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Dane snuck back into his house on Friday morning just as the sun began to paint the sky a fiery orange. He stopped at the threshold to listen. Silence greeted him, and that was a plus this morning. Not that he expected Riley to be up before he had to be, but stranger things had happened. The reason for his pre-dawn departure threatened to squirm out of his arms. Dane grinned at the question in the puppy’s eyes.
“It’s OK, girl,” he whispered. Dane had finally gotten a response from Steve Evans. The pups were almost eight weeks old and ready to leave their mom’s care. As he suspected, the multicolored one did not have a home. Until now.
Dane studied the pup. The chug points were a great way to keep Riley focused on doing his school work and remembering his manners, but they weren’t the best vehicle for teaching the boy responsibility. Riley needed to know that his actions impacted others.
Dane looked into the pup’s baby blue eyes. “I’ve got a huge assignment for you. Are you up to it?” The pup yawned, displaying a mouth full of needle sharp teeth, and tilted her head.
“I’ll take that as a yes.” Dane scratched the soft fur between the pup’s eyes and continued. “Every pup needs a person and every boy needs a pup. There’s a guy sleeping in the next room who thinks he’s tough stuff, but he doesn’t have a clue. I need you to help me teach him how to love. I’ll keep an eye out and make sure he does it right, but if the mutual display of adoration I witnessed between the two of you on Tuesday morning was any indication...I don’t think we’ll have a problem.” He discarded the jacket and tiptoed down the hall, stopping at Riley’s door.
“Are you ready?”
The pup’s tail wagged in a furious motion.
Dane eased open the door to Riley’s room, crept to the side of the bed, and set the excited ball of fur next to the sleeping teenager. The pup rooted around in the covers. Dane grinned when she found Riley’s face, and the little pink tongue went to work on his chin.
“Wha...?” Riley bolted out of the bed, and Dane gave into laughter. Disoriented from sleep, Riley stumbled, and Dane steadied him with a hand on his shoulder.
“Whoa, kid. I wanted to surprise you, but it won’t be much of a surprise if you end up on the floor in the process.”
Riley shook his head and looked from Dane, to the bed, and back to Dane. The pup had a corner of the blanket in her mouth, head shaking furiously in a one-sided battle. He pointed. “What’s she doing here?”
“Looking for someone to take care of her. You interested?”
Riley looked at Dane like he’d grown a second set of ears. Longing and caution mingled on the boy’s face.
While the silence stretched, the puppy grew bored with the blanket and took a leap from the edge of the bed. She landed on the floor with a thud and a yelp.
Riley was on his knees in an instant. He picked up the startled pup and cradled her in his arms. “Careful there. That’s a long way down for a little bit of nothing like you.”
He looked up, and Dane saw something new in the boy’s expression, something that looked like gratitude.
“She’s mine?”
“If you want her. But I’ll warn you. There’s more to taking care of a puppy than just holding a warm body and playing fetch. There’s feeding, cleaning up, training, and a host of other things. She’ll chew up everything in this room if you don’t watch her and she won’t stay a puppy forever. Bosco and Angel are both big dogs. If you decide to keep her, she is totally your responsibility.” He stooped down and rubbed the single black ear. “The upside is that if you do it right, she’ll be your best friend for life.”
“Mom...”
“I’ll square it with your mom. What do you say?”
Riley bowed his head and stroked the silky fur. “What’s her name?”
“Your dog, your choice.”
The kid looked up, and Dane caught a glimpse of a real smile. “Thanks.”
“You’re welcome, Riley. Points for you.”
Riley cuddled his new pet. “I didn’t say it for the points.”
“And that’s why I gave them to you.”
* * *
THE ALARM CLOCK RANG and pulled Mac from a restless sleep. She rolled from the bed. There was no moment of disillusionment. No second breath needed for her consciousness to catch up with reality. The events of the last two days remained etched in her mind. The memory of her mother’s passing was still more a matter of regret than grief. She refused to give into either for another second. The last few years had been a maze of unhappiness and physical limitations for her mom. She no longer suffered either. Mac chose to be grateful for that truth.
With nothing more she could do for her mother until the funeral home called to have her retrieve the ashes, Mac prepared for her day at the spa. She slipped into a rose-colored tank and black yoga pants, scraped her hair into a tail, and retreated to her bathroom to finish getting ready.
The house was still and quiet as she moved down the hall. She paused briefly at the closed door to her mother’s bedroom. Her hand rested lightly on the wood, some need or moment of déjà vu pulled at her, but she shook her head, lowered her hand, and continued into the kitchen. She poured water into the coffee maker, stopping at the halfway mark. She’d forgotten yesterday and ended up tossing more than half a pot down the drain.
The aroma of the medium strength brew filled the room and made her stomach growl. She cradled her cup in her hands and leaned back against the counter. It felt odd not to make breakfast, but cooking for one seemed pointless. Instead, she grabbed a protein bar and carried it back to her room. She tucked it into her bag and looked at the clock with a grimace. She had a full hour before she needed to leave.
The Bible on the nightstand drew her attention. She’d avoided it and its eerie pull all day yesterday, but she would see Alex this morning, and her friend was sure to ask about her progress. Mac huffed a sigh and rolled her eyes. She had time. She’d made a promise. The sooner she got through the chapters and the handful of verses, the sooner she could put it behind her.
Mac carried the book to the front room, planted herself in the rocker next to the window, and opened it to Alex’s bookmark. She read the first three chapters. Lyrical, rhythmic passages filled with references to light and a preacher named John. There were plenty of references to Jesus as well. She didn’t understand everything she read, had to go back and re-read some of the verses, but somewhere around the middle of the third chapter she stumbled over the words. Her heart pounded in her chest. Not with the fear she’d been concerned with yesterday, but in confusion...and maybe a little anger.
Where was the part that said a woman had to obey her husband to be saved? This said God gave His son as a sacrifice to make that happen. Where was the part that said God held men superior to women? What she’d just read said whosoever believed, not just men.
Mac marked her place, closed the book, and turned it over in her hands. It was a big book, so those things might be in there, but something told her they weren’t.
Alex’s words came back to her. Can you at least entertain the idea that they twisted what you were taught to suit their own purpose? But if she bought into that, it made the first thirty years of her life a lie.
She sat back, her fingers drumming on the cover of the book. So what if it did? It only validated her actions. Hadn’t she separated herself from that lifestyle because she couldn’t accept it, because something in her wanted more?
Her mind went back to the time spent around her table two nights ago. The companionship, the love she’d been shown by a group of people who hardly knew her but embraced her without condition. Is this the more?
A glance at the clock had Mac scrambling to her feet. She was on her way to being late for the second time this week. Her gaze went to the Bible still clutched in her hand. Despite her misgivings, the words stirred hope, a hope she didn’t want to leave behind. She unzipped her bag and shoved the Bible inside. Maybe she’d have some time to read a bit more as the day wore on.
Morning bled into lunchtime with barely a chance to draw a breath in private, much less sneak off to a quiet place to read. Her new friends came for their class. Their sniping was in fine form, but Mac accepted their teasing as the way they motivated each other. They each hugged her as they left, eliciting promises that she’d call if she needed anything before they saw her again on Monday. It surprised Mac, but Alex didn’t ask about the Bible. A crash from downstairs had cut their farewells short.
Mac sighed. Nothing major, thank goodness. The child of a customer had knocked over a display of nail polish. The only casualties of the incident were a single bottle of Midnight Fancy polish and Mac’s nerves. By the time lunchtime rolled around, the five hours since she arrived at the spa seemed like five days.
I should have taken the girls up on their offer. Her employees had tried to send her home first thing this morning, convinced that she should take the rest of the week off, but she’d refused. This was her place, her business. Her responsibility.
And, it’s a good thing I stayed. She glared at the toilet and wiggled the little silver handle. It gave much too freely under her fingers, and the whoosh of the flush was absent. What else can possibly go wrong with this day?
Mac lifted the lid of the tank and peered inside. The tank was full of water, and all the parts looked fine, but something was obviously disconnected somewhere. She replaced the lid and put her hands on her hips. What she knew about plumbing could fit on a flake of fish food with plenty of room left over. Her frustrated breath lifted the bangs from her forehead. At least there were two restrooms back here. She’d put a sign on this one till she could get a plumber out.
“They told me you were back here.”
Mac whirled. “Holy shmolly!”
Dane leaned against the doorframe, crossed his ankles, and grinned. Mac took a deep breath as the shock of his unexpected arrival gave way to a bewildering pleasure that scurried to her toes and back. She clasped her hands behind her back. “What are you doing?”
“Besides scaring you out of a year’s growth?”
Her eyes narrowed.
“I need to talk to you about Riley.”
Oh no... Her shoulders slumped in worry. “What has he done now?”
Dane straightened. “Absolutely nothing. But I think I’m making some progress and wanted to give you the particulars. Can I buy you lunch?”
The reassurance and the invitation delighted Mac. “Actually, I skipped breakfast, and I’m starving. Let me get a sign for this door—”
“A sign?”
Mac waved at the toilet. “It won’t flush. I’ll call a plumber when I get back.”
Dane shouldered past her. “Woman, you wound me.” He lifted the lid from the tank and peered inside.
“I can get a plumber.”
“This is what I do.”
“You...” She remembered the slogan on his truck. “Oh, I guess you do, but still...”
He frowned down at the water and jiggled the handle. She watched as he removed his watch, lowered both hands into the water, and fiddled with something she couldn’t see. This time when he pushed on the lever, she heard the satisfying sound of water swishing through the pipes.
“All fixed, no charge.”
“Really?”
He pulled paper towels from the dispenser and dried his dripping hands. “Yeah, I’m sort of handy that way.” He slipped his watch back onto his arm, tapping it once it was in place. “My next appointment is in ninety minutes. Let’s go.”
Mac allowed herself to be led from the spa. On the sidewalk, spring was in full bloom. A mild breeze stirred branches covered in the soft green of barely sprouted leaves and carried the scent of flowers with it. She raised her face to the sunlight and took a deep breath.
“What did you have in mind?” she asked.
Dane motioned across the street. “The coffee shop usually has a couple of decent sandwiches. Does that work?”
“Absolutely.” Mac tilted her head. “They need a few outdoor tables for days like this.”
Dane waited for a break in the traffic, cupped her elbow in his hand, and led her across the street. “The park is just a couple of blocks away. Plenty of benches and picnic tables. We can get our food to go and drive over there.”
“Do you mind if we walk? This weather is too nice to waste.”
“Agreed.”
They both chose toasted Reuben sandwiches and chips. Mac decided on the iced raspberry tea. Dane ordered a root beer. They walked the two blocks to the park in silence. Their arms brushed on occasion. The heat from the contact spread through Mac like a fever. What is wrong with me? She sucked down her tea. Her cup was empty, the dregs rattling in her straw, by the time they chose a shaded table and spread their lunch between them.
“Thirsty?” Dane motioned to her cup.
“Oh...” She swallowed. “A little, I guess.” Mac unwrapped her sandwich and lifted it. She stopped when Dane bowed his head and whispered a quick blessing. “Sorry,” she said when he looked up.
He waved the apology away and sank his teeth into his sandwich. Mac laughed when dressing squirted from the side of the bread and smeared across his chin before dripping onto his shirt.
“Uh-oh.” She reached across with a napkin and dabbed at the stain. The contact was innocent and instinctive, but the feel of his hard, broad chest beneath the fabric of his shirt tangled her fingers and clogged her throat with something she didn’t have a name for. The urge to smooth her hands over his shoulders and down his muscled biceps almost overwhelmed her. Mac jerked her hand away, as heat spread up her neck and onto her face. She sat back, ripped the lid off her cup and filled her mouth with ice.
“What?” Dane asked.
“Nothing,” Mac said, her voice raspy and strangled. She picked up her sandwich and forced her mind back to the reason for their lunchtime visit. “You had something to share about Riley?”
“I think I’ve come up with a way to teach him some responsibility. How do you feel about dogs?”
“Dogs?”
“Yeah, you know. Furry, rowdy creatures that eat kibble.”
Mac frowned at him. “Funny guy. I don’t have an opinion either way. Why?”
Dane popped the last bite of his sandwich into his mouth, chewed, and swallowed before answering. “I got him a puppy.”
“You...” She sat back and crossed her arms. “Why?”
“A pet is a rite of passage for most kids. Something to teach them responsibility and accountability...and love.” Dane dug his phone out of his pocket and tapped the screen a few times. He passed it across the table. “Look at this baby.”
Mac took the phone and smiled in spite of herself. “Cute.” She bit her lip. “I don’t know, Dane. A puppy is a lot of responsibility.”
“Sort of like a huge fish tank?”
She shook her head. “I’m not my son. I’m not sure Riley’s ready for something like this.”
“I think he’s past ready. I wish you’d seen the look on his face.” Dane explained about the puppy being different, about the way boy and pup had bonded at first sight, and about the gratitude Riley expressed at the gift.
“Riley got mad when I mentioned the pup would have a hard time finding a home because she was different. He didn’t think that was very fair. I think they can help each other fit in a world they aren’t tailor made for.”
Mac remembered Riley’s question from Wednesday night, sparked from the fact that he wasn’t grieving the way people expected him to. It’s like I don’t fit...
“What?” Dane asked.
Mac leaned forward, propped her elbow on the table, and put her chin on her fist. “I left The Body behind because I wanted all of us to have a better life. The move was a major fail where Mom was concerned, and Riley is so lost and alone. Maybe—”
“Don’t give up. I think Riley wants to adjust to this new life. He’s only been with me for four days, and I can already tell you that he’s a hard worker. He responds to me, and I have no doubt that he’ll respond to you before the summer is over. Let me and the puppy work on him. The good news is that by the time school starts and Riley is ready to move home, the hard work of getting the puppy trained will be over.”
Mac considered his words while they finished their lunch.
Dane gathered up their trash, and shoved it into a bag. He rose from the table, circled to stand next to her, and held out a hand. “Trust me?”
The funny thing was, she did trust him. She couldn’t explain it any more than she could explain the tug in her belly when she was close to him.
She allowed him to help her off the bench. The touch of his hand on hers sent a jolt of electricity straight to her stomach.
“Do what you think is best.” She leaned close, drawn to him like metal shavings to a magnet. “Thanks.” She brushed her lips against his and stepped back to study him as his eyes sparked with something she couldn’t identify.
Does he feel it too?
She leaned in to kiss him again. Gravity fell away. Mac threaded her fingers in his sun-warmed hair and held on for dear life.
Dane dropped the bag with a groan, grabbed her wrists, and angled away from her. What she saw in his eyes now was pain. He offered no explanation, didn’t say anything as he turned and strode out of the park.
Mac watched him go. Part of her longed to run after him, to apologize. The other part kept her rooted in place, mortified at what she’d done.
What had she been thinking? Women did not kiss men. She licked her lips nervously. I can taste him. Her heart clenched at the thought. And I really liked it. Her gaze followed the path Dane had taken. Her feelings were obviously one-sided.
She sank back to the bench. What’s gotten into me? Mac closed her eyes as her mother’s words came back to her. This is what happens when you turn your back on your upbringing. Had she been right? For the second time that week, the urge to return to New York battered at her frayed emotions.
Mac trudged back to the spa. Maybe life in The Body had lacked freedom, but she’d always known the rules.