Page 20 of Heartstring

I’d been right and wrong. The same day we got the court date was the day he was diagnosed with a terminal illness. His liver was failing.

That was the day my life changed again.

Since then, I’ve never been late, I never forget what I need to do, and I don’t like letting people down.

Because people depend on me, so I’ve become dependable.

And now, for my sins, I have a dog who mostly refuses to acknowledge Seymour unless it’s to fight over dirty socks.

One more thing…someone who depends on me.

It wouldn’t be a problem. As much as I vehemently refuse to admit to Seymour, the dog is good company. He’s mostly quiet and likes to sit with me when I’m working.

That shiny dark fur tells the story of a dog well-loved, and his trusting big eyes are my weakness. Because apparently, I have a soft spot for people, or animals, that need to be rescued and loved.

I grab another basket of rolls from the kitchen. Cathy’s doing her signature chili and walking past the industrial stove and not tasting it is an exercise of self-restraint.

“I hear you got yourself a dog,” Dave says, grabbing a stack of plates. “My wife saw you walking in the park.”

“Yeah, you can say that.”

“Dogs are a big responsibility, but they’re the best company. The way they trust you to feed them and keep them safe.” He stares into the distance.

“You’re in the market for a dog?” I ask.

“Oh no, we can’t. Wife’s allergic. Why? You’re not trying to get rid of it already, are you?”

I sigh. “No, but the damned dog is too needy. I can’t even pee in peace in my own home. Know what I mean?”

He laughs. “That’s the same as having kids.” He pats my back. “Congrats, you’re a dad now.”

I groan. “Thanks.”

“Hey, maybe you could bring it with you next time,” Cathy says.

“I don’t know. It probably breaks all kinds of hygiene rules.”

“Nah. Loads of restaurants accept dogs. As long as he stays away from the kitchen, it’s fine. We can ask people if anyone’s allergic. I bet it would cheer some folks up having a dog around.”

The back door opens, and Milo and Ellis come in.

“Hey, boss. Sorry we’re late. Sara was a little fussy,” Milo says, rolling his sleeves and going straight to the sink where Emy has been piling the dirty pans.

Ellis turns five different shades of pink.

“Of course she was.” I pat Ellis’s arm and wink at him. He looks like he’d throw himself into a hole if one appeared in front of him right now. “Man, don’t be embarrassed for having a healthy sex life. It’s the perk of being in love.”

“Sara really was fussy. Milo wasn’t lying. But she also got his shirt all dirty, and then he had to change, and one thing led to another…Christ…I’m not sure I’ll live past fifty at this rate,” he says, but the way he’s looking at Milo tells me he’ll do everything to keep his life just the way it is.

A little pang of jealousy hits me.

“What’s the frown for?” he asks.

“What? Nothing…I just…never mind. I need to take these rolls out and ring the bell.”

Ellis calls me as my elbow is on the door to the main hall. He looks around and then comes over. “You know you can talk to me any time. We’re friends, right?”

“We’re friends. And I appreciate that, Ellis. I do. It’s just some things I’m not ready to talk about, okay?”