Defending Hayden (Second Chances #7)(68)

I looked into her sea-green eyes that were identical to mine. “What do you mean?”

She nodded at the TV. “People talking about you and constantly bringing up what happened. The media is having a field day with it.”

I watched Derek rush out onto the field. “It’ll die down eventually. I lived through it, and so did Derek. That’s all that matters.”

“Have you thought about what you’re going to do now? Derek told me he’d be happy if you took some time off.” She nudged me in the side. “I think he liked you going with him to his practices.”

“Don’t tell me he got to you, too!”

“What?” she said, holding her hands up in defeat. “There’s nothing wrong with taking it easy for a few months or a year. He promised me he’d look after you.”

I sighed. “I know he will, but I love what I do. I can’t imagine not taking care of animals.” Bear and Patch had come with us to my house so I could finish packing. Derek had done most of it during the week, but there were still a few small things I had to move out. The dogs were lying on the floor, cuddled together. “I wouldn’t have been able to save these two if I hadn’t been working, Mom. They’re a constant reminder of why I do what I do.”

She tapped a finger underneath my chin, her eyes full of tears. “And that’s why I’m so proud of you. You do what you have to, sweetheart. Derek will support you no matter what. Just make sure you get healed up before you start looking for another job.”

Getting to her feet, she looked around the house and stretched. “I think it’s time to get back to work. Looks like everything’s ready to go but your TV. Derek said he’ll get that when he comes back.” I started to get up, but she held up a hand. “Stay there, I’ll get everything loaded up. I know you want to watch the game.”

I wasn’t about to let her do it all herself, so after a few minutes, I picked up a box and carried it outside. She was behind the car, loading my other stuff, but when she saw me, she rolled her eyes and shook her head. “How did I know you’d be a stubborn ass today?” She took my box and slid it into the car.

“Because I’m just like you,” I told her.

“Nope, you get that from your father. Now go inside and rest, young lady. You don’t want me to call that boyfriend of yours, do you?”

I crossed my arms over my chest. “I’m pretty sure you’d enjoy that too much. I can never get you to be quiet when you’re around him.”

Her grin spread wider. “What can I say? He has that effect on me.” I knew how she felt. He had a quality that drew people to him. We started to go inside, but then a car pulled into my driveway and I froze.

“Who is that?” my mother asked.

Taking a deep breath, I let it out slowly. “It’s Wilford, the doctor I used to work for.” I hadn’t spoken to him since the day he’d told me to leave the office. I’d been so busy with the police and with the move that I hadn’t returned any of his calls.

My mother came up behind me and squeezed my shoulders. “I’ll go inside to give you two some privacy.”

Wilford got out of the car, but he wasn’t alone: Mrs. Jenkins got out as well. She stood back. They each held a bouquet of flowers in vibrant colors. I walked up to Wilford and he held his out, his expression full of torment. “How are you, Hayden?”

I took the flowers and gave him a smile. “I’m good. Just finishing up the last bit of packing.”

“Where are you moving to?”

“Down the street to Derek’s. We decided to take the next step.” I still felt resentful about what he’d said—that my involvement with Derek had taken me away from my work. If anything, Derek made me better.

“That’s amazing news. I’m so happy to see everything working out for you. I tried calling you several times this past week, but you never answered. I didn’t know if you were still upset with me.”

I shook my head. “I was angry with the accusations, but you did what you felt you had to do. Jeremiah did a good job at framing me.”

He closed his eyes. “Yes, he did. I can’t believe he had us all fooled. When I told him I was giving you the practice, he genuinely seemed happy for you. I never once thought there was any animosity.”

“Neither did I.” I glanced over Wilford’s shoulder at Mrs. Jenkins, but she had her head down. Surely she knew by now that I had nothing to do with Lady’s death. “Did the detective tell you what happened?”

He nodded. “Kellie did, too. She told me you both had it planned to look at the videos. When you were able to tell the police what happened, they came in and watched the feed. I can’t begin to tell you how disturbing it was.”

“Imagine living through it.”

Jaw clenching, he lowered his gaze. “I know. That’s why I’m here…to apologize.” He lifted his head and faced me. “And to offer you the clinic again. I was wrong and I’m so, so sorry, Hayden. If I could take it back, I would.”

“Same here,” Mrs. Jenkins cut in. She stepped out from behind Wilford and handed me her flowers with tears in her eyes. “I’m sorry, too. I know you weren’t the one who hurt Lady. I feel bad for what I did, especially telling my friends and family to keep their animals away from you. But now the truth is out and everyone knows what an amazing doctor you are. I just hope you can forgive me for what I did.”