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I bit down on the wedge of chocolate cake, savouring the rush of sugar as warm fudge oozed onto my tongue.
Rebecca returned from the toilet and took a seat next me. “What happened with Guide Dogs? Are you still going ahead with it?”
I swallowed and wiped my mouth with a napkin, straining to hear her over the noise of the cappuccino machine’s spluttering. “Yep. They brought a couple of dogs round and I got to try them out.”
“It’s not as good as stick and click, is it?”
I shrugged. “I don’t know. I can see why people like them. One of the dogs was a bit distracted though and it didn’t really work. The other one was great.”
She let out a sigh.
“What?”
“I don’t think I told you this before, but I once had a dog.”
I leaned towards her. “Really?”
“It didn’t work out. My method was much better.”
“Must have been good having a dog around though?”
“Not really. I couldn’t deal with picking up its turds. It’s pretty disgusting, if you ask me.”
“Better than leaving it on the pavement though.”
“Maybe. Then there’s feeding them twice a day, taking them to the vets, grooming them...it’s meant to be about independence, but really it’s an anchor.”
“I’ve spoken to people at the centre who swear by them.”
She sniffed. “That’s because they don’t know what independence is. Instead of being reliant on people you’re reliant on a dog—a dog! Do they even realise how ridiculous that is?”
“I hadn’t really thought about it like that.” I took a sip of coffee. “Still, though, if they’re trained...”
“Trust me; they’re more hassle than it’s worth.”
“What happened with yours?”
“I had a terrible time of it. I’d always get crap off people when I went into places, or they’d say ‘ooh, I know I’m not supposed to distract them, but he’s so lovely.’” She huffed. “It’s not worth it.”
“Aren’t they allowed pretty much anywhere? I thought there are meant to be laws?”
“It doesn’t stop people. A lot of people are either ignorant, or they just don’t care. Taxi drivers are the worst. I was once stranded on the high street at night when a driver refused to take me with the dog.”
“That can’t be true.”
“It is. And I know it’s happened to loads of people.”
I took a bite of my cake and sat back. “Why are you trying to put me off? I think getting a dog is a good idea.”
“I’m not trying to put you off. You just need to know what you’re letting yourself in for.”
“You sound like Mum now...except she’s actually supporting me with this.”
“Your mum probably sees a cute puppy with a waggy tail. They’re not pets—they’re a lot of responsibility.” She gripped my hand. “It’s not worth it, Brian. It really isn’t.”
“It felt good, though. I liked walking with the dog. It made me feel more confident, less on my guard.”
“How can you get an idea of your environment if you are being led around?” She drew her hand away. “No. Trust me. This whole thing’s a bad idea. You’ve come so far and you’ll be giving up your independence.”
“I’m not sure.”
“I am. And you’re going to be in a constant battle with idiots.”
I let out a sigh. “We’ll see.”
“So, what?” She gave a mirthless laugh. “You’re still going ahead with it?”
“I think so. What was it you said about making my own mistakes?”
“Don’t use my words—”
“You did say that.”
She sat back and huffed. “Well, don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
“It’ll be fine.”
“I hope you’re right. It’s one thing to make your own mistakes, and quite another to be too pig-headed to follow good advice.”
I swallowed the last of my cake. “Right.”
“I am right.”
“You’re always right.”
She got to her feet. “Enjoy your coffee.”
“Wait. I didn’t mean it like that. Please, don’t go.”
“I’ll speak to you later.” She squeezed my shoulder and let out a series of clicks before making her way outside.