Page 3 of A Furry Thing Called Love (Friends of Gaynor Beach Animal Rescue #7)

Jordan

Arlo Wright is back. I don’t know what to do with that. I have errands to run, but all I can do after that encounter at the beach is sit in my car and try to remember how to breathe.

When that doesn’t work, I pull out my phone, not bothering to check the time, and hit call on my most recent contact.

It doesn’t take long for the call to connect, but the person on the other end of the line isn't who I expected to hear. “Val’s phone, how can I help you, dear cousin?”

I snort at Luka’s greeting, and some of my panic eases a little. “Where’s Valery?”

“Wow. Love you, too, Jor. Val’s currently elbow deep in a turkey, it’s kinda disturbing. So…you either get me, or both of us.”

“I don’t even want to know… I’ll call back if they’re busy.”

“What’s wrong?” Luka asks.

“Nothing.”

“Bullshit. I know you better than that.” My phone beeps and I pull it away, sighing as I accept the video call, knowing there’s no point in arguing.

Seeing my cousin’s face once the video connects is a balm to my fracturing heart.

One I didn’t know I needed, until I realize how long it’s been since we’ve actually seen each other in-person.

Fuck, he’s been on the East Coast for over a year now, living his best life, and I’m still here, trying to figure out mine.

“I miss you,” I say as soon as the video feed focuses.

“Gross. But maybe I miss you, too. Now, tell us what’s going on.”

“I thought Val was busy?”

Luka flips the camera to show my best friend as he said they were—elbow deep in a turkey.

“What the hell are you doing?”

Valery doesn’t look up from where they’re snapping a bone off the carcass. “Stuffing a bird for your cousin’s harem, because they’re too chickenshit to do it themselves.”

“I have so many questions, none of which I want the answer to.”

Both Valery and Luka laugh, before Luka explains.

“Callum watches this one cooking YouTube channel, and the guy made this Julia Child recipe that asks you to first debone a turkey, and then stuff it. You’re supposed to sew it back up and cook it.

I don’t know how or why he found this recipe so interesting, but he’s been begging us to make it for weeks, and both Rory and Denver called ‘not it’, so Valery got voluntold.

Also, I don’t have a harem, thank you very much. ”

Valery sticks their tongue out at Luka as they finish their task. I watch on in horror as Val mercilessly removes the final bones. It’s like an autopsy gone wrong or something.

I shouldn’t be as surprised as I am. Valery’s always been an amazing cook, and they’re into experimenting and trying new things. Callum—Luka’s stepson—is absolutely the person who would ask for a stuffed turkey, in which you first need to get up close and personal with said bird.

Valery goes to the sink to wash their hands, and then returns to the counter with a bowl of what I’m guessing is the turkey stuffing. “Care to discuss what’s bothering you?”

They season the turkey carcass, and I take a moment to breathe and try to gather my thoughts.

If I thought I could get away with it, I’d brush off their question, but both Val and Luka know me better than that. There’s a reason I called Valery, so might as well get it over with.

“Arlo’s back.”

Valery stops spreading the stuffing into the turkey and looks up at the camera. “I’m sorry,” they say slowly. “I must be hearing things. You didn’t just say that Arlo fucking Wright is back, did you?”

Huffing a laugh, I relax a little in my seat. “Yeah, I did. I ran into him on the beach a little while ago. He… Fucking hell, Val, he said he’s moving here. For good. I…I don’t know if I can handle that.”

Valery’s dark eyes seem to penetrate my very soul, even through the phone screen.

“Why do you have to?” they ask. “Will you run into him again? Probably, but that doesn’t mean you have to talk to him every time you see him.

If his presence is going to hurt you, then don’t give him the power or opportunity to.

You are in control here, Jor. You don’t have to be his friend if it’s too painful, and anyone who thinks your peace of mind and mental health isn’t important can fuck off.

You’re too nice sometimes, but it’s okay to protect yourself. ”

Letting out a breath, I allow Valery’s words to soak deep in my soul.

Not being friends with Arlo goes against everything that I am, but there’s a reason we didn’t keep in touch.

He is…the singular biggest regret I have, and I won’t be able to handle him walking away again.

So, I take a deep breath and slowly let it out.

“You’re right. Hell, the only reason I went up to him today was because he needed a bit of help. I think we’re on the same page, though. He might have decided this is his forever home, but it’s mine as well, so we’ll figure it out.”

Valery continues with their task, sewing up the turkey they finished stuffing before putting it into a roasting pan.

“If you want to be his friend, because you have a soft heart and are too good of a person sometimes, then I’ll support that as well.

You two have some things to work out, which means you need to actually talk to him, but whatever you decide, make sure it’s the right choice for you , and not what you think others want from you. ”

I give him a watery smile. “This is why you’re my best friend.”

“I know.” Valery winks. “Feel better?”

“A little. Thank you.”

“Anytime.”

“I should let you go.”

“You sure? I don’t have anything else to do. I’m making Rory do all the side dishes, and this is going to take a while in the oven, so there’s time.”

“Yeah, I need to finish my errands and get home.”

“Okay. Well, you know where to find me. Love you.”

“Love you, too.”

Luka flips the camera and gives me a small smile. “Call us if you need to.”

“I will. Talk soon. Tell your harem I said hi.”

My cousin rolls his eyes. “Not a harem.”

“Sure, sure.”

He huffs, but is smiling when he hangs up.

I don’t know if I lied to them or not, but talking to the two of them did help at least ease my panic enough so I can drive.

As for helping with what I should do about Arlo not only being back in town, but planning to stay?

That’s something that is going to need more than a video call and the support of my family from three thousand miles away, no matter how well meaning they are.

There’s a reason I’m friends with every single person I’ve ever dated or slept with more than once—not that there have been a lot— except Arlo.

I fell head over heels for him three years ago, despite my best efforts not to, knowing he was leaving, and that’s not a wound I’m interested in reopening. Not when I barely survived him walking away the first time.