Page 11 of Happily Evan After

DR. OLSEN: This isn’t a laughing matter. Administering unsafe vaccines would be extremely dangerous.

DR. OLSEN: And, yes, of course I’ve met Dane. I wouldn’t have sold him the vaccines without my supervision if I didn’t trust him.

ME: Don’t worry. I’ve got this.

ME: I was a medic. I assure you, I know what I’m doing.

DR. OLSEN: A medic?

ME: In the Army. I’m trained in emergency wound care, among other things.

DR. OLSEN: Emergency wound care on humans is not the same thing as veterinary care. Maybe I should come out to supervise.

ME: That’s not necessary, Doc.

DR. OLSEN: I’m attaching a PDF that includes detailed instructions on how to administer the medications.

ME: I’ve got it.

DR. OLSEN: And here are links to instructional videos if the PDF is too long.

ME: I said, I’ve got it. And the PDF is only three pages. With pictures. And I can read.

I groan aloud. What is up with that woman?

I switch out of the texting window with Dr. Olsen and over to the group text between me and my buddies who all run Great Dane’s Dog Sanctuary.

I’m annoyed. I can’t deny that.

First of all, I’m not used to people not liking me. I’m an affable guy. Secondly, she just straight up questioned my ability to not only read simple directions but to follow through with the job. I’m pretty sure that at most veterinary offices, vet techs are allowed to administer injections. Surely my education and subsequent experience give me at least that much skill. Maybe I shouldn’t have made that joke about having a kegger, but come on! It was obviously a joke.

I blow out a breath, trying to release my annoyance. It won’t do anyone any good, especially me, if I’m all worked up.

I try to focus on the string of texts from my buddies. They’ve apparently been chatting while I’ve been defending my honor to the lady vet.

LIAM: Thanks for not being total asshats when I brought Wren and Keller by today.

JACK: When are we ever asshats?

DANE: That might apply to everyone but you, Jack.

JACK: Does that make me the pussy of the group?

DANE: No. Just the golden retriever.

ROMEO: Dane is not wrong.

ROMEO: Your bird girl is perfect for you.

BEAU: Bird girl?

LIAM: Romeo is just being his hilarious self.

ROMEO: Because her name is Wren. Like a bird.

BEAU: That’s weak, dude.

FLYNN: You can bring Keller out anytime. That kid is smart.