Someone to Love (2 page)

“I just think you should let go a little and be more open to your potential suitors. Maybe your expectations really are too high. Look, Ryan Gosling doesn't even know you exist,” replied Fiamma, joking. “But if you want to wait for Cupid as well as Prince Charming, that's fine. Maybe I'll give him a call so he shoots his arrow,” she said ironically, opening the door.

I shook my head. “You are terrible. Ok, done, but tell Cupid that I won't settle for just anyone,” and turned off the engine. “Yes, I'll send him a text message later and you will see miracles,” Fiamma comforted me, following me in the direction of the clinic and putting an arm around my shoulder.

*

It was free check-ups day, and the waiting room was already crowded with dogs wagging their tails or crouched next to their owners, and scared cats locked up in their hated cages. Similar days were held about twice a year and were always a big hit. Not only did it allow us to find new customers but helped to maintain a good relationship with those already acquired over the years.

“Whatever happened to Antonio?” asked Fiamma, while filling out a form on the computer. “Usually he's already here at this time. Maybe we've finally got rid of him, what do you think?”

“Maybe!” I replied smugly, watching a man peeping into the hall.

“Hello, everyone,” said Antonio, appearing in the doorway.

He wore a tight petroleum blue T-shirt which highlighted his chiseled physique, and a pair of faded jeans. Soft curls fell over his eyes.

Fiamma patted me and shook her head toward the entrance. “By the way, speak of the devil—” she exclaimed, winking.

Antonio approached the reception desk and pointed his finger at us, narrowing his eyes. “I heard you, and I don't like this female conspiracy against me. I have to find a lawyer right away.”

Fiamma ignored him and chuckled to herself. “Ah, it was about time. When are you leaving?”

Poor Antonio, he was the only male, and at a distinct disadvantage.

Antonio raised his eyebrows. “Mia, see, I've always told you that your girlfriend is an oaf. How can you let her speak to me like that?”

I shrugged. “I'm sorry, but I can't say anything in your favour… you're too late”, I said defensively, keeping my tone serious.

Fiamma burst out laughing, pleased to have an accomplice.

“Women…” he commented without enthusiasm, waving his hand contemptuously.

“How I hate you,” said Fiamma quickly. Antonio snorted. “The feeling is mutual, my dear.”

These exchanges were commonplace between Fiamma and Antonio. Theirs was the classic love and hate relationship. It was always like this, they teased each other like siblings.

Fiamma decided to ignore that little dig and called the next customer. Although the situation was very amusing, there was no time to waste in laughter. The board with the daily appointments was almost full already, without taking into account the new customers.

From that perspective, between the reception desk and the entrance, the waiting room was really welcoming. The minimalist decor and light walls made it appear larger. On the right were soft faux leather pouffes and little sofas to make the environment comfortable for the owners, without forgetting the real four-legged guests who were the ones in need of the most comfort.

A cough caught our attention.

“Oh, Vittorio. Can't you manage without us,” I exclaimed, jumping up.

He was the police commander and one of the major funders of the clinic's revival. We worked closely in connection with the police, if they received an emergency call concerning some animal, we had to be ready. Total availability and helpfulness made us indispensable. This entailed receiving calls in the middle of the night or taking in abused and mistreated animals.

Vittorio was about to retire, but he still maintained a youthful appearance. He was nearly two metres tall and his presence and professional demeanour emanated authority. I smiled every time: that man looked like a cop from a TV show, complete with a prominent belly and a well-groomed moustache.

The policeman looked at me and took his hat off, pressing it against his chest. “Don't worry, this is a pleasure visit,” he said, shaking my hand.

Antonio didn't waste any time in finding an ally. “Tell them that you came to save me. It's not nice being the only man in here, they always get at me.”

Vittorio put his arm around Antonio's shoulders and looked into his eyes. “Don't worry about it, you know how moody women are. Come, let me get you a coffee.”

I followed them to the drink dispenser and leaned back against the wall.

“How are you, Vittorio?”

“Well enough, just a little bit tired,” he replied, in his Piedmontese accent. “And you guys? Always arguing?” he asked curiously.

Antonio raised an eyebrow. “They gang up against me. They are envious of such beauty,” he exclaimed, proudly flexing his muscles. “It's no co-incidence the customers always ask for me.”

I nearly spat my coffee out. “No, I'm sorry, let me get this straight, man of many resources. Women ask for you because you entertain them with your stupid jokes,” I said, amused, and pinched his arm. “When will you grow up?”

Antonio turned towards me with a broad smile. “I love it when you get annoyed.”

Vittorio tried to conceal a laugh with a cough. “It's good to see two young people teasing each other. Ah, blessed youth.”

“Fortunately, we're just colleagues, I would be crazy to date someone like him.”

Antonio received my words defiantly. “If you put it like that who would want to date you?” A sneer curled his lip. He wanted to win.

“Easy guys. I came here for an important announcement,” Vittorio began, sipping from his cup. “We have a new associate at the Central. He's called Diego, he comes from Gallipoli and I must admit that I haven't had a colleague like him for years.”

“Vittorio, never a woman?” asked Antonio.

“Stop it! Why is it so hard for you to be serious?” I glared at him at once.

Vittorio cleared his throat. “No women for the moment, maybe it's better that way. How could you concentrate, otherwise?” He shook his head. “He is a very reserved man and apparently rather detached, but a person with extraordinary determination. He seems born for this job.”

“He may be as good as it gets, but he remains a stranger. I am used to having you by my side, and we had established a certain rapport,” I added.

“I understand that very well and that's why I'm here. I want Diego to help you as much as possible; I'm sure that you'll get onto the same wavelength. I'm never wrong about these things. I'm going to retire and I need to know that someone will take my place.”

I was puzzled. I nodded slowly, although I wanted to beg him not to abandon us. “Agreed. Then I'll meet him soon.”

I tried to hold my displeasure at the news. I knew that, sooner or later, this moment would come, but didn't think it would be so soon. Over time, we had established a unique bond with Vittorio and his colleagues, and I wasn't ready to give it up.

Vittorio seemed sorry for my change of mood and hugged me tightly. “Look, I'm not leaving you alone. You'll just have to get used to a new commander, who is a bit grumpy and always in a bad mood,” he concluded, amused.

Exactly. I sighed, “Grumpy as well? That's good…” I looked up at the sky.

Vittorio freed me from his embrace and glanced at the clock. “I hope you won't bear a grudge for life. I must go now. See you soon and good luck,” he said, heading for the exit. “Mia, one last thing. Do you know that you're also next door neighbours? I discovered it by chance reading his application. If you need to, you can just take a couple of steps out of your front door and knock on his.”

The news left me speechless and with an ominous feeling. I felt antipathy before even meeting him. Not only was he replacing a good colleague, but he also had the cheek to move in next door to me. I felt vulnerable. I took a deep breath to regain my rationality.

Antonio gave me a pat on the back. “Now, that's lucky,” he said, before walking away and leaving me on my own.

*

Two hours later I was driving. While travelling at a constant speed, I turned on the radio. I raised the volume when I realized that they were playing hits from the eighties.

For a while I admired the countryside brightened by the clear sky of early spring and nature awakening after a long hibernation. Then I left the landscape of flowers and fields behind, replacing it with the city. Shops, traffic and concrete were mirrored in my eyes. I lowered the window a little to let some air in, and as I approached, my heart awoke suddenly. I was almost there.

I parked in the shade, in the only free place between the wall of a low modern building and a large green military jeep.

I walked towards the main entrance, through an automatic door, and went to reception. They invited me to sit down in the waiting room and after a few minutes a nurse appeared to inform me that the Director was waiting to see me.

I followed her down a narrow hallway and knocked on the door twice. I tried to stifle my sudden shyness. I felt awkward: perhaps it was a natural reaction to that unfamiliar situation which made me excited and disorientated at the same time.

“Please, take a seat. I was waiting for you,” said the Director, rising from his swivel chair. “It's a pleasure to see you again,” he said, shaking my hand.

It had been several months since I had entered that office for the first time to propose my project. Everything had remained the same: the tidy desk, two chairs and the vase full of fresh tulips. The Director had shown an interest from the start, but had preferred to deliberate a little before giving a definite answer. I couldn't believe that I was in his office for a ‘yes'.

“You're always so nice to me. I'm the one having to thank you for believing in me and in pet therapy, I will not let you down,” I said, full of enthusiasm.

The Director smiled and touched his chin. His intelligent eyes were hidden behind a pair of modern glasses. “You shouldn't be afraid of disappointing me, but the children to whom I have promised your visits. They can't wait to meet you and to start the activities that we talked about during the last meeting. I chose three patients of different ages and problems in order to get a broad view of the benefits.”

“I can't wait to start. I'm sure it will be beneficial.”

The Director tried to summarize in a few words the reason why I was there.

“Like I said, if everything goes according to plan, we will be able to review the project and expand it,” he said, placing a stack of papers on his desk.

Someone knocked on the door and opened it a few centimetres.

“I wanted an opinion on this report—” He ended the phrase abruptly when he noticed my presence.

“Please, Alberto, come in. You've come just at the right moment,” said the Director, asking him to take a seat next to me. A charming man of about forty entered, rather tall, with broad shoulders, a lean physique, sculpted jaw and short hair. He stretched out his hand to introduce himself and smiled, showing white teeth that contrasted with hazel eyes framed by fine lines. “Pleased to meet you, Alberto,” he introduced himself in a deep voice.

I bowed my head slightly. “Mia,” I answered.

“Mia, I'm happy to introduce you to one of our best doctors. Alberto will be happy to show you around and if you have any problems, please ask him,” and then he added, “I really admire your determination with this project.”

I got up and shook his hand. “Thank you for your compliments and especially for this wonderful opportunity.” The Director handed Alberto a folder. “Now, I'll leave you in good company because I have to attend to some business. Call me when you're free for an interview with the children and their parents,” he concluded, before the phone rang. I smiled, hoping to appear re-assuring, and waved at him. I left the office following Alberto, who was walking swiftly towards the right side of the hospital, which was so white it was blinding.

“So you're a vet…”

I always felt embarrassed to talk about what I did. Not because I didn't feel satisfied, but because it was like displaying an intimate part of me.

“Yes, I manage a little clinic outside town.”

“As a child I dreamed of becoming a vet,” he said.

“What made you change your mind?”

Alberto shrugged and didn't answer immediately. He was thoughtful. “I gave up. My father was a famous surgeon, now retired, and he wanted me to continue in his profession,” he answered softly. “In the end, I thank him because I really love my job.”

I observed the serious expression on his face. A note of regret had appeared in his voice.

Hearing that story reminded me of when I was an adolescent. I knew perfectly well what it meant to clash with the expectations of one's family, even though I had succeeded in acheiving my dream.

Alberto changed the subject and flipped through the file in his hand. “You will have three patients to attend to. One is called Lukas and has had leukaemia for several months, then there is a little girl with deteriorating hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The last one is an autistic eleven year old boy.”

I nodded, continuing to follow him. “Do you already know where I can carry out the activities?”

“Weather permitting, the garden is at your disposal and you may organize it as you see fit. It's not possible to introduce any animal into the patient's rooms, but there are some common areas that we could equip. What do you think?”

I tried to fight back the emotions that threatened to overwhelm me.

Alberto stood in front of my silence. “All clear?”

“I think so.”

For a moment our eyes met. Alberto continued to stare at me with a serious look, his eyes were penetrating.