Free EXONERATION (INTERFERENCE) by Kimberly Schwartzmiller

going to work! I told you, this has to be on my terms. Parker’s working late Tuesday, you can see her then.”
    “I work late on Tuesdays. The clinic’s open until eight. That doesn’t work for me!”
    Just then, another mom came up, obviously interested in meeting the gorgeous man I was talking to. 
    “Hello, Rebecca,” she said, obviously waiting for an introduction.
    I looked at Belinda and then back at Shane and said, “Um, this is Shane…um, Dr. Ramsay. He’s um, he’s Shannon’s cat’s vet.”
    “Yeah, I’m the vet!” he s napped, and walked away.

 
    The Reunion
     
    We were talking to my parents at the club, trying to appear as a normal family. Sam and Mark joined us and announced their engagement, but they left out the part about the baby, until Shannon blurted out the big news for them.
    My father was upset, but it was short-lived, as he really liked Mark and was eagerly awaiting another grandchild.
    “So, um, when are you two going to give us another grandchild?” my mom asked.
    “We’re um, we’re working on it,” Parker smiled and pulled me close, just as Shane walked right up to our table.
    “Shane! Shane!” Shannon said, crawling under the table in order to get to him.
    I closed my eyes, knowing my life was over.
    The entire table fell silent.
    Parker stood up. “Shannon, do you know him?”
    “Yeah, Daddy! He’s Snowball’s vet…and my friend!”
    All eyes were on me, including the venomous glare from Parker. “Snowball’s…” he was breathing hard now, too angry to continue.
    “Rebecca! What the hell’s going on here?” my father shouted.
    “Rebecca?” my mother asked, staring at me sadly.
    “Um, he’s Snowball’s vet,” I s ighed and looked down.
    “Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Brigham, Parker,” Shane said, stepping right up to the table.
    “What are you doing here?” I asked, knowing I was in huge trouble.
    “I wanted to see Shannon,” he said, hugging her close.
    “Can I see the kittens?”
    “They um, they went to the shelter to find a good home. But, I have a brand new puppy that I’m taking care of. I thought you might want to come and see her. She has to be bottle-fed. Can you help me with that tomorrow after school?” he looked up at me for approval.
    When I didn’t respond, he said, “It shouldn’t be a problem now that everyone knows I’m back.”
    My father stood up, preparing for a fight. “Get the hell away from her!” he yelled, reaching for Shannon.
    “Grandpa, Shane’s my friend!”
    This calmed him down a bit and I finally came to my senses. “Um, Sam, would you take Shannon to the play room, please?”
    “But, I want to stay with Shane!”
    “I’ll come see you before I leave. I promise!” he smiled and leaned down to hug her.
    “The hell you will!” 
    I grabbed Parker’s arm, holding him back. “Wait until Shannon’s gone.”
    “You knew he was back…you knew!”
    Once Shannon was out of ear shot, my father glared at Shane and said, “Get out!”
    “Not until I’ve worked things out with Rebecca…about my daughter,” Shane said calmly.
    “GET OUT NOW! You don’t belong here!”
    “Hmm, maybe that was true before, but now I’m a respected vet…and as of today, a member of the club.”
    “The hell you are! And, if that’s true, you won’t be for long!” my father stood up and shouted for one of the managers of the club.
    “GET OUT!” Parker yelled.
    “Is there something wrong, Mr. Brigham?”
    “This… man …doesn’t belong here! He’s causing trouble!”
    “Hello, Evan. How are you?” Shane said, calmly shaking the man’s hand.
    “I’m fine, Dr. Ramsay. How are you?”
    “Well, evidently, I’m not welcome, but I only need a minute.”
    “Of course you’re welcome here. Can I get you anything?” he asked, smiling at Shane.
    “HE’S NOT WELCOME HERE! Have him removed! He’s making a scene!” Parker shouted.
    “Um, Mr. Hayes, I’m afraid you’re the one that’s making a scene. He’s just