3: Xavier
Contains spoilersOverview
Xavier hid the once-condemned dog in plain sight with a comically bad disguise and no new name, confirming he plans to keep him. Samantha Diaz unexpectedly returned to Xavier's clinic for a health certificate and sedation for her now-surgically-corrected kitten. Their tense history resolved into mutual warmth; Xavier apologized by deed, confirmed Pooter's good health, and asked Samantha out. Xavier, uncharacteristically nervous, sought advice from staff and a friend, deciding to be himself for the date that night.
Summary
Xavier reviewed the absurd haircut Tina gave his secret St. Bernard rescue to disguise him after the staged euthanasia; over a month had passed, the former owner had collected unrelated ashes, and Xavier now brought the unnamed dog to work. The scene established Xavier’s busy, solitary routine and his reliance on vet techs Tina and Maggie, who also looked after him with food.
Maggie rushed in to announce that Samantha Diaz was in the clinic. Xavier, still dwelling on their heated prior encounter despite having anonymously donated to her fundraiser, composed himself and entered the exam room. Samantha greeted him wryly, producing Pooter, whose surgery had succeeded beyond expectations. Xavier examined the kitten and confirmed normal function, clear lungs and heart, and a healthy post-operative outcome, approving Pooter for flight and promising medication for travel.
During the exam, Samantha acknowledged and accepted Xavier’s apology implied by his donation. She explained that excess fundraiser money had been donated to Bitty Kitty Brigade, which Xavier appreciated. With the tension eased, Xavier directly asked Samantha on a date, and Samantha immediately accepted, specifying that it had to be that evening before her flight the next day; they agreed he would pick her up at 6:30 p.m. and Xavier took her number from the chart.
Back in the clinic, Tina and Maggie noticed Xavier smiling and excitedly teased out that he liked Samantha. They contrasted Samantha with the type of women Xavier usually dated, insisting Samantha could challenge and “loosen” him. Their playful ribbing framed Xavier as intense and intimidating, jokingly likening him to brooding romance archetypes.
Feeling uncharacteristically uncertain about date plans, Xavier retreated to his office and questioned his demeanor, realizing he rarely smiles. Seeking perspective, he called Becca, his friend Jesse’s girlfriend. Becca candidly confirmed he can seem grumpy and intimidating but emphasized his reliability, integrity, and kindness, advising him to be himself rather than force charm.
The chapter closed with Xavier accepting that approach and hoping Samantha would like the real him as he prepared for their one-shot second-chance date that evening.
Who Appears
- Dr. Xavier Rush
veterinarian and narrator; keeps the disguised St. Bernard he spared; examines Pooter, apologizes through action, asks Samantha on a date, and decides to be himself despite worries about appearing intimidating.
- Samantha Diaz
rescuer of Pooter; returns for a flight health certificate and sedative; confirms successful surgery and donates excess funds to Bitty Kitty Brigade; accepts Xavier’s date for the same night.
- Tina
vet tech; gives the dog a goofy disguise haircut; teases Xavier about smiling and dating; offers playful but pointed advice.
- Maggie
vet tech; alerts Xavier to Samantha’s arrival; joins Tina in teasing Xavier and commenting on his intimidating vibe.
- Pooter
Samantha’s kitten; post-surgery exam shows normal function; cleared to fly; prescribed gabapentin.
- Unnamed St. Bernard
the dog Xavier secretly saved; now appears at the clinic with a new look; still awaiting a new name.
- Becca
Jesse’s girlfriend; offers honest feedback about Xavier’s demeanor and encourages authenticity.
- Chris, Mike, Jesse
Xavier’s close friends; mentioned as part of his circle and dating chatter, not present.
- Bitty Kitty Brigade
rescue organization; recipient of Samantha’s excess fundraiser donations.