Page 88 of The New Place

“Hello,” he says and switches the call to speaker. “Ned’s here, too.”

“Hi,” Ned says.

“Hey, good, glad I got you. How’s Baxter doing? Any changes?”

“Fine,” Ned says. “He’s really healthy, he’s good.”

“So, yes, he looks good for his age, but his liver values are pretty elevated.”

Ned frowns. “Really?”

“Much higher than I’d like to see them, and a couple possibilities might be causing it, so I’d love to have him back in to run some more tests.”

“Okay,” Ned says slowly. “How much will that cost?”

“I’ll try to keep it down for you, but probably a couple hundred.”

“Oh.”

At the look on his face, Abbot quickly leans in. “I left my card on file at the front desk.”

“No, no, it’s fine,” Ned says.

“You can use that,” Abbot says, louder. It’s Baxter. And it’s only a couple hundred dollars. Abbot has spent more this past year on dog treats.

“I can get him on the schedule for tomorrow if that works for you.”

“Thank you,” Abbot says because Ned is still just standing there.

He seems to gather himself. “Hey, Pat said he texted you?” It sounds like a question.

Claire’s answering pause stretches a beat too long. “Yeah, no, I’ve just been busy.”

“Everything okay?” Ned asks.

“Absolutely,” she says.

“You’re still good with me bringing Baxter to you?” Ned asks.

“Definitely,” Claire says.

“Sure?”

“Pat and I are—we are going to be in each other’s lives for a good long while.”

“Good,” Ned says. “I’m glad to hear that.”

“Yep. Alright. Tomorrow, yeah? I’ll text you to set up a time. Bye.”

“Huh, she must not feel well,” Ned says as the call cuts off abruptly. “I hope she’s okay.”

“I’m sure she will be.” Abbot pockets his phone. “Baxter too.”

“He better be.” Ned rubs a hand over his face. “You don’t have to pay for it. I will.”

“I’m happy to.”

“I’ve got it. I do still have a job.”