Chapter Text
It has been another busy day at the 24/7 vet clinic I co own in midtown Manhattan. Sitting in my office, I am typing my last chart report when my cell buzzes. I glance down at it and sees *Mom* blinking on the screen.
Hitting the speaker "hi Mom".
"Jordyn...busy?".
"Just wrapping up, I can talk".
"Oh good......how are you?".
"Fine......we saw each other last week at Four Seasons........".
She laughs "I know, but I will always be your mother and worry".
Rolling my eyes, I chew on my pen, a bad habit and glance over on the couch in the corner. Henry, my pug, is curled up like a donut and slightly snoring. I smile "I know.......so how are you.......how is the new play?". She is a longtime costume and set designer on Broadway and damn good as what she does.
"It's great......we met the cast" and she clears her throat "which includes Richard Armitage, the British hunk from North&South...the Hobbit....he is so nice".
I snort "I hope you are not trying to set me up.....I am still seeing Aaron remember? Besides......I think Richard is a lot older than me".
"Only 7 years....it's nothing, honey and yes, I know you keep saying that, but when was the last time you actually saw Aaron, let alone had sex with him?".
"Mom!", Henry lifts his head, but then puts it back down when he realizes nothing is going on.
She chuckles "just being honest, sweetie......Dad and I are not dumb.......you two fizzled out a long time ago".
I sigh "yeah........you are right.......we just haven't talked about it yet". I play with the clip holding my hair up in the back.
"Why not?".
"Don't know.......no need to I guess......we are not seeing anyone else.....habit....I don't know".
"Well, life is short, Jordie......don't waste it on a dull man".
"Aaron is not dull.....he is just not right for me, but I don't need you to try to set me up and certainly not with a movie star".
"I'm not..... Richard just seems like a nice guy, but I did give him your number.......well, the number to the clinic.....there was a stray kitten roaming in the ally and he decided to take it, but he has never owned a cat before......I thought he might need some guidance and to get the poor girl checked over".
"Alright.....thanks".
"Not a problem, I know you don't need more business, but he seriously looked lost when he carried her out in a box" and she laughs "while trying to fend of Amy".
Making a sympathetic sound when she mentions her co worker, who is an amazing seamtress, but also known for trying to get in the pants of every man that crosses her path, the more famous the better "oh no..... poor guy...."
"I know.....and he is too nice to tell her to bug off....but he eventually will, even the nice ones have had enough after a week of trying to get away from her".
I sigh "I wish she would either move or marry someone".
"Not sure who would marry her.......but anyway......look who is talking.........we would like a grandbaby at some point" and then she quickly adds "we know we have Henry, but one without 4 legs and fur".
"Very funny, Mom.....and you will, in due time.....when I find someone I actually would want to father my children" and I shutter "not much luck so far.........".
That hangs in the air for a moment, she knows what I am thinking about "that wasn't your fault.....we all thought he was perfect".
Depp breath "never mind that......anyway.....thanks for the heads up, I'll take good care of the kitten if Mr. Armitage decides to call".
"Thank you......so all moved in to your new place?".
"Yes, finally put the last stuff away.......should have done it a long time ago......Henry loves the courtyard and the roof top garden.......it seems so quiet".
"We told you to move, dear......but you wanted to save money".
"I needed to make sure this clinic was on solid ground before I put myself in more debt".
"We would have helped".
"I know, Mom, but you also know I want to do things on my own.........you helped me through school, that is more than enough......".
"Never....oh my gosh, gotta run......I promised your dad to meet me for an early dinner and I'm late already".
Shaking my head, she is always late "I think Dad is use to that by now, but have a good time and thanks for the call" and we hang up.
I lean back in my office chair and think about what she said. I rub my face, stretching my legs and I know she is right, Aaron and I need to call it quits and move on, we owe that to each other. We met over a year ago at some theater fundraiser and sparks flew. He was there because he owned the building it was being held at and I got dragged along by my folks, who support anything and everything when it comes to the arts here in this city. I more or less grew up going to the theater, the ballet, the symphony etc. and I still very much love all that, but I knew my future was not on stage.
My grandparents, on my mother's side, live on a farm in upstate New York and I have been coming there since I was a baby and have always loved all the animals. My parents have always had at least one dog and one cat and I went through my share of furry critters growing up. I dreamed on becoming a veterinarian for as long as I can remember and one of my proudest moments, graduating from Colorado State with my degree in veterinary medicine.
After a few years at a couple of clinics in Colorado, the need to return to my roots and the city I love, became too strong and me and 3 other colleagues from back East, embarked on this adventure of establishing a 24 hour clinic, catering to the pickiest clients. It has been hard work, but also very fulfilling and we have finally gotten to a place where we have hired more people, and we feel we can actually breathe for a moment.
So back to Aaron. We dated and hung out after meeting, but it quickly fizzled out. We are both very busy people and neither of us felt the need to try to compromise to fit each other more into our lives. We are friends and probably always will be, there is a deep mutual respect and love. I know we will be seeing each other in a few days, one of the theaters have their annual donor banquet and I'm going with my parents and I am sure he will be there, it's held at one of his venues.
I sent him a quick text "can we talk......maybe before the party Friday......I'll come over".
Pause and my phone dings "sure.....I've been meaning to call you.......5pm ish Friday? XO A".
Sending a thumbs up emoji, I get a heart emoji back......we do understand each other.
I sigh and then make a move to get up, I'm off for tonight and it will be so nice. Maybe I can actually cook something in my new, bigger kitchen or just enjoy the roof top garden at my complex, I have a stack of books that are just waiting to be read.
Henry senses I am getting ready to leave, so he gets up and stretches, looking at me with expectation. I pet him "yeah....we'll leave in a minute".
The intercom comes on, my friend and front desk manager, Tracey "Jordyn.....are you still here?".
"Yes".
"Can you see one more client in 10 minutes? He is on hold and almost begged, asking to see you specifically".
"Sure.....".
"Thank you".
I look at Henry "well, you need to hang out a little bit longer, buddy....". He snorts and wags his butt and I reach down to pet him as he flops himself on the floor, asking for his stomach to be scratched. I comply and smile as he makes happy sounds. I got him four years ago, when my life sort of crumbled before my eyes or at least I thought so at the time, he has been with me ever since.
KNOCK Tracey's voice carries through "it's me".
Opening the door, I find her flushed faced outside and motions for her to come in "what's the matter? You look excited".
She grins "oh my gosh! I just talked to Richard Armitage on the phone!" and she sighs "that baritone voice......wow".
I laugh "calm down, he is hardly the first famous person to call or come through these doors.....it sort of comes with the territory, since our clinic in the middle of where a lot of them live".
"I know, I know....but swoon......he is so handsome and that accent and...", she giggles like a school girl. Then she turns serious, looking at me "wait.....you don't seem surprised at all that he called?"
"My Mom.....she called......doing set design and costumes for the play he is doing in a couple of months........there was a kitten in the ally and I guess Richard decided to take it, she gave him our card, she said he looked lost leaving with it........I guess he has never owned a cat before".
"Really?", she looks surprised.
"Well, not all of the human race grew up with a small zoo, Tracey".
"Good point" and she pets Henry "anyway.....he is on his way, he said he needed the cat checked out or whatever".
"Sounds good......is it quiet out there?".
"Yeah, Dr. Copeland is tending to a walk in right now and hopefully it will be quiet after that and Mr. Armitage, since the day is over".
I nod "let's hope so" and I smirk "please try to act normal when he gets here", it's a joke, Tracey is always professional when it matters.
"Very funny" and she leaves.
Reaching for my water bottle, I take a drink and then quickly check my phone, scrolling Instagram for a moment, liking a few pictures popping up.
BUZZZZ "Dr. Taylor......patient has arrived in room 1".
I hit the intercom "thanks, Tracey". I open the door and turn to look at Henry "I'll be back in a minute and then we will go home", he snorts and wiggle his butt, which always makes me smile and I close the door behind me. I walk down the stairs, real estate is scares, so our clinic has several floors, our offices being on the 3rd floor. I'm wearing black skinny jeans and a t-shirt, spring is here and I love the warmer weather. I grab the lab coat from the rack in the hall with our names, quickly putting it on and adjusting my stethoscope that is always around my neck.
Making it to the first floor, I pass by Tracey, who is finishing up paperwork, she winks and mouths quietly "he is so handsome", I just shake my head and keep walking.
Getting to the door with the whimsical 1 painted on it, inside a paw print, I knock once, before stepping into the exam room. Richard is crouched over a cardboard box, talking into it. He is wearing black jeans, leather sneakers, a white t-shirt and a Belstaff jacket. A light scruff is on his chin. His head snaps up and our eyes meet. He has the prettiest blue eyes.
I extend my hand "Dr. Jordyn Taylor...it's nice to meet you, Mr. Armitage".
He takes my hand and I feel like I have been hit by lightening as our fingers meet, his hand closing around mine, his eyes warm, a small smile on his lips "please call me Richard..it's nice to meet you, Dr. Taylor......your Mum is fantastic".
"Yes she is......and please, it's Jordyn.....the rest way too formal".
We both look down, realizing we are still holding hands, he reluctantly lets go, blushing slightly "so..sorry.....Jordyn" and then we both sort of giggle.
I look at him "so...what can I do for you?".
He steps over to the box, peeking inside of it "I've got a kitten.....it was in the ally by the theater and it looked so miserable.....someone had to take it...your Mum gave me your card, in case I needed it checked out........so I just need to make sure it is healthy....maybe shots?", he hesitates for a moment "I've never had a cat before, I honestly have no idea what I am doing.....but I couldn't just let it be there".
A very faint meow comes from the box and I look in there too, seeing a small creme colored fur ball, next to Richard's big hand. He is stroking it's chin and the kitten tilts its head backwards, enjoying the contact. I reach for it, my hand brushing over the top of his for a second "may I?".
"Yeah...of course......that's why I am here" and he gives me a smile.
I pick up the tiny animal, cradling it in my hand and then sets it down on the exam table. It meows pathetically and crouches down, shaking. It has dark markings on the ears, face, lower part of the feet and the tail. It has blue eyes, almost matching Richard's. I stroke the top of the head "ohh poor thing......all terrified".
Richard bends down, his v neck tshirt giving me a peek of a hairy, fit chest as he speaks softly, using his index finger to caress the furry chin "it's alright little one......nothing bad will happen, the friendly doctor will just make sure you are alright".
I melt a little, he is so gentle and his voice soothing. I stare at his hand and those longer fingers, swallowing hard imagining what those fingers could do. I clear my throat to help me get rid of the filthy images in my head. I put on the stethoscope, placing it on the tiny chest "let's have a listen". I move it around, Richard anxiously watching me, our eyes meeting again "heart is fine....nervous, but that is to be expected". I remove it from my ears and then feel with my hands, over the tiny body, gently palpating the torso and down to the hips, testing movements etc. I check under the tail "it's a little girl".
He smiles "that's what your Mum said".
"Do you have name for her?".
Thinking for a minute, he looks at the kitten and then at me "Galadriel.....I know it's a bit silly".
Shaking my head, I give him a smile "no...1st rule you learn in vet school.....there are no names that are too silly for people to name their pets and they are often very meaningful.....and I am sure she will be a light in your life, but right now, you sure are hers".
Richard smiles "a Tolkien fan? Not everyone would get that".
"One of the first books my dad ever read to me was the Hobbit.....big fan of the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit.....thank you, Thorin" and I slightly bow my head.
His eyes sparkle, slightly bowing back "my pleasure and thank you......I think the Hobbit transcend across languages and cultures".
"Oh totally......one of those rare things that does....."
"Read a lot?" and he leans his elbows on the exam table so he can pet Galadriel, who snuggles up to him, wanting to feel safe. He picks her up, cradling her against his chest, her looking tiny and fragile.
My heart skips a beat, he is so dang adorable with her. I nod "yeah.....growing up in an artsy home, it was just something we always did......I have fond memories of hearing my parents talk about some great book they read and when I got older, I became part of that discussion".
He chuckles "I use to get in trouble, Mum taking my flashlight away when she caught me reading under the covers at night".
"Oh me too......books are great" and I step closer "can I look in her ears?".
"Oh yeah, yeah" and he lifts her down to the table again, gesturing "sorry.....didn't mean to talk your ear off about other stuff".
I place my hand briefly on his jacket covered arm, looking at him "please don't apologize......I love to talk books and pet names.....it fascinates me why and how they end up with the names they do".
"You should write a book about that" and he gives me a warm smile, then looks down at my hand on his arm.
There is tension in the room, but not in a bad or uncomfortable way, it just feels electrifying. I don't know if he feels it, but I sure do.
"Maybe I will someday....." and I reach for the orthoscope, putting on a a new tip and look in Galadriel's ears, which she doesn't find amusing at all. She tries to squirm away, but Richard gently holds her, which then leads her to open her mouth, letting out what to her is a loud scream in protest, but it really is just the tiniest squeak.
We both start laughing and he picks her back up, rubbing her spine "ohh bloody stop.......that didn't hurt you at all".
"I think she is a drama queen".
He lifts an eyebrow "oh really?" and we share a chuckle.
I lean against the counter, making eye contact "she looks ok......but she should get her shots and then maybe a bath when you get home......my guess is she is around 8 weeks, which is ok for her to leave mom, but make sure you buy her kitten food.....".
"What kind should I buy? This entire thing is like a foreign language to me to be honest".
"Buy her a good quality one......price is a pretty good indicator.......we sell some up in the front if you would like".
"What do you recommend?".
"I personally like the Science Diet, because the nutrition is good and the kibbles are small, easy for them to eat".
"And I need a bed, litter box, litter.....food and water dish.........what else?".
"Toys......lots of toys......kittens are adventurous and need lots of stimulation and go through your home to cat proof it......they can chew on stuff and eat all kinds of things".
"We wouldn't want that, would we?" and he scratches Galadriel's head,
"Okay....let me go get the vaccines and then you can be on your way.....", then I stop "and oh....even assuming she will be an indoor cat only, you might strongly think about having her fixed.....they are happier that way and since you are a male......you can also avoid getting courted by a very horny female in heat ever so often".
His eyes get big "seriously?".
"Yeah, some female cats act totally ridiculous and annoying towards any males, even from the human race, when they are in heat".
"That does not sound appealing.....and yes, indoor only, I live in a flat".
"Don't most NY'kers?".
Richard laughs "you have a point.....but yeah, when should we do that and what are the risks?".
"Well, any time you put an animal or a human under general anesthesia there are risks, but it is very much a routine thing and they recover quickly........the benefits outweigh the risks.....I think most vets fix their animals without question".
"Do you have a cat?".
"No, not at the moment.....I have a dog, a pug, Henry......but I grew up with cats, my parents still owns them and a dog".
"Dogs are great, but with my life.....it would be too hard" and he looks at the cat in his arms "maybe this is even too hard......I honestly haven't figured it out yet......when I have to go travel for work".
I reassure him "cats are easier, much easier.....the only reason I can have Henry, without hiring a dog service, is because I bring him here to work........you'll figure it out, we can recommend pet sitting services or cats can actually be taught to travel well".
"Really?".
"Yes......some enjoy it.....my parents take theirs all the time when they travel to their second home in upstate NY and I have a girlfriend that flies with her cat".
"Interesting......never knew that".
"I know they have a reputation for being their own and they are to a point, but they can also learn to adapt to your lifestyle.......I'll be right back with the vaccines" and I leave for s second.
Walking down to the fridge in the ER area, I reach in for the vials I need. Tracey comes in, looking at me curiously "so how is he?".
"Tracey! You make it sound like I am taking him for a test ride".
Wiggling an eyebrow, she smirks "well, maybe you should! He is hot as fuck.....my god, those eyes and that voice".
"He is a nice looking man and the kitten is cute" and I put my hand to my heart "he named her Galadriel".
"Oh my.....that is the cutest thing ever".
"I know".
"Well, anyway.....I'm headed out......Beth took over for me.....Dr. Copeland is just eating donuts in the break room......I think we are good".
"Ok....that boy can eat for 10 people, I swear.....but thanks......I'll see you tomorrow".
"See you, Jordie.......now go hump Thorin".
Rolling my eyes, I stick my tongue out at her "very funny" and she leaves.
Knocking on the door again, I step into the room again and Richard is still holding Galadriel, who has now fallen asleep against his chest. I smile "awww, how adorable is she?".
"I know....." and he hesitates for a moment "ehh......do you by chance offer bathing services or know of a place that does?" and he blushes slightly "I am not sure I am comfortable giving her a bath.....what if I do it wrong or hurt her?", another pause "I know it is a bit late today....".
"Tell you what.....I can do it, it's really easy and she is tiny".
"Really? You would do that? I'll pay you....I just don't want to hurt her".
"It's fine......I don't mind and I'll show you how, not that she might need it much since she will be indoor......follow me......let's bathe her first and then give her shots".
I carry the vials back with Richard in tow, still holding the sleeping kitten. We enter the ER area gain, which is currently empty and we make our way over to the sink on the one wall. I plug it, turn the water on, feeling and adjusting the temperature, then reach for the dish soap under the sink.
Richard looks skeptical at the bottle "Dawn?".
"Yep, it is gentle and gets rid of grease and what not.......that't what they use to clean sea birds etc after an oil spill".
"Oh yeah, yeah.....I've seen that on TV".
I hold my hands out for Galadriel and he hands her to me, which causes her to wake up. I place her in the warm water and while she protests a little, once I start rubbing the soap into her skin, she relaxes "oh look, I think she likes it".
"I'll be damned, she does, doesn't she? and he grins, pulling out his phone from his pocket "may I?".
"Knock yourself out" and he snaps a few pictures of his pet having a bath.
I rinse her, making sure to get all the soap out of her fur, then points to the cupboard on the other wall "grab me a towel from in there, would you?". Richard retrieves one and I dry her off, then hands her back to Richard, wrapped in another towel. I quickly give her the shots, she squeaks while I do it and Richard winces, but it is over fast. I pet her still damp head "there...all done......you just need another booster in 2 months...".
We stand and talk for a few minutes, conversation flows easily between us and then I take him out to the front area, to our mini store, to help him pick out the food. He buys a big bag and pays the bill. We walk back to the exam room and he carefully unwraps Galadriel "I think you are dry or almost anyway....time to put you can in the box, so we can go home......after stopping at Petco to get you some supplies, lets hope they deliver".
"I think most Petco's here in the city do..." and then I watch him try to put the kitten back in the cardboard box, I grab his arm "wait.....let me go check...I'm sure we have a pet carrier you can borrow....it's safer and easier".
"You sure? We don't want to be a burden...you've already done so much...like the bath etc".
"Yeah, hold on...." and I disappear, running down in the basement to our storage area, finding a perfect small pet carrier. I put a towel in the bottom and bring it back to the room "here...this will be much better, it has a handle".
"Dr...", I raise my eyebrow, "I mean....Jordyn.....thank you, that's very kind....I'll return it tomorrow after work, I promise.......".
"It'll be fine....just bring it when she comes to get fixed".
"Ok" and he gives me a sincere look "thank you for everything....I really appreciate it".
I pet Galadriel one more time before he puts her in the carrier and smile "you're welcome......good luck with her.....she is a lucky little princess"
"Thank you" and he hesitates before extending his hand, which I take and we just look at each other for a long moment, before he clears his throat and reluctantly let go. I show him out and he shoots me another smile before walking out the door.
I sigh. Beth looks up from the reception as I come back in "who was that? He looked familiar" and she look on the computer, gasping "no way!".
"Yeah, that was him....".
"Wow......he sure is gorgeous".
"Mmmm.....yes.....".
"He owns a cat?".
"Yeah now he does" and I chuckle "she will have him wrapped around her paw in no time".
She laughs and I tell her goodnight, before walking back up to my office, after touching base with Dr. Copeland for a minute. I quickly note a few things on Galadriel's chart, then reach for Henry's leash and we are finally on our way home, grateful it is just 5 blocks from the hospital.
I decide on just ordering take out later, so we enter my new apartment complex, saying hi to Joe, the door man and then waiting for the elevator to come back down from our floor. We ride it up and the doors ding open. I let Henry go, he knows the way to my door, but I see something catch his attention as he walks out and he takes off, running and the next thing I hear is an upset voice "bloody hell! NO! Come back! I didn't invite you in".
The voice is familiar and I am a bit confused as I step out, looking down the hall, seeing Richard standing in front of the other door on my floor, holding the pet carrier, the food and a couple of big bags from Petco. The door is open and Henry is nowhere to be seen.
He looks up, surprise on his face "Jordyn? What are you doing here?".
I point to the apartment door on the far end "I live here".
"What? You do? It use to be some business guy......never said much other than nod.....I would occasionally hear him" and he blushes for some reason.
"I moved in last week....finally wanted to be closer to work" and then I point "please tell me that Henry is not in there".
"I'm afraid so.......he came out of nowhere....and I had all these bags".
I'm totally mortified "I'm so sorry! Oh my god this is so embarrassing!" and I call in there "Henry! Bad dog! Come out here right now!" and I turn to take a couple of bags from him "let me help you and I'll disappear in shame with my naughty dog".
"It's ok, just startled me and I couldn't do much, he was so fast........I'm sure he is fine...".
I follow him "you don't know Henry.....", stepping into a narrow hallway and I set the bags down "got what you needed?".
"I think so, they are delivering the rest in 30 minutes or so they claimed" and he puts the pet carrier down. He motions "please....lets see if we can find him".
The hallway has a small nook with a desk filled with lots of papers, Richard gestures "I'm sorry.....I wasn't expecting company....."and he calls out "Henry....." and he clicks his tongue. We walk further and on one side is the small kitchen, but no dog in there and Richard leads me to the other side, that steps down into a sunken living room, the light streaming in from the tall windows. A comfortable couch is placed in the one corner, a TV on the opposite wall and then bookcases and books scattered on the couch, the coffee table and a few on the floor. He apologizes again "sorry...".
I reach for his arm, our eyes meeting "hey...please don't.....I'm the one that is totally invading your privacy and space, because my damn dog apparently doesn't know where he lives".
He nods "it's alright" and he looks around "well, he obviously did not like this room either".
We walk back up the stairs and Richard turns, pushing another door open and he makes a face, muttering "I really need to pick up....no Henry" and I peek in a masculine looking bathroom with grey tile, a good size bathtub and a glass block shower visible, along with some discarded clothes and a few towels, all on the floor.
He stops by the last door, slightly open and turns around, and we are all of a sudden standing really close, his body heat radiating. He lifts a hand "I know you told me not to apologize, but" and he runs a hand over his face "I'm embarrassed, I'm not always this messy.....just been busy with rehearsals and".
I cut him off "Richard.....it's fine.....I'm the one embarrassed here.......my dog and I are totally intruding......and if he is indeed is in what I assume in your bedroom, I'll just die".
Richard pushes the door open and I let out a groan, burying my face in my hands when the king size bed comes into view, because there among the sheet and the duvet, is Henry, laying all comfortable and looking might proud of himself "oh god.....no!".