A Groom of One's Own (Appies, #3)

by Emma St. Clair

Dr. Evil glances at me with narrowed eyes the moment the door slams behind him. “Why didn’t you tell me Eli Hopkins was here?” I swallow, not wanting to admit exactly how often he’s been coming in. If she asks around, she’ll find out pretty quickly. I guess it’s a good thing most of the staff is afraid of her—or more likely sees her as competition—and wouldn’t say a word. “I had no idea he was a hockey player until you said something.” She laughs, then stops when she realizes I’m serious. “You didn’t recognize him?” I shake my head slowly. “You don’t follow him on TikTok?” “I’m not on TikTok.” “Oh, sweet Bailey,” Dr. Evil says with a cluck of her tongue. “You’re so young. If you’re not on TikTok, how do you spend all your free time?” Her patronizing tone grates, but I remind myself I need to stay on her good side if I want a recommendation. “Working mostly.” I clear my throat. This is a perfect segue. And I’ve got just the tiniest bit of bravery left over from my conversation with Eli. Just enough, it turns out. “I’m actually applying to vet school.” “Oh.” She blinks as though surprised. “I had no idea.” Of course, she didn’t. Despite it having been on my application to work here. And the way I drop hints every so often, hoping she might offer to write me a recommendation and I can avoid the ask altogether. I take a breath, hold it, then let it out slowly. Nice and easy, Bay. Just ask her. But she speaks before I can. “I’d be glad to write a recommendation letter if you ne...