. I fielded a couple of phone calls – one was a wrong number. It turned out they wanted Talyton Manor Vets, not us. It was something about a cow, and I told them we don’t do animals larger than a Great Dane, unless it’s the direst of emergencies.’
    ‘That must be the call that woke me up,’ I say ruefully. ‘They rang Alex after they’d called you.’ I hesitate. ‘You said there were two calls. What was the other one?’
    ‘One of ours. Aurora was worried that Saba was going to make herself bald from scratching, and it was keeping her and her boyfriend awake. It kept me awake too,’ Emma says ruefully. ‘Which is probably why I overslept this morning.’
    ‘I thought we’d got our clients better trained.’
    ‘Oh, I couldn’t be too cross with her. She’s a good customer. Has she been in? I told her she could turn up first thing and we’d fit her in.’
    ‘She hasn’t been in yet,’ I say, glancing around the waiting room, even though I know there’s no one here.
    ‘I expect she’s having a lie-in,’ Emma sighs. ‘She doesn’t open up until eleven.’ Emma’s referring to Aurora’s shop, a fashion boutique that’s a little avant-garde for Talyton St George. Many might assume that there isn’t much demand for luxury lingerie here before eleven o’clock in the morning, some that there is no demand at all, but, having found a pair of Aurora’s skimpy briefs inside a dog before, I know differently. Behind the facade of scones, jam and clotted cream, and tight-knit community, Talyton St George is a hotbed of lust and desire. At least, that’s what the local gossips would like everyone to believe. They thrive on intrigue, both real and imaginary.
    ‘It’s all right for some not having to get up in the morning,’ Emma goes on. ‘I’m shattered.’ She picks up the post from the desk in Reception and tidies the stand of collars, leads and toys. ‘What did Clive want?’
    ‘Oh, he brought Cassie for a check-up. She’s … pregnant.’ As soon as I utter the word, I want to take it back. I look away, fiddling with the end of Emma’s stethoscope which is still around my neck. I guess I’m always going to find it awkward talking about pregnancy and babies of any kind, with Emma.
    ‘That’s nice.’ Emma hesitates, raising one eyebrow. ‘I’m assuming it was planned.’
    ‘I don’t think so. She had a one-night stand with some feral tomcat. Allegedly.’
    ‘Did you have a good weekend off?’ Emma says, changing the subject.
    It’s my turn to hesitate now. ‘The foal arrived safely, thanks to Alex. It was a close-run thing.’
    ‘And?’
    ‘Nothing much.’
    ‘There’s something else. I can tell from the way you’re smirking, Maz.’
    ‘Actually, I’m really excited,’ I admit. ‘Alex and I have set the date for the wedding.’
    ‘Oh, that’s fantastic news.’ Emma throws her arms around me and gives me a hug. ‘At last.’
    ‘When is it? What’s the date?’ Frances joins in. I’d forgotten she was listening.
    ‘The third Saturday in December. This December,’ I add, aware that both Emma and Frances are staring at me, Frances open-mouthed, Emma with a frown.
    ‘December?’ they say at the same time.
    ‘We’ll have to check with the vicar first, of course.’
    ‘It isn’t the best time of year for photos,’ Emma says. ‘Have you thought about that?’
    ‘I’m sure you can have goose bumps airbrushed out,’ I say lightly.
    ‘What if it rains?’
    ‘It’s just as likely to rain in June or July as it is in December. We can do the photos indoors if necessary.’
    ‘Well, you and Alex mustn’t keep putting it off,’ Frances sighs. ‘I’ll just have to get hold of a decent coat for the occasion.’
    ‘A set of thermals will do. Oh,