Chapter 2: The Rabbit’s Secret

When I brought the rabbit to Toby, he looked genuinely surprised that after all that, I’d picked a rabbit.

“Isn’t it cute?” I beamed, holding the rabbit up. “Look at those eyes. So pretty. Prettiest rabbit I’ve ever seen—like a Disney princess, but fluffier.”

“Then you haven’t seen many,” Toby shot back, a teasing glint in his eyes. I even caught the ghost of a smile behind his mask.

I pouted, hugging the rabbit, and edged closer, blinking at him. “Toby, any tips on what I should buy for a rabbit? I’m a total newbie.”

He sighed, a little exasperated but not unkind. “Come on, I’ll show you.” He led me to the pet supplies aisle, which smelled like hay and cedar, pointing out the best brands of hay, chew toys, and a water bottle that actually works. I hung on every word—partly for the advice, mostly because I liked the sound of his voice.

Eight hundred bucks gone in a flash. Yikes, there goes my rent money.

My heart ached, but honestly, getting to know a guy like that? Worth every penny. I told myself it was an investment—a shot at love and a happy bunny.

He told me to bring the rabbit back for a checkup in a week, once he’d settled in at home.

Bonus points for a built-in excuse to see him again.

At home, I watched the rabbit sniff around and grinned. “Little Biscuit, get used to my place so I can take you for your shot soon. And yes, I know you’re named after food—don’t judge me.”

Biscuit turned his back on me, dropped two perfect little pellets on the floor, and strutted off like he owned the place.

“Maybe I should call you Rascal… or Dennis the Menace,” I muttered.

Before long, I was back at the clinic—because Rascal had chewed open the rabbit food bag and stuffed himself silly. I guess he took ‘all you can eat’ literally.

It was pouring rain, and I didn’t have an umbrella, so I wrapped Rascal up in my arms to keep him dry. My jeans were soaked up to the knees, and my hair was plastered to my cheeks.

“Doctor Toby!” I called out, half out of breath.

My hair was dripping, sticking to my face, water still streaming down my neck. I probably looked like a drowned rat.

“You?” He looked stunned, hurrying over with genuine concern in his eyes. “Whoa, you’re soaked to the bone!”

That’s when I remembered: my mascara today wasn’t waterproof. Of course. Probably looked like I’d just lost a fight with a rainstorm and a makeup counter.

Expressionless, I pulled Rascal from my arms. “Doctor, he’s about to explode. If you can’t save him, just let him go.”

Honestly, this rabbit was so embarrassing, he was practically sabotaging my love life.

Toby just sighed and took Rascal from me.

He handed me a tissue—smelled faintly of antiseptic, like everything else in that clinic. “Here, dry off.”

Suddenly, I felt a little less soggy. “Doctor Toby, you have to save him!”

He just stared at me, lost for words, then at Rascal, and finally shook his head, a wry smile tugging at his lips.

I hummed a few bars of "Let It Go" from Frozen and ducked into the restroom to fix my makeup.

Even though I’d braced myself, I still went silent when I saw my reflection. Mascara streaked down my cheeks, making me look like a raccoon. I actually laughed, wiped it off, and figured: whatever, raccoons are cute. I’ll just rock the bare-faced look.

Let it go, Autumn. Life’s too short for makeup meltdowns.

But none of this dampened my enthusiasm for chasing after Toby.

After all, I always figured my bare face could still outshine ninety-five percent of people. I mean, have you seen the contestants on The Bachelor?

And with makeup, I could take on the other five percent.

Confidence is everything!

“All fixed up, Doc.” I ducked my head, feigning shyness. “Thanks for today…”

But my words trailed off.

No one was outside. His white coat was on the floor for some reason.

And right next to Rascal, there was suddenly an extra lop-eared rabbit. I did a double-take, sure I hadn’t brought home a plus-one.

After a moment of stunned silence—

I took the lop-eared rabbit home too. Because, why not?