Free A Perfect Holiday Fling by Farrah Rochon

picked up his bottle of the strawberry lager brewed in nearby Abita Springs. “So, other than not being able to eat the seafood, how was it growing up around here?”
    “Your typical childhood, I guess. This is just home for me,” she said with a shrug. She reached for her wineglass and took a sip. “I know the people. They know me. There’s something very comforting about that. You know, I lived in Baton Rouge for eight years while going to college and med school and I didn’t even know my postman’s name. After eight years.”
    “Maplesville is definitely the type of town where you know your postman.”
    “His oldest son was my prom date,” she chuckled. “Don’t get me wrong. Living in a small town like Maplesville can sometimes feel…I don’t know…claustrophobic. But the people become a part of your extended family. The town becomes a part of you.”
    “I’m happy my sister and Brandon found this place. They could have lived in New Orleans, but Stef didn’t want Jacob growing up in the city. She wanted somewhere smaller, safer. The kind of place where you know your postman by name,” he said with a grin.
    “Well, she found the right place. I can’t think of anywhere else I’d rather live,” Callie said, but then her face suddenly sobered.
    “What’s wrong?”
    She shook her head. “Nothing.”
    “No, something got to you just now. What is it?”
    She set down her wine glass and crossed her arms on the table. Releasing a deep breath, she began, “I’ve been contemplating the idea of closing down my practice and moving back to Baton Rouge. A colleague has offered me a place in his veterinary practice.”
    Stefan’s head reared back. That wasn’t what he’d been expecting her to say.
    He also hadn’t expected the sudden ache that spread throughout his chest. He’d only met Callie a few weeks ago. How could the thought of her possibly leaving have such an effect on him?
    Stefan forced himself to maintain a neutral expression as she told him about the multi-person practice she’d been invited to join.
    “It sounds like a good opportunity,” he said.
    “It has its plusses and minuses. I’m more than happy to give up all the headaches that come with running my own practice, but the thought of having to work for someone else…I just don’t know.” She shook her head. “This year hasn’t been the easiest, so maybe the change of scenery would be good for me. And, it’s just me. It’s not as if I would be uprooting a family.”
    “What about pets?”
    “Actually, a good friend just told me today that she’s opening her own clinic here in Gauthier. Right across the street, as a matter of fact. So my patients in Maplesville won’t have to travel too far.”
    “I meant your own pet.”
    She frowned, then said, “I don’t own a pet.” She put her hands up. “I know. I know. What veterinarian doesn’t own a pet?” She finished off what was left in her wineglass with a grimace. “I lost my Bichon Frise in the divorce.”
    “Ouch.” Stefan flinched.
    “Tell me about it.” Her mouth twisted as if she’d just swallowed castor oil. “Louisiana is a community property state, which means that my husband was entitled to half of everything we owned. He offered not to come after the house if he could have the dog. He knew I didn’t have the money to buy him out of his half, so I agreed.”
    Callie shrugged. “He traded a house for a dog. Some would say that was decent of him.”
    “I don’t know,” Stefan said. “Still sounds like a bastard to me.”
    “Yes, he is,” she agreed with a sharp nod. “The only reason he took Atticus is because his new girlfriend wanted him, which makes it so much worse. She probably has frilly ribbons tied around my dog’s ears.”
    “That would be tragic, especially if he’s stuck with a name like Atticus, too.”
    “Hey, I named him after Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird . It’s a noble name.”
    “Whatever you say.” He hunched