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Outside, someone honked their car horn. Colleen put her head out the door and waved to Gary, who was behind the wheel of their car.

“I really have to go now,” she said. “Manic Monday is always a ton of fun. Anyway, enjoy your dinner.”

“Thanks a lot, Colleen. Have fun at the bowling alley.”

She waved goodbye and got back into the car.

I put the casserole on the Formica table in the employees’ lounge. At the sound of me grabbing plates and cutlery, Archie came dashing inside.

“Let’s get you something as well, right, big fella?” I measured a portion of dog food for him and put the bowl on the ground. “Enjoy, Archie. Looks like it’s just you and me tonight.”

Again.

Eating alone was one of those things that made me feel even more lonely. At least back in England, I had my friends and family. And Sue, before she went all backstabbing crazy on me.

The microwave dinged, and I took a seat at the table. I scooped up some food with my spoon, blowing the steam away before I took a bite. The casserole tasted delicious. It had the perfect amount of seasoning and sauce.

I was about to relish another bite when the doorbell rang, followed by a couple of bangs on the door. I threw my spoon down and rushed to the front. I was sure that this time, there would be an actual emergency.

“Lewis,” the woman with the Pomeranian said. I thought I remembered her name was Diane.

“Hi there. I’m so sorry, but the clinic is closed. Is there a problem with your dog?” I asked, glancing at her dog, Lulu, its ears sticking out of Diane’s oversized handbag like a cute teddy bear. The canine looked as healthy as the last time I’d seen her, but it was better to be safe than sorry.

Diane walked over the threshold without waiting for me to invite her in. “Lulu’s doing fine. I had something I wanted to discuss with you.”

“Oh, okay,” I said. I couldn’t imagine what could be so pressing that she’d have to barge in here like that, though. “We’d better make an appointment then. I was just sitting down to eat.”

I walked over to the reception desk to check the calendar for free appointment slots, but Diane walked right past me. “I’d love to eat, Lewis. So kind of you.”

What the… I ran behind her to the employees’ lounge.

“I’ve never been back here,” she said, soaking up the room as if it was a Hollywood backlot. “So, this is where you guys spend your time in between appointments, huh?”

Archie let out a growl when he spotted her. Diane did a small jump, her hand flying to her heart. “Oh, my, that’s a giant dog. Or is it a bear?”

I gave Archie a pat on the head and told him there was nothing to be afraid of. I didn’t know if that was true, considering the liberties Diane took around here, but I had to make sure Archie didn’t feel threatened by anything or anyone.

“This is Archie, my dog, not my bear.”

Diane’s eyebrow shot up. “Huh. Well, could’ve fooled me. What brand is he?”

“Do you mean what breed?”

She lifted her shoulders. “Brand, breed. It’s all the same.”

“Archie here is an Akita. Look, Diane—” I started, but the doorbell rang again. “Excuse me, I’ve got to see who’s there. Please don’t… touch anything,” I said, turning around reluctantly.

Archie got up and followed me, clearly not planning to stay in the room alone with Diane.

I opened the door to find the lady who’d come to me last week about her turtle not being active enough.

“Good evening, Doctor Grant,” she said, her eyes twinkling with delight. “I can’t believe how fine you’re still looking after a hard day of work.”

“Erm, thanks? Your turtle is doing great, am I right?”

She nodded. “He’s doing amazing thanks to your tips.”

Behind me, Diane appeared. “Oh, hello, Milly. Did you have an appointment?”